Health, safety and hygiene procedures are critical to protecting both artists and clients - enforcing such procedures will reduce the risk of transmission of infections. Transmission of infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, bacteria, viruses and pathogens can be passed through accidental penetration of the skin or the mucous membrane. Infections, bacteria, viruses and pathogens can be transmitted even if they are not visible on furniture, equipment, tools and surface areas. It is vital to maintain a “clinically clean” environment to protect clients and ourselves as trained professionals. The following are recommendations of NALA or requirements set out by The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in Ontario. All requirements must be met to pass a Health Inspection in Ontario.

AIRBORNE AND CONTACT PATHOGENS

Pathogens are infectious agents that cause disease – bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pathogens can be transmitted through the respiratory tract (nose, mouth) and/or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth and ears). There are two types of pathogens: airborne and contact. 

Airborne pathogens are tiny microbes which are suspended in the air. Pathogens become suspended when an infected individual discharges it via coughing, sneezing, and breathing. 

Contact pathogens are tiny microbes which are transmitted through direct contact with the infected person (shaking hands, touching) or contaminated environment (tables, beds, pillows). 

As you are working near the mucous membrane, it is essential to ensure that your products, tools, environment, and procedures do not expose the client to pathogens. Implementing health and safety policies and protocols will minimize the risk to you and your client.

Whether home-based or salon-based, it is essential to implement policies and procedures to protect yourself and your client. The goal is to create and maintain a clinically clean environment. The following are recommendations of NALA or requirements set out by The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in Ontario. Please note that requirements will vary based on region. We recommend referring to your local regulations for the most up-to-date requirements.

HAND HYGIENE

Proper hand hygiene will prevent the transmission of contact pathogens. Infectious diseases, such as salmonella and respiratory infections, can be spread by contaminated hands. Proper handwashing can prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Hands must be washed before and after every client.

Hand Washing and Sanitation:

1. Wet hands with clean, warm water.

2. Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds.

3. Rub hands together and clean between fingers and under fingernails.

4. Rinse hands with clean, warm water.

5. Dry hands with a clean paper towel.

6. Sanitize hands with alcohol-based sanitizer (60-90% alcohol).

7. Put on gloves.

Gloves eliminate skin-to-skin contact, preventing the transmission of potentially infectious diseases between client and artist. It is recommended to use nitrile gloves due to common latex allergies. Gloves are not a replacement for washing hands! Hands must be washed first before putting gloves on. Gloves must be disposed of after every single client – they are not reusable.

FACE PROTECTION

Proper face protection will prevent the transmission of airborne pathogens. During an appointment, an artist can be very close to the client’s face. It is important to wear a mask to create a barrier – to prevent the artist from breathing on a client and to prevent the transmission of infections, bacteria, viruses and pathogens. A regular surgical mask is sufficient for catching respiratory droplets that transmit diseases, bacteria, viruses and pathogens.

WORKSPACE

Environment Safety & Hygiene

Workspace must be kept safe and hygienic for both artist and clients to prevent injury and transmission of diseases. Workspace must be cleaned after every client to ensure that the environment is safe for the Artist and Clients. Artists should be maintaining a clinically clean environment. The following are recommendations of NALA or requirements set out by The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in Ontario.

Sterile Eyewash

All chemicals used during application contain a high concentration of irritants and/or chemicals that are not meant to be applied to the skin or come into contact with the eyes. Should any chemicals seep into the eye, it is important to flush it out immediately to prevent injury. Always keep “single use sterile eyewash” (sterile saline solution) nearby for easy access. We recommend single use eyewashes, as they are more hygienic - these can be purchased at the local drugstore. 

Pets in Workspace

Pets are prohibited in the workspace for both safety and hygiene reasons. Injury can arise from pets attacking/biting a client or unsupervised actions during an appointment (e.g. knocking a light over). Pets can also carry diseases, dirt, feces and urine through their mouth, paws and fur. Having a pet in the workspace can lead to contamination of the floor, counters, linens, tools, etc. Some clients may have allergies to pet fur, triggering allergy symptoms that can make the appointment uncomfortable for the client and difficult for the artist. Lastly, not everyone is an animal lover – some clients may dislike or be afraid of animals.

Children in Workspace

Clients should not be allowed to bring children to their appointments for safety reasons. Injury can arise from the child playing in the area, as they could potentially knock lights over, humidifiers, tables, chairs, sharp tools, etc. Children may also feel restless as their attention spans may run short. Any injury to the child is a business liability.

