Download SHBBINF001 Maintain infection control LM

SHB50115 Diploma of Beauty Therapy
WRB20104
WRBCS201B – PROVIDE MANICURE AND PEDICURE SERVICES
SHBBINF001 Maintain infection control standards
LEARNING MATERIAL
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006 210 920
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Advise on beauty products and services
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1
UNIT SCOPE
Element 1. Comply with infection control regulations and guidelines and related legal obligations.
1.1. Identify federal, state or territory, and local standards, regulations and guidelines that apply to beauty treatments and skin penetration procedures.
1.2 Review organisation infection control policy and procedures for compliance.
1.3 Identify infection control risks for skin penetration treatments.
1.4 Monitor workplace for potential infection control risks.
2. Monitor hygiene of premises.
2.1 Observe workplace to ensure surfaces and equipment are cleaned and disinfected.
2.2 Clean and disinfect nonpenetrating instruments and articles.
2.3 Monitor removal and disposal of contaminated material.
2.4 Monitor handling and disposal of sharps and the cleaning of blood or body fluid spills.
2.5 Check dilution rates, use and storage of cleaning products.
2.6 Monitor storage of cleaning and treatment equipment.
2.7 Provide clean linen or single use, disposable coverings for each treatment.
2.8 Place soiled linen and protective clothing in a suitable receptacle.
2.9 Clean and disinfect work area after treatment.
3. Maintain infection control for skin penetration treatments
3.1 Maintain personal protection using standard and additional precautions for client contact as required.
3.2 Provide single use, disposable and clean instruments where possible for each treatment.
3.3 Ensure instruments, equipment or other items intended to penetrate the skin or be used on mucous membranes are sterile at time of use.
3.4 Follow skin preparation procedures to minimise risk of transmission.
3.5 Immediately dispose of single use items and waste in appropriate containers.
3.6 Separate, remove, clean and sterilise potentially contaminated items according to organisation infection control policy and procedure.
4. Sterilise equipment and maintain steriliser
4.1 Ensure work flows from dirty zone to clean zone.
4.2 Clean and dry items to be sterilised.
4.3 Load steriliser and set steriliser cycle according to manufacturer instructions and Australian standard.
4.4 Unload packages, inspect for sterilising, validate and record details according to manufacturer instructions and Australian standards.
4.5 Store sterile items correctly to prevent contamination.
4.6 Monitor the sterilising process.
4.7 Inspect and clean steriliser and steriliser trays according to manufacturer guidelines and Australian standard.
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UNIT SCOPE CONTINUED
5. Maintain awareness of clinic design for control of infection risks
5.1 Identify aspects of the design of premises, surfaces, fixtures and fittings that minimise risk of transmission of infection.
5.2 Arrange cleaning area to ensure the separation of dirty and clean items and work flow is from dirty to clean to sterile.
5.3 Clean cleaning and sterilising area according to organisation policy and procedures.
Foundation skills – 6 to 10
6. Student demonstrated foundation skills when they used reading skills to locate and interpret health standards, regulations and guidelines, interpret
manufacturer instructions for cleaning product choice, dilution and storage.
7. Student demonstrated foundation skills when they used writing skills to document steriliser use, provide a written review of clinic infection control
performance.
8. Student demonstrated foundation skills when they used numeracy skills to calculate steriliser loads, timing and calibration, calculate concentrations of
solutions.
9. Student demonstrated foundation skills when they used planning and organising skills to coordinate cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising tasks.
10. Student demonstrated foundation skills when they used teamwork skills to work collaboratively with colleagues to control infection risk.
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Infection control in a salon
Infections are a common occurrence in life and sepsis arising from invasive procedures is a significant problem for all
who work in the beauty industry. Aetiology is the term for a cause of a disease or the study of causes of disease.
Health care associated infections, known as HAIs, can affect patients in hospitals, clients in general practice clinics,
dental clinics, long-term care facilities and beauty salons. A health care associated infection is a preventable occurrence.
It is possible to significantly reduce the rate of HAIs through effective infection prevention and control. Throughout this
unit you will be learning the procedures for maintaining infection standards in a salon.
