Unit 9: Health, Safety and Hygiene

Sanitization Protocols

Proper sanitization and cleaning protocols protect against biological hazards (hazards from blood and bodily fluids which could cause infection).

Sanitizing is another way to say cleaning – removing all visible signs of dirt and debris. Disinfecting means removing potentially harmful pathogens from an item that has already been cleaned.

Here are some tips for proper sanitization:

  • Sanitize and disinfect multi-use, non-absorbent items (i.e. anything completely solid that does not retain liquids, like nail clippers).
  • Wash absorbent items such as towels in a washing machine with detergent.
  • Sanitize nail drying machines and foot spas after each use.
  • Dispose of single-use items.
  • Dispose of any contaminated items immediately in a separate container for hazardous waste.
  • Wash your hands before and after each appointment. Clients should also wash their hands before you begin the session.
  • Sanitize all work surfaces after each appointment.
  • Equipment such as air conditioning systems should be inspected monthly.

If you or a client bleeds, you must stop the treatment and rinse the affected area under running water. Pat it dry with a disposable towel then apply antiseptic and a band-aid. Put on gloves and dispose of single-use items in hazardous waste, then sanitize and disinfect the work area and multi-use items. Dispose of the gloves and continue the session.

Finally, your region may have requirements about what type of disinfectants you can use. Many US states require salons to use EPA-approved products, so check what rules apply in your country and region.

OSHA

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is important to understand the OSHA standards and how they apply to you as a nail technician.

There are three types of hazards you may encounter in a salon:

  • Chemical hazards – this relates to any chemicals present that can be harmful, whether that is by contact with the skin, inhaling vapors or dust from the products, or ingestion. Breathing in chemicals daily can affect your heath long-term.
  • Biological hazards – we covered these in the section on sanitization and cleaning.
  • Ergonomic hazards – also called musculoskeletal hazards, these hazards may cause injury over time due to repetitive movements or sitting in uncomfortable positions.

Chemical Hazards and Control Methods

Common products in a salon that can be hazardous include:

  • Acetone
  • Acetonitrile – for removing nail glue.
  • Methacrylic acid – found in nail primer.
  • Toluene – found in nail glue and polish.
  • Various chemicals found in polishes including formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl acetate, and many others.

This list is not exhaustive. It is important to follow safety measures to protect yours and other salon workers’ health. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Familiarize yourself with the safety information on all product labels and handle products accordingly.

2. Check the Material Data Safety Sheet (MDSS) for each product – manufacturers are required to supply these. They contain information on hazards, exposure, storage and more, with advice for keeping safe.

3. Buy products with safer ingredients – remember, we recommended earlier in the course to find products that do not contain toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP. These are not the only chemicals to avoid. Some products are “acid free”, meaning they do not contain methacrylic acid.

4. Ensure all working areas are well-ventilated.

5. Wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) – this includes dust masks, gloves, goggles and other items, depending on the task at-hand.

6. Dispose of all materials ( i.e. cotton balls) that have been in contact with chemicals as soon as you have finished with them.

Ergonomic Hazards and Control Methods

Here are a few steps for reducing ergonomic hazards in salons, as recommended by OSHA:

  • Use padding on the edge of the work surface to give forearms a more comfortable surface to rest on while working.
  • Raise the client’s hands or feet using a cushion to prevent you bending over too much.
  • Good lighting also helps your posture – you won’t need to lean forward for a closer look if the area is well-lit.
  • Safety goggles with magnifying lenses reduce the need to lean forward.
  • Take regular breaks and do stretching exercises between appointments.
  • Work at a steady pace – when we rush, this creates muscle tension.
  • Sit with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor – use a foot rest if the chair is too high.
  • Sit with adequate space between the backs of your knees and the front of the chair to promote healthy blood flow to the legs.

COSHH

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. We covered some relevant safety measures for chemical hazards in the section on OSHA – below are a few more tips for complying with COSHH regulations:

  • Store products securely in a place where spillages can be contained.
  • Do not keep excessive amounts of products in stock – only as much as you need.
  • Put lids and caps back on containers straight away.
  • Clear up any spills immediately.
  • When disposing of cotton wool or other items that have been in contact with chemicals, ensure the trash can is lidded and lined.

These are just a few tips. We recommend reviewing OSHA and COSHH regulations in-depth to keep yourself and workers safe.

Licenses

Depending on where you live, you may require a license to practice as a nail technician. For example, more than half of the US states require a license but the requirements to get that license vary. In some cases, you need to pass an exam – other times, you just need to complete training.

Check the requirements in your country and make sure you follow them to avoid legal problems.