during treatments, it should only be moistened just prior to the treatment and disposed of after use. If these items are left, bacteria could be encouraged to breed and multiply. The result for clients could be infection and even scarring,” advises Angela.
In contrast, viruses are tiny particles that only reproduce within living cells and they can mutate to form new strains. Viruses are a concern to therapists, in particular those that can cause cross infection via blood. They are also not treatable by antibiotics. Common viruses include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and Herpes.
“Therapists involved in treatments where they come into contact with blood, such as electrolysis, need to be particularly aware of hygiene procedures, as viruses such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are transferable by infected blood. Hepatitis B can survive for long periods of time on work surfaces as it is very robust,” says Angela.
“That said, good hygiene practices could greatly reduce the risk of infection. Both viruses can be killed by autoclaving and a vaccine is available for Hepatitis B.”
Clean tools
One of the many ways to keep bacteria and viruses at bay is by sterilisation of all tools and equipment used and by using disposable tools. The greatest risk of cross contamination often occurs when the skin is cut or pierced with tools, so it’s vital that these are sterile.
“Simple procedures such as sterilising implements before and after each treatment and, very importantly, if an implement is dropped on the floor during a treatment should be rigorously enforced,” says Angela.
“If you don’t sterilise your tools and equipment you run the risk of cross contamination,” says Audrey. “There are a number of different ways to sterilise nowadays ranging from your plug-in electric steriliser to your basic barbicide and marvicide jar on your table. In my opinion no salon should be without a sterilising unit of some sort. This shows the client that you take care of your salon and tools.”
Issues can arise here when members of staff don’t fully understand the difference between disinfection, sterilisation and
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hygiene and Sterilisation Personal hygiene
sanitisation - they all sound quite similar, but they definitely aren’t the same. Get it wrong and you could be responsible for cross-infecting without even realising it. Make sure you take a look at the box on this page to find out what makes them so different!
In short, tools need to be sterilised appropriately in order to prevent the spread of infection and disease. One of the most reliable methods of sterilising equipment is moist heat using steam under pressure, i.e. an autoclave.
However, in order for the autoclave to be effective it is essential that the instruments are thoroughly cleaned to remove any visible contamination before they are autoclaved. Any debris left on the tools can slow down the sterilisation process, so make sure that they are completely clean first. To ensure that an autoclave is working correctly, coloured paper strips or tapes can be used which change colour in the autoclave when sterilisation conditions have been achieved.
If you have sunbeds in your salon, don’t forget that these also need to be clean to stop the spread of infection. “Sun beds or tanning beds need to be cleaned often, especially if used frequently. Skin cells, hair, tanning lotion, body secretions and sweat coat the inside of the bed. Cleaning the bed keeps it sanitary, which is vital if multiple people are using the bed,” says Tina Newman of Revive Beauty.
Salon design
A well-designed salon can also help to keep your environment clean and hygienic. Floors should be capable of being cleaned, surfaces should have a hard, impervious surface and chairs should also be cleanable. And it’s not just the tools to carry out the treatments that pose a risk, toilet facilities should be suitable for use by anyone in the salon and should be kept clean.
“It is imperative that the salon is kept clean and sanitised so as to reduce any chance of infection. All surfaces need to be considered including worktops, floors and even walls, with adequate washing and sterilisation facilities easily accessible to therapists. Ideally areas where food and drink are consumed and money is handled should be separate from the treatment areas,” says Angela.
“Personal hygiene for all therapists is also extremely important,” says Angela. “Tying long hair back, short nails, minimal jewellery, clean uniforms and hands are essential. Nitrile, PVC or latex gloves should be used in intimate treatments where contact with mucous membranes or blood is possible, e.g. waxing. Gloves should be replaced after each treatment.
“Therapists’ hands may also be a concern and should be sanitised before and after every treatment. Viruses such as Herpes Simplex, which is most commonly associated with cold sores but, may also cause sores on the hands and genitals, are passed from person to person via the mucous membranes.”
Hands come into contact with so many different things throughout the day, which means they pose a large risk. Hands must be washed regularly throughout the day, especially in between clients.
What’s the difference?
Cleaning is a process that physically removes contamination, including micro- organisms. If soiling is present, cleaning is an essential step before effective disinfection or sterilisation can be performed. Cleaning does not necessarily destroy all micro-organisms, even if a surface looks cleaner. It is best done using detergent and warm water.
Disinfection aims to reduce the number of micro-organisms present to a level that is unlikely to cause infection. It may destroy or inactivate many or all pathogenic micro- organism, but not spores. The extent to which disinfection is successful is very much dependent on the number of micro- organism initially present and any organic soiling that may confer protection to them. Physical cleaning is therefore an important prerequisite to effective disinfection.
Sterilisation is a contrast to disinfection and destructs all micro-organisms, including spores. Steam sterilisation is the preferred method of sterilising equipment as it is quick, automated, easy to use, reliable, non -toxic and always effected when used correctly.
Sanitisation is a term frequently used in salon hygiene. It is generally understood to mean ‘cleaning’ and often where disinfection or sterilisation is required sanitastion is what is carried out because of a lack of understanding between the different levels.
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