Understanding the modes of transmission of infectious organisms and knowing how and when to apply the principles of
infection prevention and control is critical to the success of an infection control program. This responsibility applies to
everybody working in a salon.
Most infectious agents are microorganisms. These exist naturally everywhere in the environment. Microorganisms such
as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and prions (proteins that cause deadly brain diseases) can be involved in either
colonisation or infection.
•With colonisation, there is a sustained presence of replicating infectious agents on or in the body, without the
production of an immune response or disease.
•With infection, invasion of infectious agents into the body results in an immune response, with or without symptomatic
disease.
Transmission of infectious agents requires the following elements;
•A source or reservoir of infectious agents.
•A mode of transmission.
•A susceptible host.
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Factors influencing infections
In a salon the most common susceptible hosts are clients and beauty practitioners. The main modes of transmission of
infectious agents is contact through blood, droplets and airborne bacteria. The modes of transmission vary by type of
organism. In some cases the same organism may be transmitted by more than one route. Transmission of infection can
also occur from common sources such as contaminated food, water, medications and equipment.
Infection through contact.
Some infections can be spread directly by skin-to-skin contact
or indirectly by contact with contaminated surfaces like
clothing and equipment. Contact is the most common mode
of transmission and usually involves transmission by touch or
via contact with blood or body substances. Contact infection
may be direct or indirect.
•Direct transmission occurs when infectious agents are
transferred from one person to another. This could be a
client’s blood entering a beauty practitioner’s body through
an unprotected cut in the skin.
•Indirect transmission involves the transfer of an infectious
agent through a contaminated intermediate object or person.
This could be a beauty practitioner’s hands transmitting
infectious agents after touching an infected body site on one
client and not performing hand hygiene before touching
another client.
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Droplet transmission
Droplet transmission can occur when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Droplets larger than 5 microns in size
are infectious. Diseases with respiratory tract symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sore throat are spread by droplets
containing viruses or bacteria or by surfaces contaminated with nose and throat discharges. These large droplets travel
less than one metre before falling to the ground and do not remain suspended in the air. Before falling to the ground,
droplets may be deposited on the mucous membranes of the eye, nose or mouth of another person which pass on the
disease. Droplets can also be transmitted indirectly through the hands.
Airborne transmission.
Airborne transmission may occur through infectious particles arising from sneezing, talking, coughing and breathing
that remain infective over time and distance and in conditions of low humidity. Aerosols containing infectious agents
can be dispersed over long distances by air currents including ventilation or air conditioning and then inhaled by
susceptible individuals who have not had any contact with the infectious person. These small particles can transmit
infection into small airways of the respiratory tract.
Standard precautions must apply to all clients receiving treatments in a beauty salon.
They include contact with;
•Blood being fresh and dried.
•Body substances, secretions and excretions (excluding sweat), regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood.
•Open cuts and sores.
•Mucous membranes including eyes.
Spills.
If you become aware of a problem with a spilt substance you must report the problem to the manager either by face
to face communication or electronically. Read the relevant SDS (safety data sheet) for information on the spilt
substance. All minor spills must be cleaned up promptly and thoroughly using personal protective equipment and
appropriate control measures. There should be two people present when cleaning up a spill.
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Standard precautions
Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of micro-organisms from both recognised and
unrecognised sources of infection. They involve the use of safe work practices and protective barriers. Infection control
in the workplace aims to prevent pathogens being passed from one person to another.
They include;
•Hand hygiene, before and after every contact with a client.
•Use of personal protective equipment including gloves, masks, gowns and aprons.
•Safe use and disposal of sharps.
•Routine environmental cleaning.
•Sterilisation of reusable equipment.
•Observing respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
•Correct waste management.
•Appropriate handling of linen.
Microbial flora of the skin.
This is divided into two categories.
•Resident microorganisms include Staphylococcus species and diptheroids. These microorganisms lie in the deep layers
of the skin and may not be removed by hand washing with plain soap and detergent, however they are usually
destroyed or inhibited by hand hygiene with products that contain antimicrobial ingredients.
•Transient microorganisms include microorganisms that come into contact with skin through interactions with people,
equipment or with the environment. These microorganisms are not consistently present in the majority of persons and
survive only a limited period of time. These flora are easily removed by routine hand washing.
