Chapter 5

DECONTAMINATION AND

INFECTION

CONTROL

Principles of Prevention

Proper care must be taken to meet rigorous health standards in order to prevent the spread of diseases.

Our clients depend upon us to ensure their safety

Principles of Prevention

Contamination– Pollution, soiled with infectious matter

Contaminate– To make impure by contact; to taint or pollute

Contaminant – Any substance that causes contamination

Decontamination levels

The act of removing pathogens and other substances from tools or surfaces– Sterilization– Disinfection– Sanitation

• Only sanitation & disinfection are required in the salon

Disinfection

Disinfection controls microorganisms on nonporous surfaces such as instruments or implements

Higher level of decontamination than sanitation Second only to sterilization Does not kill bacterial spores NOT for use on human skin, hair, nails

Definition

Sterilization Process of making objects germ free Highest level of decontamination Destroys every organism on surface whether

beneficial or harmful Kills bacterial spores

Most resistant form of life on earth

Sterilization

Steam autoclave – Now required by TDLR in schools and nail salons

– Most popular & preferred method due to proven history

– Works like a pressure cooker

– Steam injection• Temperature is raised above that of boiling water

– Will eventually kill all living organisms, including bacterial spores

Sterilization

Dry heat– Works like an oven

– Objects are baked until all forms of life are dead

IMPORTANT POINT: Don’t use the word “sterilize” incorrectly. You can only sterilize nonporous surfaces, such as metal implements-you cannot sterilize the skin or nails. Sterilization is impractical and unnecessary in salons.

Definition

SanitationMeasures taken to prevent the spread of

infection

Sanitation & sterilization is governed by: Texas Department of Licensing & RegulationsHealth Department

Antiseptics

May kill or retard the growth of bacteriaMild solution that is safe on skin

Boric acid- 2 to 5% to clean eyesIodine- 2% used for cuts & abrasions Hydrogen peroxide- 3-5% for cleaning cutsEthyl or grain alcohol-30%-60% solution-clean

handsFormalin- 5% solution-clean toolsSoap & water- used on hands and equipment before

applying any of the above

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency Disinfectants must be approved by the EPA in

your state– Label must contain EPA registration number

– Label lists organisms the product has been tested for

– Label gives directions for use

– Label lists safety precautions

– Label lists active ingredients

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Created as part of U.S. Department of Labor to

enforce safety and health standards in the workplace

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established the Hazard Communication Rule, which requires manufactures to assess hazards associated with their products

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets– Provide pertinent information

• Product content• Associated hazards• Combustion levels• Storage requirements

– OSHA standards are important to cosmetology because of nature of chemicals used; mixing, storing, and disposal of chemicals; general safety, and our rights to know what we are working with

Choosing a disinfectant

Disinfectants are chemicals– Read and follow directions

Correct– Means effectiveness to be used against bacteria,

fungi, and viruses

Hospital Level Disinfectant

Disinfectants

Destroys bacteria Strong solution can be harmful to skin

Ethyl or grain alcohol 70 to 95% to sterilize implements such as manicuring tools

Quaternary ammonium compounds Nontoxic, ordorless, fast-acting

Formalin 37%-40% for implements, 10% for combs and brushes

Household disinfectants Cresol (Lysol), Pine-sol, Clorox ( sodium hypochlorite )

Phenols ( phenolic disinfectants ) Caustic poison, avoid skin contact

Wet and dry sanitizers

Wet sanitizer– Covered receptacle large enough to

hold/immerse implements in a disinfectant solution, such as Bio-tech, or Barbicide

Dry sanitizer– also called a cabinet sanitizer, airtight cabinet

or drawer to store sanitized implements