hygiene&sterilisation
salon design 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.
A well-designed salon can also help to keep the salon looking clean and hygienic as well as actually being 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," saysAngela.
If you carry out nail treatments, make sure that you take care of your workstation. "This must be disinfected between every client," says Tara Oldham of LenaWhite Ltd. "It is really easy when we're busy and have clients waiting to skip this part, but a client will feel reassured to see you take five minutes to clean your table, sanitise your tools and set up a clean station for their treatment.
"Try and keep your workstation as clutter free as possible to prevent the build up of dust."
Over exposure to nail products can also cause skin issues for the therapist and therapists could also end up breathing in vapours. To prevent this from happening, Tara recommends that you keep lids on all products to prevent them from evaporating into vapours. It's also important to keep the products away from your own skin. "If you need to wipe any products from a client, use a wipe or a cuticle stick, not your own fingers and nails," she says.
If you carry out treatments that pierce the skin, such as Electrolysis, hygiene and sterilisation falls under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and cosmetic piercing and skin colour business are further classified under the Local GovernmentAct 2003, advises Elaine Stoddart of Director of Education at Sterex Electrolysis.
"The modernAdvanced Cosmetic Procedures performed using Electrolysis includes treatment for several highly contagious conditions such as warts and veruccas," says Elaine. "Cross contamination is a real concern that should be considered and addressed."
Believe it or not, the towels in your salon and toilet facilities could also be harbouring a whole host of bacteria. According to Jenna Crotty, an independent environmental consultant, salon towels are a hotbed of bacteria growth. "Microorganisms come into contact with towels everyday, transferred from skin and hair. Bacteria get particularly excited about damp
towels.As soon as they take up residence they are more than happy to live and multiply on a towel for weeks."
Tara advises that individual, small clean towels are kept in the toilet and wash basin areas so that clients can have their own
clean towel to dry their hands on. Disposable towels are also now available from companies such as Easydry, which can be thrown away after just one use.
personal hygiene
"Personal hygiene for all therapists is also extremely important," saysAngela. "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.
As a therapist, it's your job to keep on top of hygiene within the salon. "In addition to personal hygiene, every beauty therapist has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that their working environment and procedures are hygienic," says Janice.
"Working safely and hygienically is essential in order to maintain a happy, healthy salon," adds Tara.Your staff and your clients will benefit and your high standards will be rewarded with both client and staff loyalty."
For further guidance, a comprehensive guide can be found from your local environmental health department or HABIA have produced a Hygiene in Beauty Therapy booklet.
Formore information:
AllAboutMi Beauty 07881 533 530 Therapy andTraining
122 CarltonGroup (The) 01903 761 100 Easydry
250 House of Famuir
0845 300 7764 01480 404 200
216 IzabelleHammon Ltd 0845 230 1087 79 LenaWhite Ltd 239 Sterex
01923 240 010 0121 708 2404
AlwaysmentionGuild News when calling.
108 GUILD NEWS
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