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Requirements for premises - registration, construction and materials
All beauty treatment operators who carry out skin penetration procedures, including waxing, must be registered with
the local council. The construction of the premises should meet with local council requirements.
The finish on all surfaces within the premises should be made of materials that are easily cleaned. The floor should be
non-slip. Adequate lighting and good ventilation should be provided.
Premises must be properly equipped.
• A hand wash basin that has a supply of clean, warm, potable water. (The hand wash basin should be located in the
treatment area).
• A separate sink that has a supply of clean, warm water for cleaning equipment. (A cleaning area should be
provided and the dirty area(s) should be separated from the clean area).
• Liquid soap (or an alcohol based hand cleaner).
• Single-use towels or an automatic hand dryer.
• Disposable gloves, clean linen and gowns or aprons that are appropriate for the skin procedures carried out at the
premises.
• A waste disposal bin.
A industry code of practice is a set of written rules which explains how people working in a particular profession
should behave.
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Australian standards for detergents
The Australian standards National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). recommends the use of mild alkaline
detergents (pH 8.0-10.8) for cleaning. Alkaline detergents are recommended because they clean better than neutral or
acidic detergents.
Surfaces: Alkaline detergents help keep soil particles suspended in the cleaning solution, this prevents “clumping” and
re-deposition of soil onto the cleaned surface.
•Fatty Acids: Alkaline detergents convert insoluble fatty acids into their more soluble salts making them easier to wash
away.
•Proteins: Alkaline detergents help to increase the solubility of proteins.
•Hard Water: Alkaline detergents help remove calcium and magnesium (to soften the water) which improves the
performance of surfactants in the detergent.
•Metal: Alkaline detergents help prevent corrosion of metal. Some alkaline ingredients have anti-corrosion properties.
Corrosion of steel is at a minimum in mild alkaline solutions (pH 8.5-10) compared to neutral or mild acid solutions
where corrosion can be more significant.
The Australian register of therapeutic goods.
Only disinfectants and sterilants specified in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) may be used by
workers in the health care and beauty industry. They must only be used for the approved purpose. Although suppliers of
disinfectants or sterilants are not required to document a product’s listing on the ARTG on the product label, the TGA
issue a’ listing certificate’ or ‘registration certificate’ to product suppliers.
These certificates are valid unless they are;
•cancelled by the sponsor advising the TGA that they are no longer able to supply the listed disinfectants or sterilants.
•cancelled by the secretary of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Safety Data Sheets must be kept in areas where disinfectants and sterilants are stored. A beauty salon needs to check
with their local Occupational Health and Safety department for relevant requirements.
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Preventing spread of disease
Sterilisation
Destroying all pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms from the surface of objects


Methods


Sanitation

Methods

Heat-moist heat. Boiling objects for 10-30 minutes at 121 degrees
Steaming-autoclave. Steam objects under high pressure. This is the best method of
sterilisation
Dry heat-baking objects. 60 minutes at 160 degrees
Irradiation-ultra-violet light or gamma radiation
Destroying most micro-organisms and inhibiting their growth
Disinfectants – inhibit pathogens, not all micro-organisms and not all spores
Stronger than antiseptics
Not for use on the body
Antiseptics – substances which inhibit growth of microorganisms
Can be used on the face
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Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most important procedures for preventing the transmission of infections. The purpose of
hand washing is to remove microbial contamination acquired by recent contact with infected clients or objects to
remove contamination with organic matter from the hands.
A beauty practitioner should always wash their hands;
• Before and after contact with clients.
• After completing invasive procedures.
• After situations where hands have come in contact with body fluids and body excretions.
• After using the toilet.
• After sneezing or coughing into hands.
• After handling contaminate material and waste matter.
• After removing gloves.
• Before and after eating.
• Before leaving work.
A hand wash basin should be close to the treatment area with at least one dedicated hand wash basin per four
treatment rooms. This basin must only be used for hand washing. Plain soap or antiseptic soap must be provided. There
should be an ample supply of hand drying material.
Common reasons why people do not wash their hands.
• Hand washing soaps and detergents cause skin irritation or dryness.
• Inconvenient or do not have washing basin close by.
