Hygiene & Sterilisation

Question 1

Cross contamination

Answer 1

The transfer of bacteria / contaminants from one surface / product to another.

Question 2

Cross infection

Answer 2

The transfer of harmful micro-organisms (germs) to another person through direct contact, or contaminated tools / equipment .

Question 3

Secondary infection

Answer 3

An infection contracted during a treatment through a new or existing wound due to unsanitary working practices.

Question 4

Sterilisation

Answer 4

The complete destruction of all micro-organisms and their spores.

Question 5

Sanitation

Answer 5

The most basic of hygiene procedures - to clean or remove visible contamination / debris

Question 6

Disinfection

Answer 6

The reduction of the numbers of micro-organisms on a surface / on equipment to a safe level - usually through the use of chemical DISINFECTANTS.
Not as effective as sterilisation - does not kill spores.

Question 7

Micro-organism

Answer 7

The collective term to microscopic living organisms such as bacteria, viruses & fungi

Question 8

Sanitisation

Answer 8

As disinfection - to reduce the numbers of micro-organisms to a safe level - may not kill all viruses / spores - to reduce the risk of infection.

Question 9

Antiseptic

Answer 9

A form of disinfectant which is safe for use on the skin (surgical spirit, chlorhexidine / hibitane) - to prevent the growth of disease causing micro-organisms .

Question 10

Importance of good salon hygiene

Answer 10

Prevent cross-contamination / cross-infection / secondary infection.
Protects salon, client & therapist.
Legal requirement (H&S Law)
Insurance requirement

Question 11

4 types of infection causing micro-organisms

Answer 11

Bacteria
Fungi
Viruses
Parasites

Question 12

Bacteria

Answer 12

Single celled organisms which multiply divide) very quickly in warm, moist environments (e.g staphylococcus aureus - causes impetigo)

Question 13

Fungi

Answer 13

These include mould & yeasts. They occur naturally on skin & feed on organic matter and reproduce using spores (e.g. tinea causes ringworm)

Question 14

Viruses

Answer 14

These are tiny infectious agents that hi-jack cells in a living organism and multiply inside them (e.g. herpes simplex - causes cold sores).

Question 15

Parasites (cause infestations)

Answer 15

These are caused by tiny insects – they are called PARASITES as they feed on the blood of their host (e.g. pediculosis capitis - head lice / nits, scabies = itch mites)

Question 16

Transmission of infection - direct contact

Answer 16

The transmission of microbes from person to person by direct contact with an infected person

Question 17

Transmission of infection - indirect contact

Answer 17

The transmission of microbes to a healthy person through contact with contaminated surfaces / equipment.

Question 18

Transmission of infection - ingestion

Answer 18

Through swallowing contaminated food or drink

Question 19

Transmission of infection - injection

Answer 19

Accidental transmission when the skin is pierced accidentally or deliberately

Question 20

Transmission of infection - inhalation

Answer 20

(of airborne organisms) – Into the respiratory system through the mouth / nose

Question 21

Sterilisation method - AUTOCLAVE

Answer 21

Moist heat / boils water at 121-134 deg celcius under pressure.
Only use for metal tools - can stand very high temperatures (plastics melt)
Only use if trained to do so
Must clean tools first
Used in medical settings - gold standard of hygiene
Very expensive to buy (£1000+)

Question 22

Sterilisation method - GLASS BEAD

Answer 22

Dry heat at 190-300 deg Celsius
Only for small metal tools - must be cleaned first
Expose tips of tools for 60 seconds only.
Only fully sterilises part of tool placed in glass beads
Accessible to salons (£200-300)

Question 23

Disinfectants - Barbicide / Lucascide / Chemgene / Discide / Cosmeticide (all high level disinfectants - Hospital grade)

Answer 23

For soaking of tools which cannot be sterilised
Must follow manufacturers instructions exactly to be effective
Clean tools first
Change solution daily & more often if contaminated.

Question 24

Disinfection method - UV cabinet

Answer 24

A quartz mercury vapour lamp emits UV light which minimises numbers of micro-organisms.

UV light is of limited effectiveness, and cannot be relied upon for sterilisation.

To be effective, all surfaces must be flat and smooth, and exposed for 30 minutes.

The UV Box is a useful place to store equipment and tools once sterilised until they are needed.

Question 25

Hygienic working practices in salon

Answer 25

Use fresh towels, tools, sponges, brushes and bed roll for each client.

Launder all towels at 60 deg Celcius

Wash hands with antibacterial hand-wash before and after touching anyone else.

Question 26

Hygienic working practices in salon

Answer 26

No eating or drinking in the salon.

Disinfect work area, tools & surfaces between each client.

Use disposables wherever possible.

Question 27

Hygienic working practices in salon

Answer 27

Cover any cuts to your hands with a protective dressing.

Keep lids on products at all times.

Decant products with a spatula.

Question 28

Hygienic working practices in salon

Answer 28

Use PPE where indicated

Always dispose of waste correctly.

Use disposable applicators wherever possible.

Question 29

Hygienic working practices in salon

Answer 29

Clean trolleys, basins, floors & toilets with suitable disinfectant daily.

Always check for contra-indications and refer to the client’s GP if unsure.

Maintain good personal hygiene & follow salon dress code.