September 12, 2017
Hygiene is the science that deals with the prevention of disease and the preservation and improvement of health. It includes personal hygiene and public hygiene. Each is essential and has a direct bearing on your own welfare as well as your client’s.
To protect yourself, your clients and public health, you should know when, why and how to use sterilization and sanitation. A clean, safe, sterile salon and station will set you apart from much of the competition.
METHODS OF STERILIZATION
There are five methods of sterilization that you should be familiar with:
- Moist Heat
- Boiling in water at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Centigrade.
- Steaming in an airtight chamber.
- Dry Heat
- Baking in an oven
- Ultra Violet Rays
- Vapors (fumigation)
- Antiseptics and Disinfectants: Effective Chemical Agents
- An antiseptic is a sanitizing agent that can be applied to the skin and nails
- A basic level of decontamination for sanitation- reduces the number of harmful organisms to a safe level of. Sanitation simply means cleaning first by physically removing all visible debris, and then washing with liquid soap, detergents or antiseptics. An antiseptic is a sanitizing agent that can be applied to the skin and nails.
- Disinfection- killing of microorganisms capable of causing infection on non-living surfaces. Disinfectants should not be used on the skin, nails or any part of the body. All disinfectants must be mixed, used and disposed of according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember, before items can be properly disinfected, they must first be cleaned.
- The laws regarding disinfectants vary from state to state; due to these restrictions we can only make suggestions. Please consult your local governing body regarding your national standards for disinfection.
- If nothing else is available, clean tools with JESSICA Hand & Body Bath with warm water, followed by bleach as a disinfectant.
- What about porous files, orangewood sticks, etc.?
- Because they can’t be disinfected with the same chemicals as hard surfaced instruments. Many governments require disposal after one use. Others allow reuse on the same person only- BUT saving tools for the same person does not eliminate the need to clean and disinfect!
- NOTE: Remember to recommend the correct treatment schedule for your client.
RULES OF SANITATION
- Keep all containers labeled and covered.
- Wash your own hands thoroughly before and after each treatment or spray your hands with antibacterial disinfectant.
- Use clean and sterile towels for each client.
- Implements and tools must be sterilized the following way:
- Wash implements in hot soapy water.
- Rinse, then immerse them in sterilizing solution (alcohol).
- Spray implements with antibacterial disinfectant prior to use on a client.
- Keep all instruments in alcohol during treatment.
- Keep all products in good, clean condition.
- Apply antiseptic immediately if the skin is cut.
- Avoid pushing the cuticle back too far.
- Do not apply too much pressure at the base of the nail.
- Wear clean uniforms at all times.
