such as hair straightening products, contain enough of this chemical to be hazardous to workers who use the produce on a daily basis. Most salon workers handle products containing formaldehyde multiple times throughout the day and are in the presence of coworkers doing the same, compounding this threat. Despite the dangers, some products containing formaldehyde neglect to list the ingredient on their Safety Data Sheets and product labels or use synonyms for the chemical so as not to alarm consumers. The chart provided identifies synonyms for chemicals very similar in makeup to formaldehyde that don’t call as much attention as the more popularly known name. Another chemical that is frequently found in salons is toluene. Toluene is a common chemical found in many polishes and cosmetics. A petroleum-based by-product, it is a harmful neurotoxin which can cause headaches, dizziness, numbness, and dry or cracked skin. Not only can toluene irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and cause damage to the liver and kidneys, but it can also affect the function of the brain and central nervous system. It can also pose implications for the healthy development of children. It is critical that every product in the salon is handled with care. Know what you are working with. If you are not sure about the chemical makeup and effects of any product, approach it with the utmost care, taking into consideration all the safety and precaution tips and tools available to you.
Safety Data Sheets for every product used in the salon that may contain a hazardous chemical at 1% or more (or at 0.1% or more for carcinogenic chemicals) or that could be released into the air above limits set by OSHA or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Each Safety Data Sheet lists both the precautions and health risks for the relevant products including hazardous ingredients; exposure warnings; health and safety risks; precautions for use and storage; and emergency response information. As a licensed cosmetologist, it is best practice to read and become familiar with each Safety Data Sheet and be sure that you understand and retain the information included. For managing cosmetologists, it is also important to ensure that all workers have access to – and training on – the Safety Data Sheets, the potential hazards of each product, and proper and safe usage. One of the most commonly used chemicals in the salon setting is formaldehyde, also known as formalin or methylene glycol . Used also in embalming fluid, formaldehyde is a preservation fluid that is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a cancer-causing agent. It is present in most of the products you use every day and is the base ingredient in many beauty products, including nail polishes, glues, chemical hair treatments, lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, and more. The majority of salons use and store a multitude of products that contain formaldehyde. This poses serious threats to the environment and personal health of everyone at the salon. Not only can formaldehyde cause cancer, but recent studies show that many salon products,
BEST PRACTICES IN CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT
● Coordinating emergency planning response actions with local response agencies (i.e., hospitals, law enforcement, etc.), and ● Developing of and training on a written risk management plan. While the quantities of hazardous materials in a salon do not make these requirements, they are still considered best practices and whenever possible should be carried out by any organization that works with chemicals and hazardous materials. Even if not formally developed, these are great discussion points to have within your salon that could help lessen the effects of accidents. It is important to compile safety information about the chemicals and equipment used in your salon along with safe operating procedures. Ensure that all staff is fully trained on this information and any safety measures that could impact the work. Furthermore, anytime an accident does occur, all salon staff should be informed of the accident, the steps taken leading to the accident, and any lessons learned as a result.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) influences laws and regulations and sets policy in regard to a variety of environmental issues, including the cleanup and disposal of chemical and hazardous waste. In the salon setting, there are many hazardous chemicals that cosmetologists and their clients come into contact with, so it is important to know not only how to handle and dispose of these materials, but also how to prevent chemical accidents. Chemical accidents can result in property damage, injuries and hospitalizations, and even death. Therefore, it is a priority and responsibility for the salon professional to know and follow all chemical accident prevention practices and protocols in order to keep themselves, their clients, and their businesses safe. For organizations that house large quantities of chemicals, there are specific requirements that must be adhered to, including the following best practices in chemical management: ● Assessing worst-case scenarios in order to mitigate and prevent potential effects, ● Maintaining a five-year history of any accidents that have taken place onsite,
ACCIDENT PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Response plans are important, but just as important are accident prevention strategies. To prevent exposure and protect staff and client health, employers and workers Using safer product alternatives Whenever feasible, use a safer product alternative instead of a product with known harmful chemical ingredients. You should not only be aware of the levels of hazardous chemicals in the products you use, but also make every attempt to use products with the smallest amount of hazardous chemicals in them. Today, there are many alternatives, such as “3-free” products: Those products that do not use what is referred to as the “toxic trio” (toluene,
can take standard precautionary steps whenever they use hazardous products and chemicals.
formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate). It is also possible to buy “acid free” products, to ensure that there is no exposure to chemicals such as methacrylic acid. However, even when using products that claim to be less hazardous, be sure to read all manufacturers’ instructions and conduct adequate research on the safety and environmental impact of the product.
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Book Code: CFL1025
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
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