Infection Control, Sanitation, and Safety
Core concepts
Infection control in the salon follows a hierarchy: cleaning removes visible debris; disinfection kills most pathogens on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microbial life. For reusable nail implements that may contact blood or broken skin, use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant labeled tuberculocidal and follow the full label contact time. Porous items-files, buffers, wooden sticks, cotton-cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded or given to the client.
Traps include choosing a general sanitizer when disinfection is required, shortening contact time because the client is waiting, placing implements in disinfectant without first removing debris, and using the wrong product on UV lamps, towels, or foot-spa surfaces. Hand hygiene, gloves, and eye protection are part of the chain of infection. Bloodborne-pathogen protocol includes sharps handling and spill cleanup. Ventilation and dust extraction matter for acrylics and filing. Safety also includes SDS access, electrical safety, and refusing to work on infected or inflamed skin.
Rule of thumb
Clean first, then disinfect for the label time. If an item cannot be disinfected, it does not get reused.
Worked example
A metal cuticle pusher nicks a client and shows blood. Stop, put on gloves, clean debris from the pusher, then immerse it in the correct hospital-grade disinfectant for the full label contact time. Single-use porous items go in the trash. Document the incident per salon policy and refer the client if needed.