stay up to date on HIV/AIDS-specific prevention techniques and protocols to stop transmission.
transmission. Not only will this (and other mandated safety precautions) significantly reduce the likelihood of transmitting HIV/AIDS, it will also provide protection against the transmission of staph infection and other harmful bacteria and germs that are statistically much more likely to be transmitted within the salon and barber shop setting. Only 58 cases of confirmed occupational transmission of HIV to healthcare workers have been documented in the U.S (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). (While extremely rare, in very few cases, HIV transmission has occurred in a household setting due to unprotected contact between infected blood and broken skin or mucous membranes.) T o date, there are no documented cases of HIV transmission through blood contact that have occurred in a salon setting . Therefore, while transmission of HIV in a salon or barber shop is highly unlikely (probably because of strict regulations in sanitization and operations), it is still essential that salon professionals To prevent the transmission of HIV in the workplace, barbers, cosmetologists, and other health and human service providers must assume that blood and other body fluids from all clients are potentially infectious . Infection control procedures for barbers • Wash hands with soap and water prior to serving each client. • Maintain at least two sets of tools to make sure tools are disinfected appropriately after each use. • Immediately disinfect any tool that caused a skin laceration or abrasion. ○ Wear gloves if bleeding occurs or when handling potentially infected tools.
Seasoned barbers know that the presence of blood during various cosmetic procedures is not that unusual. For example, it is not unheard of to draw blood during a manicure or pedicure, close shave, or facial procedure. If this happens, if the blood is infected with the HIV virus and it comes in contact with a cut or an open wound, there is the potential to transmit the virus. It is important to note that while the risk of exposure due to direct splashes with body fluids is minimal, there is increased danger if infected blood enters the body via a scratch or open wound. Nail clippers, acrylic nail drills, cuticle scissors, callus paring blades, and reusable razors and blades have the potential to transmit infectious diseases if they are not properly sterilized. Following proper sanitation rules and standard precautions will greatly decrease the potential of HIV transmission and protect both professionals and clients from transmitting the disease. INFECTION CONTROL, STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT
To stay safe when working with any client, standard precautions must be taken to avoid contact with bodily fluids. The following table provides standard precautions that should be taken when providing cosmetic services. • Wash all contaminated linens, uniforms or towels separately and in hot water, with a disinfectant agent for HIV. • Any surface that was contaminated with blood should be disinfected with the appropriate disinfectant. • Change disinfectant solution if contaminated with blood.
Standard Precautions for Preventing HIV Transmission If there is a possibility of contact with blood or other bodily fluids (such as urine, feces, or vomit) that could potentially contain visible blood, always wear gloves and/or other protective equipment. For both clients and salon professionals: Cover cuts, sores, or breaks in the skin with bandages. Whenever contact is made with blood or other bodily fluids, immediately wash hands and/or other body parts that have been in contact. Carefully handle all sharp instruments and tools, being cautious during use and disposal. Sanitize or dispose of any tools/materials that may have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids, and properly clean and sanitize the surrounding workstation. Avoid any practices that can increase the probability of contact with blood or bodily fluids (e.g., sharing razors, toothbrushes, or any equipment that could come in contact with the virus).
the disease (those ages 20-44) is more than 50% of the 158 million people employed in the U.S. It is important that while taking precautions against spreading and/or contracting HIV/AIDS, licensed professionals in no way infringe upon a person’s (be it a client, coworker, or self) civil rights. Specifically for salons and barber shops, a BRTA (Business Responds to AIDS) initiative was created to promote the awareness and prevention in areas impacted by HIV. Barbers can promote awareness to clients on HIV which will help save lives, provide community recognition, protect you and your clients and show your respect and commitment to the community. As a respected professional in your community, your clients are willing to trust and listen to what you have to say about HIV (CDC, 2019).
Inconsistent application of standard precautions can give the appearance of stigmatization and can lead to the reporting of perceived discriminatory practices. It is important for standard precautions to be employed universally with every client, not just those who have disclosed their HIV-positive status. For everyone’s safety and health, human service providers must keep up to date on current research and findings surrounding transmission and stay knowledgeable regarding misconceptions around transmission and assumptions about patient lifestyle and risk. It is also helpful to have a plan in place for postexposure management should direct contact with known HIV-infected blood take place. The impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace continues to grow because the population of those most affected by
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