Infection control is the largest part of most nail technician exams, and it starts with three words that are not interchangeable.
The levels of decontamination
- Cleaning removes visible debris and most germs with soap or detergent. It is not disinfection, and it always comes first.
- Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses on surfaces and tools, but not necessarily bacterial spores.
- Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores, using an autoclave or dry heat.
Using a disinfectant correctly
Use an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow its label. The surface or tool must stay visibly wet for the whole contact time on the label; OSHA describes soaking times of 10 to 30 minutes depending on the product. Wear gloves when handling disinfectants. A tool that has touched blood calls for a disinfectant whose label shows a tuberculocidal claim in some states' rules, such as Alabama's.
UV boxes do not disinfect
OSHA is clear on this: a UV box is for storage only. It holds tools that have already been cleaned and disinfected.
Single-use items
Items that cannot be disinfected, such as porous files and buffers, are used on one client and thrown away. Disposable gloves are never washed or reused; wash your hands as soon as you remove them.
How germs spread in a salon
The EPA lists dirty implements, towels and pedicure tubs as the main routes. Nail fungus spreads through contaminated implements, foot spas, files and buffers.
Protecting yourself
Under OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard, employers must offer the hepatitis B vaccine within 10 working days of assigning a worker to tasks with exposure risk. Hepatitis B is much more contagious than HIV.