Health, Safety, and Infection Control
Know three distinct levels. Cleaning removes visible debris with soap, detergent, or an ultrasonic unit. Disinfection kills most pathogens on nonporous surfaces using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim. Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores, usually in an autoclave. California rules require cleaning followed by disinfection for reusable implements after every client; sterilization is the stronger step, not a substitute for cleaning.
What can and cannot be reused
Nonporous tools that touch skin - tweezers, extractors, scissors, metal spatulas, bowls, brush handles - are washed, dried, then fully immersed in disinfectant for the labeled contact time. Porous items such as cotton, gauze, wooden sticks, pumice, sponges, wax strips, and disposable brushes cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after one use.
Hands and blood
Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after every client and after removing gloves. Wear gloves whenever blood or body fluids may be present. For a bleed: glove up, stop the service, clean the area, apply an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled for HIV and hepatitis B, and discard contaminated materials in a covered, lined container.
The workplace
Establishments need hot and cold running water, soap, single-use towels or clean laundered linens, covered waste containers, smooth nonabsorbent flooring, and good lighting and ventilation. No eating, drinking, or smoking in service areas; no animals except service animals. Keep a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binder for every chemical under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard and label all secondary containers.
Trap watch
Wiping tweezers with 70% alcohol is not disinfection under California rules, and a UV cabinet is not a sterilizer. Never store disinfected tools in a drawer with dirty ones.