Previous Lesson

Hygiene, Health & Safety

Hygiene, Health & Safety

Basic First Aid

Do NOT use first aid on any clients or staff if you are not trained. If a client becomes anxious and or panics, keep calm and reassure the client that this is normal.  Get the client a glass of water and talk to them in a calm manor.

Life support and First Aid

There are four situations which may be most common in adults undergoing treatments in a beauty clinic.  Basic Adult Life Support, Adult Chocking, Adult Anaphylaxis’s, Vaso -vagal reactions.

Vaso- vagal reaction/ attach (fainting)

Fortunately a cosmetic practitioner will encounter most is non-life threatening and is most known as:

Fainting

Panic attack

Breath holding episodes

Idiopathic (non-allergic) urticaria or angio edema.

These will respond to simple measures, such as laying the client down, putting their feet up, offering a sweet drink or dextrose tablet and lots of reassurance that they are and will be ok.

What is a Vaso-vagal reaction?

When the heart rate slows the blood pressure drops and the result is lack of blood to the brain.  This causes fainting  and confusion.

There can be uncertainty in diagnosing an anaphylactic reaction or a panic attack /vaso-vagal reaction, but the absence of a rash, breathing difficulties and swelling are useful distinguishing features, as is a slow pulse of vaso- vagal attack, compared to a rapid pulse of anaphylaxis’s.

A vaso-vagal episode is managed by lying a client down and raising their legs, thus restoring blood flow to the brain during an episode.

The main dangers of vaso-vagal syncope (or dizzy spells from vertigo) is the risk of danger from falling whilst unconscious.  However, the cosmetic practitioners main focus should be to be vigilant and recognise the factors that contribute to an episode, be aware of the early signs of a vaso-vagal reaction and to intervein before a full blown attack occurs.

If a client actually falls/faints it is best practice to place them in the recovery position and call for help from a qualified first aider.

Step-By-Step Recovery Position

Needle Stick Injury

Needlestick injuries can occur when administering treatments and practitioners need to protect themselves from injury.

Protect yourselves by:

  • Ensuring that you are up to date with hepatitis B vaccinations (your allocated prescriber can support you with this).
  • Wear double gloves
  • Be mindful when you work
  • You have a choice of who you do or do not treat

You will receive a series of tests and will be prescribed with anti-viral drugs which your doctor will give you guidance about.

Tetanus and Hepatitis B vaccinations should be acquired for those entering permanent cosmetic and advanced aesthetical beauty.

In the case of a needle stick injury you must react immediately as follows:

Inform your client of the incident

Remove your protective gloves

Squeeze the injury hard so the area bleeds

Run the injured area under cold running water

Apply a disinfectant such as neat Dettol

Cover with a plaster

Re glove your hands

Change the needle cartridge to a new one

If you are significantly concerned a phlebotomist can ask for a sample of the clients blood.

Ensure that all their disclosed medical information was correct

Go to A&E with your client documents (and sample if collected)

Report as an accident at work.

 

 

 

Adult Anaphylaxis:

 

Adult Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy, It’s also known as anaphylactic shock.

 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis usually develops suddenly and gets worse very quickly.  The symptoms include:

  • feeling lightheaded or faint
  • breathing difficulties– such as fast, shallow breathing
  • wheezing
  • a fast heartbeat
  • clammy skin
  • confusion and anxiety
  • collapsing or losing consciousness

There may also be other allergy symptoms, including an itchy, raised rash, (hives), feeling or being sick, swelling (angioedema), or stomach pain.

What to do if someone has anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It can be very serious if not treated quickly.

If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should:

  1. use an adrenaline (EpiPen) auto-injector if the person has one – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first
  2. call 999 for an ambulance immediately (even if they start to feel better)– mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis
  3. remove any trigger if possible – for example, carefully remove any wasp or bee sting stuck in the skin or injectable
  4. lie the person down flat – unless they’re unconscious, pregnant or having breathing difficulties
  5. give another injection after 5-15 minutes if the symptoms don’t improve and a second auto-injector is available

If you’re having an anaphylactic reaction, you can follow these steps yourself if you feel able to. 

Triggers of anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis is the result of the immune system – the body’s natural defense system – overreacting to a trigger.  This is often something you’re allergic to, but isn’t always.  Common anaphylaxis triggers include:

  • Foods – including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits
  • Medicines – including some antibiotics and non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin
  • Insect stings – particularly wasp and bee stings
  • General anaesthetic
  • Contrast agents – special dyes used in some medical tests to help certain areas of your body show up better on scans
  • Latex – a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms

In some cases, there’s no obvious trigger. This is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis

Preventing anaphylaxis:

If you have a serious allergy or have experienced anaphylaxis before, it’s important to try to prevent future episodes. The following can help reduce your risk:

  • identify any triggers– you may be referred to an allergy clinic for allergy tests to check for anything that could trigger anaphylaxis
  • avoid triggers whenever possible– for example, you should be careful when food shopping or eating out if you have a food allergy
  •     carry your adrenaline auto-injector at all times (if you have two, carry them both)– give yourself an injection whenever you think you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, even if you’re not completely sure

When you call for an ambulance, telephone systems now exist that can give basic life-saving instructions, including advice about CPR. These are now common and are easily accessible with mobile phones.

