Hygiene & Sterilisation Flashcards
Cross contamination
The transfer of bacteria / contaminants from one surface / product to another.
Cross infection
The transfer of harmful micro-organisms (germs) to another person through direct contact, or contaminated tools / equipment .
Secondary infection
An infection contracted during a treatment through a new or existing wound due to unsanitary working practices.
Sterilisation
The complete destruction of all micro-organisms and their spores.
Sanitation
The most basic of hygiene procedures - to clean or remove visible contamination / debris
Disinfection
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.
Micro-organism
The collective term to microscopic living organisms such as bacteria, viruses & fungi
Sanitisation
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.
Antiseptic
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 .
Importance of good salon hygiene
Prevent cross-contamination / cross-infection / secondary infection.
Protects salon, client & therapist.
Legal requirement (H&S Law)
Insurance requirement
4 types of infection causing micro-organisms
Bacteria
Fungi
Viruses
Parasites
Bacteria
Single celled organisms which multiply divide) very quickly in warm, moist environments (e.g staphylococcus aureus - causes impetigo)
Fungi
These include mould & yeasts. They occur naturally on skin & feed on organic matter and reproduce using spores (e.g. tinea causes ringworm)
Viruses
These are tiny infectious agents that hi-jack cells in a living organism and multiply inside them (e.g. herpes simplex - causes cold sores).
Parasites (cause infestations)
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)
Transmission of infection - direct contact
The transmission of microbes from person to person by direct contact with an infected person
Transmission of infection - indirect contact
The transmission of microbes to a healthy person through contact with contaminated surfaces / equipment.
Transmission of infection - ingestion
Through swallowing contaminated food or drink
Transmission of infection - injection
Accidental transmission when the skin is pierced accidentally or deliberately
Transmission of infection - inhalation
(of airborne organisms) – Into the respiratory system through the mouth / nose
Sterilisation method - AUTOCLAVE
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+)
Sterilisation method - GLASS BEAD
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)
Disinfectants - Barbicide / Lucascide / Chemgene / Discide / Cosmeticide (all high level disinfectants - Hospital grade)
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.
Disinfection method - UV cabinet
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.
Hygienic working practices in salon
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.
Hygienic working practices in salon
No eating or drinking in the salon.
Disinfect work area, tools & surfaces between each client.
Use disposables wherever possible.
Hygienic working practices in salon
Cover any cuts to your hands with a protective dressing.
Keep lids on products at all times.
Decant products with a spatula.
Hygienic working practices in salon
Use PPE where indicated
Always dispose of waste correctly.
Use disposable applicators wherever possible.
Hygienic working practices in salon
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.
