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PART 1: GERM BASICS

Be Sure to Turn Your Sound Up

My Name is Malory

I’m the manager of a busy salon and spa offering a variety of treatments from head to toe. We not only make sure our clients look and feel their best but we’re also responsible for their health and safety while in our care. Come spend some time with me to learn a little bit about what I do as a beauty professional.

“Infection control involves practices and policies that reduce the spread of germs (aka pathogens) that may lead to infection or disease.”

Germs are Bad for Business

• Negative health consequences for clients and staff
• Fines
• Loss of reputation and social media backlash
• Business interruption or closure

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Types of Germs Found in Spas and Salons

BACTERIA
Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin infections

VIRUSES
HIV, Hepatitis B & C viruses, Herpes and Flu

FUNGI
Trichophyton interdigitale, can cause Nail fungus and Athlete’s Foot

Biofilm

Layer of bacteria or fungi typically found in watery environments like foot baths.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, Sterilizing? What’s the Difference?

CLEANING
• Removes visible dirt and debris from a surface or tool.
• Uses clean water and detergent.
• Must be done first prior to disinfection.

Click Here for Cleaning Fun Fact

Some disinfectants are also good cleaners, so you can clean and disinfect in one step.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, Sterilizing? What’s the Difference?

SANITIZING

BACTERIA

VIRUSES

FUNGI

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Kills bacteria but not viruses or fungi.

Reduces the number of certain kinds of germs but does not kill ALL of them.

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Sanitizing is NOT the same as disinfecting!

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Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, Sterilizing? What’s the Difference?

DISINFECTING
Kills the germs indicated on the product label. Use an EPA Registered Disinfectant suitable for high contact areas likely to harbor bacteria, viruses and fungi and tools that come in contact with skin.

BACTERIA

VIRUSES

FUNGI

Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, Sterilizing? What’s the Difference?

STERILIZING

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Destroys ALL microscopic life

Typically used for tools and implements that penetrate the skin, like surgical instruments.

Generally not required for nail tools, however a "higher" level of disinfection is required.

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Always Keep Your Spa and Salon Clean

Disinfection is the level required for all salon and spa surfaces and equipment.

Sterilizing might be required in certain states for tools and implements.

What is “Wet Time”, Also Referred to as “Contact Time”?

Amount of time a surface or a tool must remain wet (with the product being used) in order for disinfection to take place, typically anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes.

A Note about Label Directions

Not all disinfectants are the same so be sure to read the use language found on the label. Different products will come with different germs they can kill, different wet time requirements and different precautions. Be sure to know what you’re working with before you start making it a part of your daily routine.

If the wet time or contact time is not achieved, germs will NOT be effectively killed.

How Does Insufficient Contact Time Happen?

When the surface is wiped dry before required wet/contact time

Disinfectant evaporates or dries out before required wet/contact time requiring re-application

Tool is removed from disinfectant solution before required wet/contact time is reached

Ok, now we’re going to ask you 5 questions to see how well you remembered what your just learned. Your score will not be saved and you don’t need any minimum to pass—however, only the right answer unlocks the “next" button. At the conclusion of the quiz, you can proceed to the next module.

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What kind of germs are present in a spa?

Viruses, Fungi, Bacteria

Poisonous Rumors, Toxic Clients, Unmarked Fridge Food

Ebola, Malaria, Flesh-eating Disease

CORRECT, you’ve been paying attention!

Perhaps, but no. Try again.

Quick leave now before it’s too laaa….