Nail technicians
Contents
Can nail products affect my health?
How do I clean my equipment properly?
Can nail products affect my health?
Yes they can. Ingredients in many nail products may cause respiratory irritations and trigger asthma attacks, as nail powders contain nose and throat irritants. Reactions to these chemicals can vary but include nausea, headaches and respiratory problems including asthma.
How do I clean my equipment properly?
All equipment must be cleaned as soon as it is used. A special area should be set aside for cleaning, and plastic or nitrile gloves worn during the entire process. To clean equipment, always:
- pre rinse equipment in cold water;
- wash in tepid water and detergent taking extra care with hard-to-reach areas. Hold the item under water and carefully scrub with a clean brush;
- equipment which cannot be washed must be wiped clean with 70 per cent alcohol on a clean cotton pad; and
- dry and store in a dust-free environment.
Education
Hazards
The types of hazards nail technicians may be exposed to include:
- chemical - such as acrylics, polishes and removers
- biological - such as transmission of live organisms or pathogens like hepatitis, and
- physical - such as injury due to poor posture, repetitive movements or slipping over on spilled liquid.
Hygiene
A clean, tidy workplace is essential for good health and safety. A dirty workplace can result in slips and falls which may cause injury. More importantly, it can also contribute to infection by providing an unhygienic environment where bacteria can thrive. For health and safety you should:
regularly clean floors to ensure that they are free from nail dust, clippings and so on;
immediately clean up any spilt oil, chemicals, water, etc;
remove rubbish including boxes, or obstacles regularly from walkways;
change towels and all linen after each client; and
all instruments should be disinfected or cleaned after use.
Other jurisdictions
Visit other states' websites below for more information on occupational safety and health for nail technicians: