properties. Always read the ingredients, instructions, and recommendations for use on the item’s label. Sterilization and disinfection “Sterile” means free from all germs; sterilization is the most effective level of decontamination, involving the removal of all bacterial life from a surface. This is the level of decontamination required for tools and surfaces in hospital surgeries. For sterilization, hospitals use steam autoclaves to heat instruments to a very high temperature. Today, many salons are investing in autoclaves to reinsure clients that their safety is the number one priority. “Disinfection” is the process of killing specific microorganisms, bacteria, or germs using physical or chemical processes. Disinfectants are chemical agents that destroy organisms on contaminated instruments or surfaces. They can be dangerous and must be used with caution. Disinfectants are used to destroy bacteria on equipment and implements, but they should not be used on the skin. In a salon atmosphere, disinfectants must be able to kill viruses, fungus, and dangerous bacteria. “Sterile” means free from all germs; Disinfectants Controlling bacteria in a salon requires a degree of effort, vigilance, and good sense. In choosing a disinfectant, always look for the EPA registration number (awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency) to ensure you are using an approved disinfectant. This number indicates a level of safety for specific kinds of disinfection. To be registered by the EPA, disinfection must be effective in killing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, and pseudomonas. Cosmetology salons must use not only EPA-approved disinfectants, but also those with an EPA rating of hospital- level (tuberculocidal) quality. These disinfectants are especially effective for salon use and are capable of killing viruses, dangerous bacterium, and fungi. Disinfectants can be hazardous if prepared incorrectly . Consult the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for information on preparing and using the solution. Always check the listing of chemicals in the disinfectant and if/how they can pose safety hazards. Be certain to follow manufacturers’ instructions and all written directions for the preparation and use of a specific disinfectant. Remember to follow all directions when using this type of disinfectant or any other disinfectant. sterilization is the most effective level of decontamination, involving the removal of all bacterial life from a surface. To ensure safety, use an appropriate ratio of concentration in the solution, and clean only approved items according to label instructions. Wear gloves and safety glasses whenever mixing and using solutions. Do not confuse disinfectants, which destroy harmful microorganisms, with antiseptics: products designed to slow the growth of microorganisms. Antiseptics do not kill microorganisms and should not be confused with disinfectants or used for salon disinfection. Household disinfectants commonly used to clean offices and homes may be used to clean floors, doorknobs, and walls, etc., as directed on the container label, but should not be used in place of a hospital-grade salon disinfectant, which is required Introduction to the Autoclave According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of “autoclave” is: an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using steam under high pressure. The autoclave was invented by French microbiologist, Charles Chamberland, in 1879. Autoclaves are used in industries where sterilization is a necessity. They sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting the equipment to high- pressure saturated steam at 270 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the load and the contents.
to sterilize instruments. Bleach can be used as an effective disinfectant, but it is not a cleaning agent and should only be applied to clean surfaces. Bleach must be used with caution because it can release toxic fumes when mixed with certain substances. Bleach is far too harsh for day-to-day disinfection and will damage instruments. It may be used for washing towels The tests used to measure the effectiveness of disinfectants on various pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms are called efficacy tests . The EPA must pre-approve all “efficacy test methods” used to measure the effectiveness of disinfectants against specific microorganisms. The most common efficacy test prescribed by EPA is the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) test. and other salon laundry. What are efficacy tests? Currently, for a disinfectant cleaner to be registered by EPA as hospital strength, it must be effective at its recommended dilution in killing target pathogens in the presence of 400 ppm hard water and 5 percent organic serum and must kill 100 percent of the target test organisms. It is a good idea to verify manufacturer and/or distributor efficacy data of a disinfectant or disinfectant- cleaner before selecting it for use in your salon. What factors affect how well a disinfectant works? There are six main factors: ● Concentration – This is dilution rate. Proper dilution is very important. Read label for complete dilution directions. ● Contact time – For disinfectants, such as bleach, contact time is very critical. ● pH – Certain disinfectants work best under acidic conditions (bleach), and others work best under alkaline conditions. ● Temperature – Certain disinfectants work best in cold water (bleach). ● Soil load – Disinfectants do not know the difference between soil and bacteria. That is why heavy soil should be removed before disinfecting. See explanation above for more details. ● Organism type – Not all disinfectants work on all types of organisms. When in doubt, read the product label for a complete list. How can you calculate active parts per million (ppm) of the disinfectant you are using? To calculate active ppm, you’ll need three things: the active ingredient list from the disinfectant label, dilution rate of the product, and a calculator. The following is an example of how this would be done using Neutral Germicidal Cleaner: ● Step 1 Add together active ingredient percentages from the label: For example, 5.07 percent + 3.38 percent = 8.45 percent total active ingredients. ● Step 2 Multiply by 10,000: 8.45 X 10,000 = 84,500 ● Step 3 Divide the result of Step 2 by the dilution rate (128 in this example): 84,500 / 128 = 660 ppm Parts per million (ppm) is a ratio figure that represents the amount of one substance that is in one million parts of another substance. While autoclaves are not required in Florida, many salons are purchasing them anyway . They provide salons with an increased layer of safety; and stressing use of an autoclave is a good way to market your salon to clients. This section will give you the basics of autoclave procedures. The autoclave that uses saturated steam under pressure is one of the most dependable methods available for the inactivation of all forms of microbial life. To ensure safety and quality control, all biohazardous materials and items contaminated with potentially
Book Code: NTFL1024
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