• Lack of soap or paper towels.
• Too busy.
• Perception of low risk of acquiring infection.
• Belief that using gloves reduces the need for hand hygiene.
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Hand washing considerations
Jewellery.
Rings should either be removed or moved to ensure washing underneath them. Rings can make donning gloves more
difficult and may cause gloves to tear more readily.
Condition of fingernails.
Numerous studies have documented that there are high concentrations of microorganisms under fingernails. Nails
should be kept short, rounded and unvarnished. The routine use of nail brushes should be avoided. Hands, including
the nails, should be inflammation free. Do not wear artificial nails or extenders when treating clients and keep natural
nails less than ¼ inch long.
Drying hands. A variety of methods are used for drying hands.
•Paper towels are the best method to dry hands.
•Cloth towels could be used if appropriately recycled.
•Warm air dryers shorten the time for hands to dry, however, they can only be used by one person at a time and are
noisy. There is evidence that they may hold infection bacteria.
•Hand-drying materials should be placed near the sink in an area that will not become contaminated by splashing.
Soap. Plain (non-antimicrobial) soap comes in several forms.
•If bar soap is used, small bars that can be changed frequently are preferred.
•Soap should have drainage and should be kept on racks.
•Liquid soap containers should be cleaned when empty and refilled with fresh soap. Liquids should not be added to a
partially full dispenser.
Water. Always use running water and if running water is not available consider using;
•Containers with a tap that can be turned on and off.
•Containers and pitchers.
•Alcohol hand rubs.
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Procedures for washing hands
Steps for washing hands with soap and running water.
Step 1. Wet hands
with warm water
Step 2. Apply soap
directly onto hands,
fingers and wrists
Step 3. Rinse hands
with warm water
Wash application A.
Rub palm to palm
Wash application F.
Rub left and right
palm
Wash application B.
Rub right and left
back of hands
Wash application E.
Rub right and left
thumb
Wash application C.
Rub in between
fingers
Wash application D.
Rub back of fingers
Step 4. Dry hands
with a single use
towel
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Hand care
Frequent exposure of skin to soap and water can result in irritation and damage to skin causing irritant contact
dermatitis. Waterless alcohol hand antiseptics that contain emollients can improve skin condition with repeated use.
Antiseptic hand wash or alcohol based hand rub.
An antiseptic hand wash or alcohol based hand rub reduces the concentration of resident flora as well as inactivated
transient microorganisms from hands. Using alcohol alone tends to dry the skin so adding 2 ml of glycerine, propylene
glycol or sorbitol to 100 ml of 60%-90% alcohol will reduce the drying of the skin. Minimal time required for hand rub
before rinsing is 2 minutes or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Personal protective clothing.
Wearing of gowns.
Gowns should be appropriate for the treatment being undertaken. They should only be worn once for each client
treatment and taken off whilst still in the company of the client. This reduces the risk of contamination being spread
outside the treatment room.
Use of face mask.
A fluid-resistant face mask must be worn while performing any procedure where there is a likelihood of splashing or
splattering of blood or body substances. A mask must be worn and fitted in accordance with the manufacturers’
instructions. It must not be touched by hands while worn and it must cover both the mouth and nose. It must not be
worn loosely or folded down around the neck. A mask must be discarded once it has been worn or becomes visibly
soiled or moist. It must not be used again. When a mask becomes moist it is no longer effective. It should be removed
by only touching the ties.
All people with signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection should;
•Cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue and dispose of the tissue into a rubbish bin.
•Wash hands after contact with nose and mouth secretions and contaminated objects.
•Wear a mask if coughing or sneezing.
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Personal protective clothing
Gloves.
Gloves must be worn as a single use item for each invasive treatment on a client as well as contact with client mucous
membranes, cuts and sores. Disposable gloves must never be reused.
Gloves must be changed and discarded;
•As soon as a treatment has been completed on a client.
•If they are torn or punctured.
•After completing a task not involving clients but requiring gloves.
•Before writing client notes, answering the telephone, using the computer and touching
equipment.
Dispose of gloves
immediately into a bin
after use
Hand hygiene is performed immediately after removing gloves to avoid transfer of micro-organisms to other clients or
equipment. All open cuts must be covered with waterproof dressings.
