infection control

why do we study infection control?

The practice of esthetics includes taking measures to prevent the contamination of products & implements, as well as to prevent the spread of diseases from client to esthetician, esthetician to client, and client to client. Federal agencies set guidelines for safety in the workplace.

Federal Agencies

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created by the U.S. Department of Labor to regulate and enforce safety and health standard to protect employees in the workplace

OSHA

MSDS

The Material Safety Data Sheet was created as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This regulation created the Hazard Communication Act, which requires that chemical manufactures & importers assess the hazards associated with their products. p. 60-example

MSDS sheets provide key info on a specific product regarding ingredients, associated hazards, combustion levels & storage requirements.

Environmental Protection Agency

In the U.S., the EPA approves the efficacy of products used for infection control. The manufacturer must submit a product to the EPA for verification of effectiveness against the organisms listed on the label. Once verified, the product receives an EPA registration number, along with approval of the efficacy claims on the label, stating what organisms the product is effective against.

Shows what the product has been proven

effective against

State Regulatory Agencies Exist to protect the consumers’ health, safety, and welfare while receiving services in a salon, spa, or medical spa.

They protect consumers by requiring everyone working in the facility to follow specific procedures.

Enforce the rules through inspections and investigations.

Infection Control

4 classifications of potentially infectious microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses, & parasites

Disinfectants used in salons must be bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal

It is your responsibility to prevent your clients from harm by practicing safety

BacteriaAlso called germs or microbes, are one-celled microorganisms. While thousands of different kinds of bacteria exist, they are generally classified into two types:

Pathogenic-disease-producing bacteria

Non-pathogenic- non disease-producing bacteria

Non-pathogenic Bacteria

Approx. 70% of all bacteria are nonpathogenic, many of which live on the surface of the skin.

Also found in certain dairy products (yogurt)

Pathogenic BacteriaSeveral different types of pathogenic bacteria are harmful because they cause infection and disease, some produce toxins. The following are more common pathogenic bacteria that you might encounter as a professional.

Pathogenic Bacteria 1. Cocci (3

Types)Spherical/round-shaped cells, which appear singularly or in groups. c=circle & cocciStaphyl

ococci

pus-forming bacterial cells that

form grape-like bunches or clusters

& are present in abscesses, pustules

& boils

Streptococci

pus-forming cells which form in long chains & can cause

blood poisoning, strep throat,

rheumatic fever, and other serious

infections

Diplococci

cells that grow in pairs and are the cause of certain

infections, including pneumonia

d=double/diplococci

Pathogenic Bacteria

Most common form of bacterial cells. Bacilli are bar or rod-shaped cells that can produce a variety of diseases including tetanus, bacterial influenza, typhoid fever, tuberculosis & diptheria B=bar/bacilli

2. Bacill

i

Pathogenic Bacteria

Spiraled, coiled, corkscrew-shaped bacterial cells that cause highly contagious diseases such as syphilis and cholera S=spiral/spirilla

3. Spirill

a

Movement of Bacteria

Cocci rarely show active self-movement. Transmitted in air, dust, or within a substance.

Bacilli & spirilla use slender, hairlike extensions, known as flagella or cilia

Growth & ReproductionBacteria generally consist of liquid, called protoplasm, enclosed by an outer cell wall. 2 different stages of bacteria in their life cycle:

Active Stage: Bacteria grow & reproduce. Multiply best in warm, dark, damp, dirty places. When conditions become unfavorable or difficult for them to thrive, they become inactive

Inactive/Spore-Forming Stage: certain bacteria, such as anthrax & tetanus bacilli, coat themselves with waxy outer shells that are able to withstand long periods of famin, dryness, and unsuitable temps. In this stage, bacteria can resist disinfection & survive for long periods of time in extreme heat or cold.

InfectionsAn infection occurs when body tissues are invaded by disease-causing/pathogenic microorganisms-infectious agents.

The presence of pus is one sign of bacterial infection.

What is Pus?

Fluid, created by tissue inflammation, that contains white blood cells, the debris of dead cells, tissue elements, and bacteria

AKA “staph” are among the most common human bacteria.

Carried by about a 1/3 of the population.

Can be picked up on doorknobs, countertops, etc.

More commonly spread through skin-to-skin.

Food poisoning & toxic shock syndrome.

MRSA is resistant to anitbiotics

Staphylococci

Local Infection- Pimple/Abcess -Confined to a particular part of the body

-Bloodstream carries bacteria or virus and their toxins to all parts of the body-AIDS

General Infection

Viruses Microscopic structure capable of infecting almost all plants & animals

Key difference-live only by penetrating cells and becoming part of them

A result, viruses are generally not successfully treated with antibiotics.

Cold, Flu, Herpes, Measles, Pox, Hepatitis, Polio, AIDs

Viruses

Virus that causes AIDs

Breaks down the body’s immune system.

Passed through blood & other bodily fluids

Contagious/communicable

HIV

Viruses

5 types: A, B, C, D & E

Causes disease marked by inflammation of the liver

B is most difficult to kill on surface

All estheticians should be vaccinated against B

Hepatitis

Bloodborne PathogensDisease-causing bacteria/viruses carried through the body in the blood or bodily fluids

Enter through -break in skin -eyes-mouth -ears-nose -unprotected sex

ParasitesVegetable/animal organisms that live in or on living organisms

Draw nourishment from host

Not capable of living on their own

Fungi, molds, mildew

Head lice, scabies, tapeworms

Immunity

Natural-an inborn ability to resist certain diseases

Acquired- developed after the body overcomes a disease or through inoculation, vaccine

Prevention3 Levels of decontamination

Sanitation-lowest level-reduce number of pathogens

2nd highest level

Involves chemical agents that kill most microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces

Not for use on human skin, hair, or nails

Look for EPA registration number

Quaternary ammonium compounds-non-toxic, odorless

Levels of DecontaminationDisinfe

ction

Levels of DecontaminationHighest level of decontamination

Kills all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, bacterial spores

Steam autoclave & dry heat

Sterilization

Universal Precautions Require employer and the employee to assume that all human blood and body fluids are infectious for bloodborne pathogens

Some instances people are asymptomatic

Basic 1st Aid Knowledge

Makes good sense to know how to apply pressure to a bleeding wound, CPR, how to dress a burn

Have a well stocked 1st Aid Kit

Identify 4 levels of burns

Think About ItDuring a facial, you reach for a new spatula & accidently drop it on the floor, what do you do?

You’ve just finished a facial & your guest just left. What’s the clean-up procedure to get ready for the next guest?

You cut yourself during a facial service, what would you do?