These OSHA requirements address accidents that can happen in hair and nail services using sharp implements. Cosmetology staff may not know everything about the health conditions of clients, who may have undetectable disease, so staff must follow proper procedures to handle exposure. Further details can be found on the OSHA website, https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens.
According to OSHA (n.d.): Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. If you are stuck by a needle or other sharp or get blood, or other potentially infectious materials, in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin, immediately flood the exposed area with water and clean any wound with soap and water or a skin disinfectant if available.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
4. Clean the injury and apply an antiseptic. 5. Cover the injury with a bandage. 6. Clean the work area if needed and change neck towel if necessary. 7. Double bag the contaminated materials and place it in a container specifically marked for contaminated waste as a biohazard container only. 8. Clean and immerse contaminated items in EPA- registered disinfectants for 10-30 minutes. 9. Carefully remove gloves without touching the contaminated exteriors with bare hands. 10. Wash hands and use hand sanitizer. 11. Resume the client service. ● Wash and dry customers’ hair before performing any other services and require nail clients to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before proceeding. ● Use prepay systems or self-checkout procedures and provide hand sanitizer at the point of purchase. ● Emphasize washing hands with soap and water to both workers and customers. ● Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces, tools, and equipment. ● Do not allow the sharing of tools and equipment between workers. If sharing cannot be eliminated, clean and disinfect between each use. ● Ensure policies encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns. ● Implement physical distancing practices for customers awaiting services, such as instructing customers to wait outside or in their cars until their appointments. For the latest guidance and other resources on protecting workers from coronavirus, visit OSHA’s Protecting Workers Guidance at https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/ publications/OSHA3990.pdf.
Universal precautions were developed by the CDC in 1985 to address procedures to follow in case of accidental exposure to blood from needle sticks or other sharp instruments, primarily in healthcare settings. The concept of universal precautions is based on the premise that all exposure to blood has the potential to transmit bloodborne pathogens. There are steps that salon workers can take to control possible infection if they are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious substances. If exposure occurs: 1. Stop service immediately and remain calm. 2. Put on gloves to protect from exposure. 3. Use styptic spray, liquid, or powder is appropriate. COVID-19 precautions for hair and nail salon services COVID-19 has mutated through several variants, and, at the writing of this course, a new variant is causing a surge in numbers in. many states. OSHA (2021) provided the following guidelines: OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency is issuing a series of industry-specific alerts to help keep workers safe. The following steps can help reduce employee risk of exposure to the coronavirus in hair and nail salons: ● Instruct sick workers to stay home. ● Have a qualified ventilation professional evaluate the building’s HVAC system. ● Provide and have workers wear face coverings to risk exposure (i.e., cloth facecoverings or surgical masks) that have at least two layers of tightly woven breathable fabric unless their work task requires a respirator. Face coverings should be provided at no cost to workers. Instruct customers to wear face coverings during service if at high-risk for COVID-19.
TYPES OF TRANSMISSION
Pathogens can be transmitted in several ways, so it is important to use infection control measures to eliminate each type, which will be covered in the next section. Direct Direct transmission involves contact from person to person and can occur through several pathways. The pathogens are spread through contact with bodily fluids that are Indirect Indirect contact can transmit pathogens if an infected person coughs or sneezes in proximity and passes droplets through the air. These airborne droplets can travel 3 to 6 feet and may be inhaled or enter directly through the nose, eyes, and mouth to infect someone.
exchanged through kissing, sexual contact, oral contact, or contact with broken skin or lesions.
Airborne droplets may land on objects or surfaces that are handled by others. These pathogens are spread if someone touches their mouth, eyes, or nose after touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated.
Book Code: COH0326A
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
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