Hygiene of the treatment area

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.

 

Methods of sterilisation:

 

Autoclave:

An autoclave boils water under pressure  and is suitable for small metal instruments.  The autoclave is a proven method of sterilisation and is used in health and beauty salons,  The machine itself looks like a pressure cooker, it is easy to use and cheap to run.  The higher the pressure the hotter the water has to be boiled. For sterlisation to be complete this procedure would take 15 minutes.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation:

This is one of the most convenient and commonly used methods of sanitization use in beauty salons today.  The UV cabinet only has disinfectant properties and is efficient in storing previously sterile equipment.

Small instruments such as brushes, ventouses, and electrodes etc. are sanitised by short wave Ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is damaging to the eyes so most modern units have a safety switch built in, which will switch the lamp off when the door is open.  This method of sanitization is only effective on surfaces the ray touches, so therefore, the tools must be turned during sanitisation.  This method takes 20 minutes.

Glass bead sterilisers :

These are small and have a cylindrical section where the glass beads are held. They reach a temperature of 190-300 oC.

This temperature has to remain constant for 30 – 60 minutes. They are only suitable for small items such as tweezers, etc.  if instruments are added during the process the temperature will drop and timing will need to be begin.

Disinfectant/alcohol:

Disinfectants currently available are either, prepared and ready for use or need to be diluted.  For disinfectants which have to be diluted, always follow the manufactures instructions.  Disinfectants work to reduce bacteria and fungi but may not kill spores.

The quickest method of sanitisation is either by immersion in, or wiping with alcohol, the exposed surface of the implement before placing it in a dry steriliser.  Alcohol impregnated wipes are easy to use, available commercially and are ideal for use in the salon.

Containers used for disinfecting with alcohol, should be washed on a regular basis, with hot soapy water.  The alcohol should be discarded after one use, as it will be unsterile.

After use, the surfaces of all electrical equipment should be wiped over with an alcohol, such as, isopropyl alcohol.

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