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Our fall and winter series focusing on safety and infection control continues. Last month, the first column in the series focused on hand washing, which is required under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 817-015-0030(1), Serving Clients. Specific OAR numbers are included for your reference. After hand washing, what is the next step you are required under state regulations to take between each client to safeguard both you and the client? a) Clean and disinfect tools approved for reuse If you answered d) All of the above, you are correct! Tools that come into direct contact with clients either need to be cleaned and disinfected between use on clients or disposed of in the nearest waste receptacle. OAR 817-010-0065(1), Requirements and Standards If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using disinfectants, you’re complying with state regulations. Remember that disinfection means “…complete immersion in the disinfecting solution of the object(s) or portion(s) thereof to be disinfected.” OAR 817-010-0065(5a), Requirements and Standards Sterilization, Giving to Clients OK Too Practitioners may also sanitize tools and implements using an approved method of sterilization – either a steam sterilizer or a dry heat sterilizer or autoclave registered and listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you use sterilization equipment, which is optional, you must have it checked annually to determine if it is reaching the temperature and/or pressure required by the manufacturer’s instructions. OAR 817-010-0065(4), Requirements and Standards Specifically for nail technicians: Items such as disposable nail files, cosmetic sponges, buffer blocks, sanding bands or sleeves, orangewood sticks, and disposable nail bits may be given to the client but may not be kept at your station or anywhere in the salon. OAR 817-010-0065(7), Requirements and Standards Note: Excuses of why your used disposable tools are still in your work area or facility don’t convince enforcement officers from the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA). Remember to obtain basic client information. Facility owners and independent contractors must follow this requirement when providing esthetic or nail technology services. Facility owners are responsible for requiring salon employees who are not independent contractors to follow this requirement. OAR 817-015—0065, Client Records Disinfection: Low- or High-Level? Before disinfecting a non-electric reusable tool between clients, what are you required to do? If you answered d) All of the above, you’re correct again! OAR 817-010-0068 (1a-c), Disinfecting Non-Electrical Tools and Implements If you’re disinfecting an electric reusable tool, such as hair clippers, you obviously can’t do b) or c) above, but you do need to do a) and then disinfect using a low-level disinfectant, except for clipper blades, between use on each client. OAR 817-010- 0069(1a-b), Disinfecting Electrical Tools and Implements What about clipper blades? They also are required to be disinfected between each client. First a) remove hair and/or all foreign matter, and then b) completely saturate with a high-level disinfectant solution, spray, or foam used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They may also be sterilized using approved methods. OAR 817-010-0069(2a-b,3), Disinfecting Electrical Tools and Implements But do you know when to use a low-level disinfectant or high-level disinfectant? Use low-level disinfectant for all tools and implements without sharp edges or points, including but not limited to combs, brushes, rollers, rods, etc. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, totally immersing the tool in the disinfectant. OAR 817-010-0068(2), Disinfecting Non-Electrical Tools and Implements Use high-level disinfectant for all tools and implements with sharp edges or points, including clipper blades. Totally immerse them for at least 10 minutes or for however long the manufacturer recommends. As you might know, keeping tools immersed for too long in high-level disinfectant may corrode the tool and doesn’t necessarily make the tool more sanitary. OAR 817-010-0068(3), Disinfecting Non-Electrical Tools and Implements Disinfectants Must Be Available for Use All disinfecting agents must be kept at adequate strengths to maintain effectiveness, be free of foreign material and be available for immediate use at all times the facility is open for business. OAR 817-010-0065(6): Requirements & Standards Who must “…provide and maintain adequate disinfecting or sterilizing equipment for the number of practitioners, usage requirements, and volume of business?” If you answered d) All of the above, you’re three for three! Good job! OAR 817-010-0065(3), Requirements and Standards While safety and infection control practices aren’t exactly rocket science, they do require a good understanding of the basics and a thorough knowledge of state requirements. Kraig Bohot is Communications Officer at the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA), a state consumer protection agency providing centralized regulatory oversight of multiple health and related professions. He can be reached at (503) 378-8667, ext. 4330 or at kraig.bohot@state.or.us. |
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BOARD BULLETIN... Esthetics Task Force Meets to Address Regulatory Void With Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) Director Susan K. Wilson commenting that “Public demand has exceeded regulatory control,” the initial Board of Cosmetology Esthetics Task Force meeting commenced on 10/26/06. A group consisting of Board of Cosmetology Chair Mike Snook, Vice Chair Deely Klarr and member Deborah Masten, and representatives from the state’s cosmetology colleges discussed how best to address the fast pace of change in the esthetics field. The meeting was the first of several that will be held leading up to possible legislation in 2009 to establish an advanced level of esthetics education and certification. All meetings are open to the public. The next task force meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 9 am, at OHLA in Salem. Board Chair Mike Snook cautioned task force members to consider all possibilities when reviewing current and potential requirements. “There’s probably somebody out there working on something right now that we’ll need to incorporate at some point,” Snook said. “We need to be careful about how we go about addressing this issue.” The Esthetics Task Force will be reviewing regulations in other states as well as national models such as the “Basic” |
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Rule Review: Safety & Infection Control The following are taken directly from Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) for cosmetology. You may access the complete OARs for cosmetology at www.oregon.gov/ OHLA/COS under Laws & Rules on the left menu bar, or request a copy from the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA). Definitions of Low- and High-Level Disinfectants