Protective eyewear.
Protective eyewear must be worn while performing any treatment where there is a risk of splashing or splattering of
blood or body substances. Eyewear must be optically clear, anti fog, distortion free, close fitting and shielded at both
sides. General prescription glasses do not comply with government guidelines. Protective eyewear labelled single use
must not be reused.
Apron.
A fluid resistant apron made of impervious material that provides a barrier to reduce transmission of pathogens must
be worn during treatments and when cleaning equipment.
Footwear.
Beauty practitioners should wear closed-in toed shoes whilst working in the salon.
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Regulations and standards for use of sterilisation equipment
The Australian standards National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
• Any equipment at the premises must be in good working order, be cleaned and dried after use and be kept in a
clean and dry condition.
• If reusable articles are sterilised on site, they must be sterilised using a bench-top steriliser which complies with
AS 2182-1998 Sterilisers - Steam - Benchtop. (There must be at least one person present at the time the steriliser
is used who is adequately trained in the operation of the bench-top steriliser).
• Sterilisation must be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 4815:2006 Office-based health care facilities reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated
environment.
• Equipment must be thoroughly cleaned (i.e. via scrubbing, using an instrument washer, and/or ultra-sonic
cleaner) before processing through a bench-top steriliser (see How to Sterilise your instruments and comply with
the Public Health Regulation 2012).
• All instruments must be wrapped and packaged prior to processing through a bench-top steriliser. This will
maintain sterility and permit aseptic removal of the contents of the pack at the time of use. An exception to this
requirement is if items are used immediately after processing through a bench-top steriliser.
• The bench-top steriliser must have a print out facility to record the cycle parameters (i.e. temp, pressure, time),
otherwise a Class 4, 5 or 6 chemical indicator must be placed in one instrument package (in every load) or there
must be direct observation and recording of cycle parameters.
• Where on-site technical support is not available to achieve calibration or validation, a Class 5 or 6 indicator must
be placed in every instrument package (in every load) or a process challenge device must be used in every load.
• Equipment which is difficult to clean and sterilise, should only be used once and then thrown away (single-use
only).
• If needles are used in any skin penetration procedure, they must be single use and disposed of into an
appropriate sharps container which complies with AS/NZS 4261:1994 Reusable containers for the collection of
sharp items used in human and animal medical applications, or AS 4031 - 1992 Non-reusable containers for the
collection of sharp medical items used in health care areas.
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Sharps
A sharp is any object capable of inflicting a penetrating injury. The potential for transmission of blood borne viruses is
greatest when sharp instruments are used. Non reusable sharps must be carefully handled and disposed of into a
puncture resistant container immediately following use.
All sharps containers must;
•Be puncture resistant, waterproof and leak-proof and have an opening that is wide enough to allow the sharps to be
dropped into the specified container without risk of puncture.
•Be clearly labelled with black lettering on yellow background with the “biohazard” symbol printed on the container.
•Remain upright at all times and never be overfilled.
•Securely sealed with a lid before disposal.
•Resistant to leakage, impact rupture and corrosion.
Sharps containers must be placed as close as practical to the immediate area where sharps are being used. They must
also be placed so unauthorised persons can not have access to the container. The container must be of a large enough
size to accommodate the type of sharp and sharps must never be forced into the container.
Needle stick injury.
If a needle stick injury occurs squeeze the injury site to encourage bleeding. Wash the site
with soap and water and notify management or a medical doctor. Compile a report on
how the incident happened.
Sharps container
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General guidelines for skin penetration procedures
•Equipment must be sterilised and set up in advance to ensure skin penetration treatments proceed without
interruption.
•All equipment soiled during a procedure is disposed of or cleaned and sterilised following workplace environmental
procedures.
•Any liquids or gel must be measured and decanted into single use containers for each client. Excess or unused liquids
and gel must be discarded immediately.
•Reusable containers must be cleaned and sterilised after each use.
•Squeeze tubes, bottles or pump packs should be used to dispense liquids.
•Gels should be removed with a clean, unused spatula.
•Liquids, wax or gel should be applied to the client’s skin using a spatula, cotton bud, cotton wool ball or gauze pad
which must be disposed of immediately into a lined bin with a cover.
