PART 3: HOW DO GERMS SPREAD
IN PERSONAL SERVICE SETTINGS?

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Malory Here Again

Hello, Malory here again. In this module, we’re going to learn more about pathogens and where they can be found lurking in your facility. I’ll show you how to stop these pathogens in their tracks and keep infections from becoming a problem in your professional beauty practice.

How Pathogens Can Spread

SURFACES
e.g. work stations, treatment chairs, counters, etc.

TOOLS
e.g. nippers, clippers, tweezers, callus removers, etc.

FOOT BATHS
e.g. circulating (piped) and non-circulating (basins/bowls)

When your client is sick, they can make you sick as well.

😷

Surface Disinfection After Each Client

Disinfect surfaces with a wipe or spray (remember wet or contact time)

• Change towels and/or linens

• Wash hands

• Change gloves

Tool and Implement Disinfection

Never use the same tools on multiple clients without first cleaning and disinfecting them.

Tools can transmit viruses HIV, Hepatitis B & C or HPV that causes Plantar Warts, bacteria like MRSA and fungi like Athlete’s Foot.

Getting Ready

Lay out the tools you will be using

Prep your work station with clean towel

Consult client regarding any visible skin issues or health concerns

During Treatment

Practice “aseptic procedures” or preventing cross-contamination during handling of tools and client interaction.

Forgot something? Remove gloves, sanitize hands, get item, re-sanitize hands and re-apply gloves.

After Treatment

• Clean and disinfect all surfaces

• Discard all one time use or disposal liners

• Set aside tools for cleaning and disinfection

• Discard gloves and wash hands

• Prep for next client

Two Types of Foot Baths

Non-Circulating Foot Baths
(also known as basins and bowls)

Circulating Foot Baths
(also known as piped foot baths)

Circulating Foot Baths

Internal pipes can lead to biofilm build-up.

Additional disinfecting measures are required to combat the potential spread of pathogens, including foot fungus.

Non-Circulating Foot Baths

Drain water and treat like surface disinfection. Leave wet for contact time as indicated on disinfectant label.

Microorganisms in foot spas can enter through skin cuts and abrasions. Your clients should not use a foot bath with bug bites, scratches, cuts, scabs, allergic reactions or if they've shaved, use hair removal products within the last 24 hours.

Client Consultation

Any part of the client’s body receiving a service should be clean and free of open areas (e.g., cuts, wounds, rashes, sores), or visible skin infections (cuts, rashes, and sores and nail fungus). If any of these are present, defer the service until the site is healed.

Ok, now we’re going to ask you 5 questions to see how well you remembered what your just learned. Your score will not be saved and you don’t need any minimum to pass—however, only the right answer unlocks the “next" button. At the conclusion of the quiz, you can proceed to the next module.

What of the following describes fomite transmission in personal service settings?

A.

B.

C.

D.

Germs spreading through contaminated surfaces and tools throughout the facility

Germs spreading by direct contact between clients

Inhaling airborne pathogens, such as viruses or fungal spores

None of the above

Yes, correct!

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Which of the following is not an example of a good infection prevention practice?

A.

B.

C.

D.

Wiping high-touch surfaces throughout your facility with a disinfectant wipe throughout the day

Washing hands frequently, particularly between client procedures

Wearing the same pair of gloves for the entire day, to prevent cross-contamination

Changing towels and linens, ensuring that fresh supplies are available for each client

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Yes, correct!

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Which of the following statements about footbath disinfection is true?

A.

B.

C.

D.

Circulating and non-circulating footbaths require the same protocol for cleaning and disinfection.

Circulating footbaths require an extra circulation step to ensure that the internal piping is properly disinfected.

Non-circulating footbaths are more difficult to clean and disinfect compared to circulating versions.

Circulating footbaths can be disinfected in the same manner as surfaces, as the water in the basin is self-contained.

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Yes, correct!

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True or false: it’s important to check for any skin conditions or health concerns that may present a greater risk for infection.

A.

B.

True

False

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Which of the following is false?

A.

B.

C.

D.

Tools used in personal service settings often require high-level disinfection, especially those that may accidentally break the skin during use.

Opening containers with gloved hands can lead to cross-contamination if the gloves had been used previously.

Any reusable object used for a client procedure should be properly cleaned and disinfected before being used for another appointment.

If you use a disposable liners or protective coverings, you don’t need to clean and disinfect these surfaces

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Yes, correct.

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