How do you know if the disinfectant is low- or high-level? It should be clearly labeled on the container. A high-level disinfectant should state that it is a “tuberculocidal.” If it isn’t clearly labeled, purchase your disinfectant from Safety & Infection Control-Related Definitions
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Shear Numbers How many cosmetology practitioners and facilities are active in Oregon? (Numbers in parentheses +/- change from previous month.) According to Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) records as of October 30, 2006: |
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Practitioners: 28,494 (+6) |
Barbering: 8,964 (-318) |
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Inspections Deficiency Report September 2006 Deficiencies Number of Deficiencies Unlicensed Operator 8 Unlicensed Salon Shop 37 Dispensary for chemicals (if chemicals are used) 6 Hot and cold running water 7 Chemicals stored and labeled according to manufacturer inst. 0 Disinfected supplies, tools, equipment stored separately from those that have been used 8 First Aid supplies 4 Licenses posted 90 DOL notice posted 121 Expired license 99 Expired liability insurance 58 Current photo not attached to license 38 Disposable hand drying towels and single use soap not available 10 Work stations, floors, walls, fixtures, ceiling free from dust, dirt and hair 105 Hair not removed from floor after each service 115 Waste receptacles emptied and disinfected daily 16 Disposable products discarded in waste receptacle 17 Creams, lotions, and fluids dispensed with disposable applicator, squeeze bottle, or pump 11 Clean towel, capes, neck strips, or other sanitized supplies used for each client 2 Clean reusable supplies and disinfect implements after each use 76 |
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Disciplinary Action Taken by The following individuals were ordered to Cease and Desist their practice and were fined $500 for an unlicensed salon shop: |
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• Melissa Allis |
The following individuals were ordered to Cease and Desist their practice and were fined $1,000 for an unlicensed operator and salon shop:
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Cosmetology Advisory Board News Attend a Board Meeting Soon! The Cosmetology Advisory Board meetings are held four times a year. The meetings include discussions on proposed legislation, rules revision, upcoming events and any new updates from the Department of Licensing. It provides a forum for anyone to sit in the audience and listen to the meeting and also an opportunity to give input to the board. Meeting Information: November 13, 2006, 9:00 a.m., Red Lion Hotel, Seattle Room |
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Renew Online Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Estheticians, Barbers, Instructors, Salon/Shops, Personal Services Operators, and Mobil Services Operators can renew licenses online. Watch for your Notice to Renew in the mail and if you are eligible, you will receive a password and the website address. Visa or MasterCard are required for online payment. Visit our Website! For the most current information on the cosmetology program, visit our web site at www.dol.wa.gov/ plss/cosfront.htm. If you need to contact us, we can be reached at (360) 664-6626, or write to: Department of Licensing, Business and Profession Cosmetology Section |
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Health & Safety Tip Each month we will feature a “Health & Safety Tip” for consumers and licensees. If you have a topic that you would like featured, please contact the Department of Licensing by email at www.dol.wa.gov/plss/cosfront.htm. Remember to Sweep After Each Client!
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Shear Politics November is voting season and we at the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) hope you’re registered. Voting is a right of citizenship and we are fortunate to live in a society where our voices truly can be heard. Voting for trusted leadership is significant; although it is the act of registering to vote that is truly the golden ticket. Government leaders primarily listen to registered voters: individuals that have the power to create change. Of the 25,000 members that make up the NCA today, 93 percent are registered voters — an impressive statistic. Because we are mostly comprised of registered voters, NCA then has the power to use that statistic as leverage when lobbying for your rights. We are the largest association of salon professionals in the world, so we truly do speak for the industry—members and nonmembers, alike. And when we make suggestions to legislators about our concerns, not only do they listen, we are able to get things done. All too often, policies are decided by budgets, as money is tight in most states. It’s NCA’s mission to make sure that legislation affecting the professional beauty industry is fair, effective and embraces your best interests, rather than that of the government’s pocketbook. To remain strong as an industry, it is imperative that we all register today; whether or not you decide to visit the polls on Election Day. (If you would like to cast a ballot, remember that in most elections, you must register 15-30 days in advance.) Finding a way to register is easy. Today, many states allow you to do so while renewing your driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If this is not an option for you, there are many great Web sites available to help, such as www.rockthevote.org and www.lwv.org. Another way to locate a voter registration site is to contact your local board of elections, which is usually a county clerk’s office or municipal board of elections. If you’re not sure, check your phone book or your state government’s Web site. If you were once registered and have since changed locations, it is important that you update your information with your elections office. Your registration is only valid under your current address. A few weeks after you submit your voter registration application, you will receive a notice by mail explaining that you have officially become a registered voter. The notice will likely provide details on the precinct in which you should vote if you decide to do so. If you miss this year’s elections, please don’t put off registering until next year. It’s important to be on the list of registered voters supporting our industry from today forward. Now is a great time to become engaged in industry happenings by helping to monitor the changes going on in your state and local government. If you have questions about registering to vote, how to get involved, or NCA’s Legislative Watchdog program, email nca1@ncacares.org or call 312.527.6765. |
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