•Skin penetration must not be performed on a client who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
•Records of all client’s having skin penetration procedures must be kept and are to include their name, date and details
of the procedure performed.
Hand sanitisers should not replace the washing of hands prior to the commencement of the service. They only kill some
of the bacteria, not all.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (the NHMRC) is a statutory body established under the National
Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 (the Act).
The Act sets down four statutory obligations for the NHMRC:
To raise the standard of individual and public health throughout Australia.
To foster the development of consistent health standards between the States and Territories.
To foster medical research and training and public health research and training throughout Australia.
To foster consideration of ethical issues relating to health.
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Cleaning of reusable equipment
Any reusable piece of equipment that comes into contact with intact skin must be cleaned before it can be used again.
Reusable instruments should be washed with a detergent and rinsed in a sink or bowl specifically set aside for that
purpose. Cleaning must always precede disinfection for items that are not contained in packaging. Items must not be
left soaking in disinfectants as they may become contaminated or degrade over time. Disinfection may be achieved by
either thermal or chemical methods. Check manufacturer’s instructions for compatibility of the method to the
equipment being used.
Thermal disinfection is preferred over chemical disinfection. Thermal disinfection requires for the item to be subjected
to moist heat at or above the recommended temperature for the recommended duration. Chemical disinfection should
only be used for items where thermal disinfection methods are unsuitable. Only chemical disinfectants specified by the
Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods may be used. All parts of the item must be exposed to the chemical
disinfectant for the time specified by the manufacturer of the product.
Sterilisation of reusable instruments and equipment.
Cleaning must always precede sterilisation. Sterilisation is ensuring that all microbes have been destroyed. The method
of sterilisation must be compatible with the type of equipment. Sterilisation can be achieved through heat, chemicals,
irradiation, high pressure or filtration. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for effective and safe use of the
steriliser. Microwave ovens, pressure cookers, dishwashers, ultraviolet cabinets and ultrasonic cleaners do not sterilise
items.
Storage of sterilised equipment.
Sterilised items must be stored so that packaging is not crushed, bent, compressed, punctured, exposed to heat or
direct sunlight and is free of vermin and insects. It must not be held together with elastic bands, staples or paper clips.
Sterile storage areas must be used only for that purpose and must be cleaned regularly.
Sterile items on open shelving must be stored at least 250mm off the floor and at least 440mm from the ceiling. Items
must be out of direct sunlight. Documentation on cleaning procedures for all reusable equipment must be maintained.
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Salon housekeeping policy
•All staff are responsible for maintaining good housekeeping standards.
•Staff should not create an untidy, unhygienic, dirty, overcrowded or obstructed work area.
•Staff should report any faults or poor housekeeping practices to the manager.
•Do not block or obstruct a fire exit or escape route.
•Unwanted papers should be shredded or placed in a suitable waste receptacle.
•Salon equipment and packages must be placed in properly appointed areas, not in hallways and never near a fire exit or
fire fighting equipment.
•Safety signage must be clearly visible at all times. HAZCHEM means hazardous chemicals.
•Correct storage of chemicals must be followed at all times.
•Do not store files and equipment above shoulder height. Never stand on swivel chairs to reach an item stored at a high
level.
•Avoid the accumulation of rubbish. Any litter or waste must be removed immediately. Always follow correct
environmental policies for disposing of waste.
•Do not place anything on or over radiators. Ensure that all fans, heaters and other items of electrical equipment are
switched off, and ideally unplugged, before you leave the salon at the end of the day.
•Do not tamper with electrical equipment. Tools and equipment must be cleaned following manufacturers’ directions.
•Ensure that the kitchen is kept clean and tidy. It is the responsibility of each member of staff to wash, dry and put away
all the utensils they use.
•Ensure that food stored in the kitchen is suitably covered, whether in the fridge or on the worktop and that uneaten
food is disposed of appropriately. Where left-over food is eaten by staff, this is done so at their own risk.
•Ensure that the salon bathroom is clean with enough toilet paper, soap and clean hand-drying material.
•Staff must practice good personal hygiene at all times. This means washing hands before and after eating, using the
bathroom and before and after attending to clients.
