Overview
This lecture provides a comprehensive review of infection control principles and practices for beauty professionals, focusing on definitions, regulations, prevention, and safe work habits essential for passing state board exams and protecting client and professional safety.
Infection Control Basics
- Infection control refers to methods that eliminate or reduce transmission of infectious organisms between clients and beauty professionals.
- Cleaning is a mechanical process using soap and water to remove visible dirt and debris.
- Sanitizing reduces disease-causing germs on surfaces to a safe level.
- Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill most bacteria, viruses, and fungi on non-porous surfaces, excluding spores.
- Sterilizing destroys all microbial life, including spores, usually with an autoclave.
Regulatory Agencies & Guidelines
- OSHA regulates and enforces workplace safety, requiring SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for hazardous products.
- EPA registers disinfectants and ensures products are used according to label instructions.
- State agencies regulate licensing, enforcement, conduct, and can issue penalties for non-compliance.
- Laws define scope of practice; rules specify conduct standards and can change frequently.
Principles of Infection and Prevention
- Disease can only spread if transmission occurs; prevention starts with the beauty professional.
- Maintain a clean environment to protect health, reputation, and client trust.
- Key modes of pathogen transmission: direct, indirect, airborne, and respiratory droplets.
- Prevent transmission by proper handwashing, cleaning, and disinfection after every service.
Pathogens and Related Terms
- Contagious (communicable) diseases like colds and ringworm prevent service.
- Common pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and biofilms.
- Non-pathogenic bacteria are harmless; pathogenic bacteria cause disease.
- MRSA and microbacteria are particularly concerning in salons.
- Viruses require a host cell to replicate, cannot be treated with antibiotics, but vaccination and hand hygiene help prevent spread.
- Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis, HIV) are spread via breaks in the skin.
Infection Control Procedures
- Clean tools and surfaces before disinfection; cleaning removes debris that inhibits disinfectants.
- Disinfection requires an EPA-registered product, proper mixing, and adherence to contact time.
- Non-porous items can be disinfected; porous items (like sponges) cannot.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), phenolics, and bleach are common disinfectants; handle with care.
- Sterilization is rarely mandated but effective, requiring autoclave maintenance and regular testing.
Safe Work Practices & Standard Precautions
- Wash hands before and after every client using liquid soap and warm water.
- Use gloves and PPE when necessary; single use only.
- Never provide services to clients with open wounds or signs of infection.
- Label all disinfectants; never mix chemicals unless instructed.
- Keep workstations, tools, linens, towels, and capes clean and properly stored.
- Follow CDC standard precautions: treat all blood/body fluids as potentially infectious.
Salon Safety & Professional Responsibility
- Maintain equipment, proper ventilation, marked exits, and accessible fire extinguishers.
- Wear professional attire; keep long hair tied back.
- Prevent hazards from cords, clutter, and children in the salon.
- Practice good manners, assist clients safely, and be aware of high-risk clients (e.g., immunocompromised, pregnant).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cleaning — Mechanical removal of dirt, debris, and germs using soap and water.
- Sanitizing — Chemical process reducing pathogens to a safe level.
- Disinfecting — Chemical process destroying most pathogens on non-porous surfaces.
- Sterilizing — Destruction of all microbial life, including spores.
- Pathogen — A disease-causing microorganism.
- EPA Registered Disinfectant — Product proven effective against specific pathogens when used as labeled.
- Quats — Quaternary ammonium compound disinfectants.
- Biofilm — Microorganism colony with a protective coating.
- PPE — Personal protective equipment, e.g., gloves and eye protection.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Study infection control vocab, procedures, and regulations for your state.
- Review proper handwashing and disinfection techniques.
- Keep up-to-date with state board changes and maintain your license.
- Practice safe work habits and standard precautions in all client interactions.