Sterilization, Disinfection and Safety in the Medical Spa In this module you will learn: The difference between sterilization and disinfection. Different methods of sterilization The Blood borne Pathogens Act (OSHA) Identify safe practices in the spa or clinic
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Sterilization, Disinfection and
Safety in the Medical Spa
In this module you will learn:
The difference between sterilization and disinfection.
Different methods of sterilization
The Blood borne Pathogens Act (OSHA)
Identify safe practices in the spa or clinic
Lesson Objectives
This course is designed as a 1-hour internet-based
course which focuses on – sanitation, cleanliness, and the
safety of the salon and/or spa setting. In greater detail,
this proposed course focuses on (1) the definition of
sanitation and the various levels of decontamination; as
well as the discussion of pathogens, micro-organisms,
and disease-causing elements; and (2) regulations
regarding material safety data, the Environmental
Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety & Health
Administration; and Texas Board of Cosmetology.
Course Goals
• To educate course participants about the various forms of
decontamination and sanitation, and to encourage participants to
implement sanitation procedures at all times.
• To discuss in greater detail pathogens, germs, and disease-causing
organisms.
• To inform course participants regarding safety measures in the salon
or spa setting, and to encourage a proactive approach to safety
measures.
• To discuss laws and regulations that may be enforced by State
Boards of Cosmetology; as well as Federal Agencies and
Administrations (such as OSHA and EPA).
• To provide a checklist that may assist beauty professionals in regard
to using “best practices” regarding safety and sanitation.
• To serve as a refresher regarding sanitation basic principles, and to
remind course participants to keep up with current laws and
legislation (regarding salon sanitation and safety).
In the spa or clinical setting, strict sterilization and disinfection
technique is important not only for the clients, but for the
practitioners own protection.
Every client should be treated as though they might have some viral
or bacterial infection. Most items used in the clinical setting
therefore should be one time use and disposable including: 4x4’s,
gloves, razors, tongue blades etc.
Disinfection vs. Sterilization
There is a distinct difference between disinfection and
sterilization.
Sterilization is the destruction of all forms of microbial life by heat,
chemical sterilant, or gas.
Disinfection is the process that eliminates many disease producing
micro-organisms on inanimate objects, with the exception of bacterial
spores.
If using equipment that can be reused such as metal
implements or laser tips or guides, and laser eye wear.
These need to be sterilized between each client. Also
beds, tables, counter tops, and anything that is used by
the practitioner during the day needs to be wiped down
with sterilization wipes. These wipes are sold at medical
supplies and /or beauty supply.
Each state has different rules for sanitation techniques in
the spa. Check with your state governing agency for more
information. Other recommendations and guidelines can
be found under OSHA (Occupational and Health
Association) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection
Dry Heat: Dry heat is a method of sterilizing objects in a temperature range of
320 to 338 degrees. This is commonly used due to low initial cost of equipment.
The cleaning cycle takes about 1-2 hours. This method is not recommended for
soft items.
Liquid sterilants/disinfectants: These are substances that are regulated by the
Environmental Protection agency and the Food and Drug Administration, that kill
or retard the growth of a variety of bacterial spores, fungi, mycobacterium,
tuberculosis, and viruses.
** All products in the office have to have a MSDS sheet
(Material Safety Data Sheet) this describes how to use
product, safety precautions, if harmful to humans and what to
do in case of contact with substance.
Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection - continued
Ethylene oxide gas: These are gas sterilizers that use low temperature (100-
300 degrees F), low humidity (40-60%), 8- 10 pounds per square inch, but
take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to reach high level sterilization.
Autoclave: Saturated steam is another method for sterilizing objects with
moist heat. Am autoclave is a strong, airtight metal vessel with varying
chamber sizes. The temperature goes as high as 250-273degrees F. Cycle
times are from 9- 20 minutes. This is popular in many places as the cycle time
is fast, which is important in a fast paced, busy spa.
Autoclave
Safe Practices in the Spa Environment
All spas and clinics need to enforce protocols for safe sanitation
practices within the clinic environment. This is for protection of the
client, protection for the practitioner, as well as preventing
transmission of occupational transmission of disease.
These practices need to be enforced in the clinic and include:
• No eating or drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or handling of contact
lenses in the work area.
• Employees must wash their hands in between patients, after using bathroom,
after eating, and after taking off protective gloves.
• Employees must wear protective gloves when working with a client and
performing a procedure.
• Equipment which might have become contaminated needs to be wiped down
and decontaminated with a solution that kills bacteria spores as well as other
pathogens.
• Clean all areas thoroughly before putting a laser on a client’s skin.
• A sharps container needs to be in the treatment room for disposal of all sharp
objects including: needles, razors, lancets and anything that can penetrate the
skin that comes in contact with bodily fluids.
State of Texas Rules:
83.100. Health and Safety Definitions. (New section effective March 1, 2006, 31