•Ensure the salon floor is clean and washed daily if applicable. Carpets must be vacuumed daily.
•Ensure that any open windows are closed and secured before staff leave at the end of the day.
•All cleaning activities must occur when there are no clients in the salon.
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Routine cleaning of the salon
Cleaning of the salon should be performed on a routine basis. A neutral detergent should be used for general cleaning.
Disinfectants must not be used for general cleaning and if the product is cloudy it must not be used. Aerosolise cleaning
agents are not recommended for use in a salon environment. The use of specific dust pads reduces the spread of dust
particles and is preferred over dry dusting. Brushes must be washed, thermally disinfected and stored dry at the end of
each day.
Clothing contaminated with blood or body substances should be removed as soon as possible. Beauty practitioners
must wash their hands and all affected areas after the removal of their personal protective equipment. Blood or body
substance exposure must be reported in accordance with the salons health policy.
Personal protective equipment such as general purpose rubber gloves, fluid resistant masks, eye protection and fluid
resistant aprons should be worn when cleaning equipment to protect against being splashed and sprayed with cleaning
agents.
Work surfaces including benches, couches, chairs, treatment beds, walls, floors and blinds must be cleaned routinely
and when visibly soiled. Frequently touched surfaces such as computer keyboards, telephones, handrails, door knobs
and tap handles should be the focus of routine cleaning. Curtains should be changed and laundered when visibly soiled.
Carpets should be vacuumed daily and steam cleaned on a regular basis. Periodic cleaning of high areas, ceiling vents
and infrequently accessed fixtures is also required. Cleaning equipment must be stored dry in-between use. It should be
well maintained with the aim to minimise the dispersion of dust during use.
Salons must select disinfectants that are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with the
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They must;
•be appropriate for the purpose for which they are to be used.
•be able to be used safely and be suitable for epidemiologically important micro-organisms.
Manufacturer’s instructions will provide information on the amount, dilution and contact time of the disinfectant.
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Laundry practices
In the event of spills of blood the beauty practitioner must immediately;
•Wipe up the spill with disposable absorbent material.
•Place laundry items soaked with blood in a leak proof linen bag.
•Clean the spill site with a neutral detergent and water.
•Clean equipment immediately the spills occurs.
•Dispose of contaminated articles into the clinical waste bin.
Linen soiled with blood and body secretions must be handled and washed in a manner that prevents contamination and
transfer of micro-organisms to other clients, co workers and equipment.
Used and soiled linen should be handled as little as possible. Linen bags should not be overfilled and should be
emptied when three quarters full. Sharps and other objects must not be discarded into linen bags. Clean linen and used
linen must not be kept together.
Clean linen must be stored;
•In a clean dry place that prevents contamination by aerosols, dust, moisture and vermin.
•On clean shelves and, if necessary, wrapped in a protective covering.
•Separate from used linen.
•In a manner that allows for an even rotation of items.
Procedure for cleaning up spillages.
1. Put on appropriate protective equipment.
2. Stop the source of the spill or leak.
3. Stop the spill from spreading.
4. Use appropriate sorbents and equipment.
5. Dispose of contaminated materials according to salon environmental policies.
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Risk management
Responsibilities of salon management.
•Provide written policies for the safe handling and disposal of sharps.
•Ensure training is provided to staff in sharps handling and disposal.
•Ensure the availability of materials for adhering to the salon’s cough and sneezing hygiene policy.
•Ensure adequate supplies of personal protection equipment is available to staff.
•Provide staff with the opportunity to attend a first aid training course.
•Ensure adequate supplies of cleaning and sterilising materials are available.
•Reinforce the importance of hand washing and provide access to hand hygiene amenities in accordance with
regulations.
•Prepare a compliance standard document for following relevant Occupational Health and Safety directives.
•Document cleaning procedures and locate information in staff room where staff can follow instructions.
•Develop a cleaning roster.
•Ensure cleaning equipment is of a high standard and in good working order.
•Ensure adequate linen and laundry supplies are available.
•Develop a waste management procedures document that incorporates infectious waste.
•Develop a monitoring system for determining the effectiveness of infection control procedures.
Industry code of practice.