Cleaning and Prepping Service Room

Beds and pillows must be well protected to prevent contamination and cleaned after every client to ensure that each client is provided a clean surface area to lay on. It is recommended to use a plastic/vinyl cover on top of these surfaces, so they can be easily wiped down with disinfectant after every client.

Beds can be used with or without a cover. If a cover is not used, the surface area must be cleaned with soap and water or a disinfectant cloth (e.g. Lysol wipes). Covers such as linens or examination paper can be used on top of the bed. Linens must be changed after every client and examination paper must be disposed of after every client. Linens must be stored in a manner where it prevents contamination. 

Pillows must be protected with a plastic/vinyl cover or dental bib to prevent moisture from being absorbed. The plastic/vinyl cover must be cleaned with soap and water or a disinfecting cloth after every client; a dental bib will be disposed of after every client. A pillow case or towel can be used on top of the vinyl cover and must be changed after every client. 

Blankets must be changed after every client. It is recommended to avoid using fuzzy blankets as they are prone to trapping dirt and dust. Blankets must be stored in a manner where it prevent contamination. 

Surface areas and lights should non-absorbent and be wiped down daily with soap and water and/or a disinfectant wipe to ensure it is dirt and dust free. 

Tools & Room Set Up

Disposable tools must be stored in an enclosed space to ensure that they do not get contaminated during storage. 

Non-disposable tools must be stored in sterile pouches to ensure that they do not get contaminated during storage. 

All chemicals such as adhesive, oils or conditioners must be dispensed in a manner where it does not contaminate the source bottle -the wands that come into contact with the source bottle must be clean. 

Sink must be present within 1 meter of where sterile supplies are stored and accessible while performing a service. It must supply sterile potable hot and cold water. Soap in a disposable container and single-use hand towels must be present. Washroom hand sinks (not public washrooms) are acceptable if it satisfies the above requirements. The sinks can be used for hand washing and cleaning of supplies if it satisfies the above requirements. 

PRODUCTS

Disposable tools must be stored in an enclosed space to ensure that they do not get contaminated during storage. They must be disposed of after every client.

Non-disposable tools must be stored in air-tight pouches to ensure that they do not get contaminated during storage.

Liquids must be dispensed in a manner where it does not contaminate the source bottle. The liquid should be dispensed onto a clean wand or a clean working surface area. The spout of the product should never come into contact with a contaminated wand or surface, as this will contaminate the source container – no double-dipping! 

Sterile eyewash must be easily accessible at all times. All chemicals used during application contain a high concentration of irritants and chemicals that are not meant to be applied to the skin or come into contact with the eyes. Should any chemicals seep into the eye, it is important to flush it out immediately to prevent injury. Always keep “single-use sterile eyewash” (sterile saline solution) nearby for easy access.

First aid kit should be available on-site in case of an incident! Should it be a serious injury, always refer or contact a medical professional. Artists are not medical professionals, therefore should not be attending to injuries or providing medical advice.

STUDIO ASSESSMENT

Assess your environment to ensure that it is safe for you and your client. Conduct an inspection on your furniture, lights and surrounding – make sure that all furniture is in good working condition, lights are affixed/stable, and that the surrounding area does not have items that can cause injury (loose cables, rolled up rug, etc.).

Check your bed! Make sure your bed is in good working condition. Inspect your bed often to ensure that it is stable and safe to use - the legs of your bed can get worn out and bend over time. The last thing you want is to have your bed collapse during an appointment and/or injure a client.

A first aid kit should be available on site in case of an incident! Should it be a serious injury, always refer or contact a medical professional. Artists are not medical professionals, therefore should not be attending to injuries or providing medical advice. 

Decontamination is the process of removing or destroying infectious agents or contaminants. There are three levels of decontamination: Sanitation, Disinfection and Sterilization. The level of decontamination used depends on the intended use of the equipment/instruments. 

Sanitization is a low level of disinfection deemed safe for use on the skin. Disinfection kills most microorganisms. There are three levels of disinfection - Low, Intermediate and High.

High-Level Disinfection (HLD) is required for tools considered “Semi-Critical.” Semi-Critical items are tools that will come into contact with non-intact skin, mucous membranes, and bodily fluid but not puncture the skin or enter the puncture site. Semi-Critical tools include but are not limited to cuticle nippers or scissors, hair removal tweezers, silicone brushes, etc... HLD kills vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, and some but not all bacterial endospores.

Intermediate Level Disinfection (ILD) is required for tools that are considered “Non-Critical.” Non-Critical items that require intermediate-level disinfection are items that have the chance of coming into accidental contact with non-intact skin or blood, or bodily fluid exposure. This category includes foot basins and tattoo magnifying glasses. ILD kills vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses, and non-enveloped viruses.

