Salon Management, Safety and Infection Control
Hygiene hierarchy and records
Salon safety follows a hierarchy: cleaning removes visible soil with detergent; disinfection kills most pathogens on non-porous tools; sterilization destroys all microorganisms and spores, usually by autoclave for invasive items. Keep client records, informed consent, and patch-test results. Maintain safety data sheets (SDS) for chemicals, label secondary containers, and store acids and bleaches securely.
Business and regulatory practice
Manage appointments, inventory, pricing, and waste segregation. Sharps go in rigid containers; chemical waste follows local rules. NBTE programme content emphasises professional ethics, client confidentiality, and competence boundaries. Check local health-authority requirements for salon registration and infection-control inspections.
Worked example
A blood spill occurs on the floor. Reasoning: wear gloves and eye protection; absorb with disposable towels; clean with detergent; disinfect with an approved tuberculocidal or 1:10 bleach solution; place waste in a biohazard bag; document the incident. Do not sweep dry or use a mop without disinfection.
Traps that cost marks
- Using a UV cabinet instead of chemical disinfection.
- Failing to document patch tests and consent.
- Storing chemicals in unlabelled bottles.
- Treating a blood spill without PPE or biohazard disposal.