A code of practice is a set of enforceable rules setting out an industry’s commitments to deliver a certain standard of
practice. Codes of practice are intended to raise industry standards and complement legislative requirements, and
aim to encourage consumer confidence in a particular industry.
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Sustainability
Sustainability is the ability to maintain a certain status or process in existing systems. The most frequent use of the term
sustainability, is connected to biological or human systems in the context of ecology. The ability of an ecosystem to
function and maintain productivity for a prolonged period is also sustainability.
Sustainability in general refers to the property of being sustainable. The widely accepted definition of sustainability or
sustainable development was given by World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. It defined
sustainable development as "forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their needs.“
Practically, sustainability refers to three broad themes, economic, social and environmental, that must all be
coordinated and addressed to ensure the long term viability of a community and the planet.
The primary goal of sustainable is using renewable natural resources in a manner that does not eliminate or degrade
them or otherwise diminish their usefulness for future generations.
Sustainable work practices;
•Safe disposal of all waste materials to minimise negative impact on the environment.
•Efficient use of energy, water and other resources used to minimise negative impact on the environment.
•Ensuring the practice of waste minimisation and recycling is conducted to reduce impact on the environment.
•Comparing availability of products, equipment and services and adjusting their use to minimise negative impact on the
environment.
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GLOSSARY
Alcohol-based hand rub or gel
Antimicrobial soap
Antimicrobial
Aseptic
Body substance
Decontamination
Droplets
Germicide
An alcohol-containing preparation designed for reducing the number of viable
micro-organisms on the hands.
A detergent containing an antimicrobial agent.
A germicide used on skin or living tissue for the purpose of inhibiting or destroying
micro-organisms.
Free of pathogenic micro-organisms; methods to protect against infection by
pathogenic micro-organism.
The term body substance is used rather than body fluid to emphasise the need for
precautions to prevent contact with solid tissue, faeces as well as body fluids.
Is a process that renders equipment or environmental surfaces safe to handle by
cleaning, disinfection or sterilisation.
Small particles of moisture (spatter) generated when a person coughs or sneezes, or
when water is converted to a fine mist by an aerator or showerhead. These
particles, intermediate in size between drops and droplet nuclei, can contain
infectious micro-organisms. They tend to quickly settle from the air such that risk of
disease transmission is usually limited to persons in close proximity to the droplet
source.
An agent that destroys micro-organisms, especially pathogenic organisms.
Germicides can be used to inactivate micro-organisms in or on living tissue.
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Hand hygiene
Infection control risk
management
Monitor
Personal protective
equipment (PPE)
Sharp
Sharps container
Standard precautions
Sterile
Sterilisation
Ultrasonic cleaner
Washer-disinfector
General term that applies to hand washing, antimicrobial hand wash, antimicrobial hand rub,
or surgical hand antisepsis.
A systematic approach towards identifying, managing and minimising exposure to sources of
infection risks in the organisation.
To check, supervise, observe critically or record the progress of an activity, action or system
on a regular basis in order to identify change.
Refers to a variety of infection control barriers and respirators used alone, or in combination,
to protect mucous membranes, skin and clothing from contact with recognised and
unrecognised sources of infectious agents in organisations.
Any object capable of inflicting a penetrating injury, which may or may not be contaminated
with blood and/or body substances. This includes needles and any other sharp objects or
instruments designed to perform penetrating procedures.
A receptacle designed to the relevant Australian Standard for the disposal of sharps.
Precautions designed to reduce the risk of transmission of micro-organisms from both
recognised and unrecognised sources of infection in organisations.
Free from all living micro-organisms, usually described as a probability (eg the probability of
a surviving microorganism being 1 in 1 million).
The destruction of all living organisms, including spores.
Device that removes debris by a process called cavitation, in which waves of acoustic energy
are propagated in aqueous solutions to disrupt the bonds that hold particulate matter to the
surfaces of medical devices.
Automatic unit that cleans and thermally disinfects instruments, by using a high-temperature
cycle rather than a chemical bath.
This completes the learning material for this unit.
Authors copyright is claimed in all forms of media. Moral rights are claimed in all forms of media. Intellectual property rights are asserted and maintained in all forms of media.
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