Low-Level Disinfection (LLD) is required for tools that are (also) Non-Critical, but these are items that only come into contact with intact skin and no mucous membranes or do not come into direct contact with a client. This Non-Critical category includes doorknobs, combs, tables, chairs, massage table, sink handles, lights, and armrests. LLD kills most vegetative bacteria, some fungi, enveloped viruses and some non-enveloped viruses.

Sterilization eliminates all forms of life and other biological agents. Sterilization is required for any tool or instrument intended to puncture the skin or have contact with the puncture site. These tools are considered “Critical.” Critical tools include (but are not limited to) tattoo needles, microblading needles, piercing needles, electrolysis needles, straight razors and lancets. These tools must be sterile and either sterilized between clients or purchased as pre-sterilized, one-time-use items and disposed of in a sharps container.

It is recommended to use as much disposable tools as possible. This will prevent contamination and transmission of bodily fluids that are a health hazard. Tools that are not disposable must be adequately disinfected. 

DECONTAMINATION PRODUCTS

Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes can be used to disinfect and clean commonly touched hard, non-porous surfaces.

PREempt™ CS 20™ is a sterilant and high-level disinfectant for reprocessing heat-sensitive semi-critical and critical devices for which heat sterilization is unsuitable. This is the most popular and recommended high-level disinfectant in the industry.

PREempt™One-Step Surface Disinfectant Wipes are used for disinfection of hard non-porous surfaces in healthcare establishments such as compound pharmacy labs, laboratories, clean rooms, spas, salons, and the aviation and mold remediation industries.

Recommended High-Level disinfecting solutions for brow tweezers and most non-disposable tools:

PreEmpt (Formerly Accel) CS20

PreEmpt HLD5

Prevention HLD8

Rejuvenate HLD8

Sporox

Cidex OPA

CLEANING STATION

DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURE

Step-by-Step Decontamination of Tools.

For tools that come in contact with mucous membranes (eyes) and bodily fluids (tears). Repeat these steps between EVERY client. 

Step 1. Soak tools with lukewarm soapy water to loosen residue, body oils and dirt.

Step 2. Scrub tools with a clean mascara wand.

Step 3. Rinse well and dry.

Step 4. Completely immerse tools in a high level disinfectant solution for the manufacturer’s recommended contact time.

Step 5. Remove the tools from the solution, wearing new gloves, and rinse thoroughly with running water for a minimum of 10 seconds.

Step 6. Properly store disinfected tools in a sealed pouch until they're ready to be used.

DISINFECTING STUDIO

Bed/Pillow with Protective Cover

Protective covers (disposable examination paper, bed linen, vinyl covering, etc.) can reduce the frequency of cleaning required for specific surfaces. If your bed/pillow is covered with a protective cover, the protective cover must be changed between clients, and care must be taken to avoid the contamination of surfaces when removing or changing the cover. If the surface under the cover becomes visibly soiled or contaminated, the surface shall be cleaned and disinfected. The covered surface must be uncovered and then cleaned and disinfected with a low-level disinfectant at the end of each day.

Bed/Pillow without Protective Cover

If you do not have a protective cover for your bed/pillow, it must be wiped down after every client with a disinfectant wipe such as, Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes or PREempt™One-Step Surface Disinfectant Wipes. Please note that through long term use of disinfectant wipes, it can cause the material on your bed/pillow to wear out.

Surface Areas

Surface areas around your studio should be disinfected after every client. Surface areas include but are not limited to doorknobs, tables, chairs, lights, tablets. All non-porous surface areas should be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe such as, Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes or PREempt™One-Step Surface Disinfectant Wipes.

Required Procedures used to Prevent Spreading Infection

- Wear disposable Nitrile gloves when servicing your client. Gloves must be changed after each client, or when they become visibly soiled or compromised.

- Masks must be worn over your nose and mouth when servicing your client. If using a procedure/surgical mask, it must be changed after each client.

- Set up a neat and tidy workspace and use hand sanitizer on your gloved hands whenever you touch something before you touch your client again.

- Wipe all bottles, tubes, trays, everything you touched that will not be disposed of or does not need to be high level disinfected, with a disinfection wipe immediately after each client.

UNACCEPTABLE METHODS FOR DECOMTAMINATION

The following methods are not approved by Health Canada or FDA in regards to decontaminating implements:

Alcohols are not an acceptable solution for decontamination as they lack sporicidal action and cannot penetrate protein-rich materials.

