Infection Control and Safety Practices
The three levels of control
Sanitation (cleaning) removes debris and reduces microorganisms on surfaces, tools, and hands. Disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms on non-porous implements and surfaces. Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores; it is not the routine esthetic standard. Questions that offer "sterilize every implement after every client" are usually the wrong, over-kill answer unless the item contacted blood.
Sorting your tools
Single-use disposables (wooden spatulas, cotton, wax strips, gloves, mascara wands, lancets) go in the trash after one client. Reusable non-porous metal or glass tools (extraction tools, tweezers, scissors) are washed, then soaked in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the full label contact time. Porous items that absorb liquid cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded. Store disinfected tools in a closed, clean container.
Bloodborne pathogens and spills
Assume every client can carry a pathogen. Wear gloves for waxing, extractions, and any possible blood contact, and wash hands for at least 20 seconds before and after. For a bleed: glove, stop the service, apply pressure with gauze, clean the area, disinfect everything touched, bag the waste, wash hands, and document.
Traps
- Confusing antiseptic (used on skin) with disinfectant (used on objects).
- Treating hand sanitizer as a substitute for soap and water.
- Reusing wax or double-dipping a spatula.
- Shortening a disinfectant's labeled contact time.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot name the EPA-registered product, its dilution, and its contact time, you are not compliant. Clean first, then disinfect - disinfectants fail on dirty tools.