Safety, Sanitation, and Infection Control
Three levels, three different jobs
Cleaning removes visible debris with soap and water. Disinfection uses an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant to destroy most pathogens on non-porous surfaces. Sterilization (autoclave) destroys all microorganisms including spores. Implements must be cleaned first, then fully immersed in disinfectant for the manufacturer's stated contact time - commonly ten minutes - then dried and stored clean. Porous items (wood, some plastics, buffers, files) cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded after use.
The traps examiners love
Alcohol and UV cabinets are not substitutes for label-compliant immersion. A jar of disinfectant clouded with hair and debris is a contaminated jar, not a sanitizer. Disinfectant must be mixed at the label dilution and changed on schedule or when visibly soiled. Spraying a dropped comb and reusing it immediately is a violation; it must be cleaned, immersed, and dried.
Personal and procedural hygiene
Wash hands before and after every client, before gloving, and after removing gloves. Use a fresh neck strip and clean linen for each client, keep soiled linens in a closed container, and separate clean from dirty storage. No food, drink, or smoking in the service area.
Blood, chemicals, and electricity
For a blood spill: stop the service, glove, remove visible matter, disinfect the area and implements, dispose in a closed container, and wash hands. Keep an SDS for every product, retain original labeled containers, ventilate chemical areas, never mix bleach with ammonia, and store flammables away from heat. Do not run cords across wet floors; inspect tools and use GFCI protection.
Worked example
A clipper blade falls on the floor mid-haircut. It is now contaminated: remove it, clean it, immerse it for the full contact time, dry it, then return it to service - a quick spray is not disinfection.