Boiling Water to clean instruments and utensils is not an effective means of sterilization. It is inadequate for the destruction of bacterial spores and some viruses.

Chemiclave is a machine that sterilizes surgical instruments by heating a chemical solution of primarily alcohol with 0.23% formaldehyde in a closed pressurized chamber for 20 minutes. Chemiclaves are occasionally used in dentistry, although steam sterilization is preferred due to the lack of penetration achieved in a chemiclave48 and an overall failure rate of almost 5%. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic. Because of the environmental risks associated with formaldehyde, this method of sterilization is no longer considered to be acceptable.

Glass Bead Sterilizers use small glass beads and high temperature for brief exposure times to inactivate microorganisms.29 Glass bead sterilizers are difficult to monitor for effectiveness, have inconsistent heating resulting in cold spots, and often have trapped air which affects the sterilization process.

Microwave Ovens are unreliable and difficult to monitor for effective sterilization. Home microwaves have been shown to inactivate bacteria, viruses, mycobacteria and some spores, however there may not be even distribution of microwave energy over the entire device

Ultraviolet Lightor Irradiation - the germicidal effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is influenced by organic matter, wavelength, type of suspension, temperature, type of microorganism and UV intensity, which is affected by distance and dirty tubes. The application of UV light in the personal service setting is limited to the destruction of airborne organisms or inactivation of microorganisms located on surfaces.

Other Unacceptable Methods

Barbicide

Disinfecting wipes

Pressure Cooker

Dishwasher

Baby bottle sterilizer

Ultrasonic Cleanser

A Health Inspection can be very intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. We have compiled a list of recommendations to make the Health Inspection process a lot easier to digest for you. Please note that this list was created by combining the existing legislation in a variety of states and provinces across North America, as well as the NALA Industry Standards. Please review your local state/country guidelines for “Personal Service Regulations” to ensure you are compliant with your local requirements.

When it comes to your treatment area, hygiene needs to be your number one priority. This is NOT the area to decorate with fibrous, porous elements that can harbour airborne pathogens. The treatment area needs to be clinically clean at all times!

The client treatment area must be clear of anything fluffy, furry, soft and velvety. Save these types of props for your reception/waiting area. 

1. The personal services area must be separated from any pets and from any area used for sleeping, dining, food storage/preparation, bathing and washroom purposes.

2. A sink that is not accessible by clients and not in a washroom or kitchen that is dedicated for the purpose of hand washing and instrument processing. The sink must be:

- readily accessible to each service area

- equipped with suitable counter space or similar surface nearby for soaking/drying equipment

- supplied with liquid soap and single use towels in a suitable dispenser or a hot air dryer

- constructed of stainless steel and of suitable size

- have permanent hot and cold running water

3. A washroom must be provided with a toilet and a hand wash basin, equipped with liquid soap and single use towels in a suitable dispenser or a hot air dryer.

4. All work surfaces shall be constructed of smooth, non-porous and cleanable materials (ie. painted drywall, vinyl composite tiles, linoleum or sealed concrete, etc.) and these must be in good repair.

5. Work areas must be adequately lit and ventilated.

6. Client contact surfaces (treatment tables, chairs, headrests, etc.) must have smooth, non-porous and easy to clean finish, and these must be in good repair.

7. If linens are used, they must be changed between each client.

8. Adequate storage space must be available for equipment, instruments and supplies.

9. Suitable garbage containers must be readily available, maintained and emptied regularly.

10. Approved disinfectants (Such as PreEmpt, Cavicide, or CS20) for disinfecting equipment, surfaces and reusable instruments must be available.

11. An acceptable skin antiseptic shall be provided for skin preparation and post treatment.

12. Products such as regular-strength Barbicide, glass bead sterilizers, and steam sterilizers are not acceptable. Rather, tools must be completely submerged in a disinfectant solution, for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer, and rinsed clean before use.

13. Items, that cannot be properly disinfected or are intended for single use, must be discarded after each client use.

14. A puncture resistant container shall be provided for the disposal of sharp objects.

15. Pigment, cosmetics, and other supplies must be labeled and handled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

16. Chemicals, detergents and cleaners must be stored, maintained and prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Operating your studio is both fun and rewarding. Remember that health is good for business. Clients notice and appreciate your efforts! By adhering to these requirements, you will ensure the success of your operation and be confident in the quality of your daily practices.