CPR with rescue breaths:

If you have been trained in CPR, including rescue breaths, and feel confident using your skills, you should give chest compressions with rescue breaths. If you’re not completely confident, attempt hands-only CPR instead.

Safety in the workplace

When working in a service industry you are legally obliged to provide a safe and hygienic environment. This applies to all workplaces whether you work for a beauty salon or as a mobile therapist.

Legal Responsibilities

If you cause harm to your client, or put them at risk you will be held responsible and be held liable for prosecution.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASWA) 1974, employees have a responsibility to take care of themselves and other people affected by their work (i.e. clients) and to co-operate with their employers who should provide systems of work that are safe.

Clients Rights

When providing client services you need to be aware of legislation designed to protect clients and their rights.

Equal opportunities

The Race Relations Act 1976 makes it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of colour, race, and nationality, ethnic or national origin.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995

Under the DDA Act 1996 as a provider of goods, facilities and services your workplace has the duty to ensure that clients are not discriminated against on the grounds of disability. Therefore because of the DDA Act it is unlawful without justification to

  • Provide a service to a lesser standard
  • Provide a service on worse terms
  • Fail to make reasonable adjustments to the way the services are provided
  • Service can be denied to a disabled person if the denial is justified and if any other client would be treated in the same way. Your employer has a responsibility under the DDA Act to ensure that you receive adequate training to prevent discrimination practice and responsible or your own actions they must also make reasonable adjustments to the premises to facilitate access for disabled persons.

 

Treatment of minors

Dependent on treatment and insurance requirements anyone under the age of 16 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must sign a consent form.

Health and Hygiene

Cross Infection occurs through the spread of disease from one person to another through poor hygiene practices. Secondary Infection can occur as a result to injury to the client during treatment or if the client already has a cut, if bacteria is penetrate the skin and cause infection. Sterilisation and sanitisation procedures are used in order to minimise or destroy harmful micro-organisms which could cause infection.

Hygiene of the treatment area

Hygiene is very important, not only to prevent cross infection but also to give a professional image to the client.  Below is a list of what is required as a therapist:

  • Always wash hands before and after each client.
  • Sterilise all tools and equipment.
  • Change towels in the washroom/kitchen area regularly.
  • Use and provide liquid soap (anti-bacterial).
  • Have a separate sink available for clients.
  • Toilet tissue and paper towels must be provided at all times.
  • Avoid touching your face whilst working.

 When cleaning desk tops ensure all containers are wiped too.

  • Do not place tools or implements in your pockets, behind your ears or in your mouth.
  • Use spatulas to remove products from pots.
  • Make sure all bottles and pots are labeled correctly.
  • Sanitise treatment area with cleaning products such as Dettol.
  • Any cuts or abrasions on the hands should be covered.

Method Description

Sanitisation Will reduce the number of bacteria on the surface. This is the lowest form of decontamination and should be carried out before disinfection and sterilization. Sanitisation sprays are normally available from your product manufacturer for use on files, buffers and work stations.

Disinfecting The second stage of decontamination and greatly reduces the pathogenic bacteria on a non-living surface. This method is not suitable for hair, skin or nails. Disinfection is used on walls, floors, work stations, chairs, treatment bowls.

Sterilising Is the total destruction of all living micro-organisms on an object. Items that can be sterilised include metal implements such as a cuticle knife, nippers, tweezers and plastic tools.

Effective methods of sterilisation include a glass bead steriliser, an autoclave and chemical solutions.  The best method is Autoclave.

Accidents

Any accidents that occur in the workplace must be recorded on a report form and entered into an accident book to see where improvements to working practices can be made. The report form requires more details than the accident book – you must note down

  • The date and time of accident
  • The date entry into the accident book
  • The name of the person or people involved
  • The injury sustained
  • The action taken
  • The signature of the person taking the entry

Disposal of waste

All waste should be disposed of in an enclosed pedal operated waste bin fitted with a polystyrene bin liner durable enough to resist tearing. The bin should be regularly disinfected in a well-ventilated area. Hazardous waste must be disposed of following the COSHH procedures and training by the employer.

Clinical Waste

Clinic waste is derived from human tissues this can include blood and tissue fluids. This should be disposed of as recommended by the environmental agency. In accordance to the Waste controlled regulations (1992).