Contraindication is a factor that prevents a client from being suitable for treatment – it can be permanent or temporary. It is important to consult with a client before the appointment to ensure that there aren’t any factors that would deem them unsuitable. It is important to be aware of contraindication symptoms. However, never diagnose a client as an artist is not a medical professional. If a symptom is present and one is unsure of whether it is safe to proceed – do not proceed with the service, and request a Doctor’s Note from the client indicating that it is safe to proceed. Never recommend any products or drugs to treat symptoms – only refer to a Doctor. It is very important to ensure that both artist and client are safe during an appointment. 

CONJUNCTIVITIS (PINK EYE)

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, irritants (such as shampoos, dirt, smoke and pool chlorine), reaction to eye drops, allergic reaction (such as pollen, dust, smoke, contact lenses), fungi, amoebas or parasites.

Common types of pink eye:

Viral strains are the most contagious form of pink eye. The eyes typically become very teary with a lot of watery discharge.

Bacterial strains are also a contagious form of pink eye. There is usually a lot of pus and mucus discharge from the eyes.

Allergen-triggered pink eye is common but not contagious. It's usually caused by environmental factors or products. The eyes usually become red, teary, and itchy and will also be accompanied by an itchy and runny nose.

Symptoms will vary depending on the type of pink eye. The most common symptoms are, but not limited to: redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid, swollen conjunctiva, excessive tears, thick yellow discharge that crusts over the lashes, green of white discharge, itchy eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and/or swollen lymph nodes.

Do Not Service: If a client shows signs of pink eye, they are not suitable for a brow lamination as pink eye is highly contagious. Although you are not working directly with the eye area, you will still be at risk as you are working very closely to it. Your client should be advised to see a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment.

SKIN CONDITIONS

The Lift and Set Lotions are formulated to be gentle for the skin and brow hair, however, it is still a chemical. If applied onto a client with a skin condition (could be a temporary or permanent condition), it could make it worse. Should the client suffer from skin conditions, they are deemed unsuitable for the appointment. 

Types of Skin Conditions: 

• Psoriasis

• Eczema

• Alopecia

• Sunburn

• Ultra-Sensitive Skin

• Wounds or Scar Tissue in the treatment area

• Infection

• Pimple in the treatment area 

SKIN TREATMENTS, PRODUCTS AND MEDICATION

Exfoliating skin treatments (such as facials and laser facials), and skin products that cause the skin to regenerate quickly (retinol, AHA, BHA, Accutane) can cause the skin to thin out. Clients must wait a minimum of 4 weeks after their skin treatments (or follow the recommendation of their dermatologist), or approximately 6 months if on medication that affect the skin (such as Accutane). When in doubt, always ask the client to obtain a recommendation from their dermatologist. 

PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING

Hormones are fluctuating during pregnancy and can continue to do so during breast feeding. Skin is usually more sensitive during this period, and the composition in the hair can change as well. Brow Lamination would not be suitable, as it can cause irritation or injury to the sensitized skin, and results are very unpredictable due to the change in hair. 

The skin can absorb products that are applied onto the skin. If certain chemicals get absorbed into the body, it can potentially be passed onto the baby. We want to minimize the possibility of exposure to the baby, therefore Brow Lamination is not suitable for those that are pregnant or breast feeding. 

An irritation is a reaction triggered by a specific substance in the environment that does not involve the immune system or be triggered by a physical irritant. The skin may be irritated by a physical or chemical irritant, causing redness, itchiness, dryness, tightness or a tingle sensation to the skin. 

An allergy is a reaction caused by a hypersensitive immune system to a specific substance (allergen) in the environment. Allergies are not always immediate; it can develop over time or through constant exposure. The body reacts to the specific substance by producing Immunoglobin E, which are antibodies. The antibodies cause histamines to be released by cells, causing an allergic reaction – inflammation, itchiness, redness, etc. Allergies can be developed over time, as constant exposure to a specific substance can cause the body to mistakenly identify it as harmful.

The main difference between an allergen and an irritant is that an irritant would cause a reaction in anyone who comes into contact with it, whereas allergens would only cause a reaction to those who have a specific immune response to them.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL IRRITATION

The Instant Brow Lift is a gentle formula that was designed to be used on the brow area and brow hairs. However, it can still cause a little bit of irritation on clients with sensitive skin. Please note that the client shouldn’t feel severe discomfort during the procedure. 

Normal Symptoms:

• Mild tingling

• Slight redness due to brushing back and forth

• Slightly warm in the area

Allergic reactions are more serious, and can occur even if a patch test has been conducted. 

Allergic Reaction Symptoms:

• Itching

• Severe burning

• Skin flaking or peeling

• Inflammation

• Blisters

 If a client experiences an allergic reaction, remove the product immediately and refer to a medical professional.