Chapter 5 Infection Control: Principles and Practices

Fungi

(Singular: Fungus) are microscopic plant parasites that include molds, mildews, and yeasts. They can produce contagious diseases such as ringworm. Mildew, another fungus, affects plants or grows on inanimate objects but does not cause human infection.

Local Infection

A Local Infection, such as a pimple or access, is confined to a particular part of the body and appears as a lesion containing pus..

Inflammation

A condition in which the body reacts to injury., irritation, or infection. Characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.

Clean (cleaning)

A mechanical process (scrubbing) using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs from tools, implements, and equipment.

Virus

A parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in cells of biological organisms. A virus is capable of replication only through taking over the host cells reproductive function.

Viruses

A parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in the cells of a biological organism. Capable of replication only through taking over the hosts cell's reproductive function. Viruses are so small they can only be seen under the most sophisticated and powerful microscopes. They cause common colds and other respiratory and gastrointestinal (digestive tract) infections. Other viruses that plague humans are measles, mumps, chicken pox, smallpox, rabies, yellow fever, hepatitis, polio, influenza, and HIV, which causes AIDS.

Contagious Disease

Also known as communicable disease; disease that is spread from one person to another person. Some of the more contagious diseases are the common cold, ringworm, conjunctivitis (pink eye), viral infections, and natural nail or toe and foot infections.

Disease

An abnormal condition of all or part of the body, or its symptoms or organs, that makes the body incapable of carrying on normal function

Microorganisms

Any organism of microscopic to submicroscopic size.

Headlice

Are a type of parasite responsible for contagious diseases and conditions. One condition caused by an infestation of head lice is pediculosis capitis.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures

Are designed to prevent the spread of infection and disease. Disinfectants in salons must be Bactericidal - capable of destroying bacteria; Virucidal - capable of destroying viruses; and Fungicidal - capable of destroying Fungi. Always mix and use according to instructions so they are safe and effective.

Hospital Disinfectants

Are effective for cleaning blood and bodily fluids. Can be used on any nonporous surface. Hospital disinfectants control the spread of Disease: An abnormal condition of all or part of the body, or its systems or organs, that makes the body incapable of carrying on normal function.

Bacteria (singular, Bacterium)

Are one celled micro organisms that have both plant and animal characteristics. A Microorganism is any organism of microscopic or submicroscopic size. Some Bacteria are harmful and some are harmless. Bacteria can exist almost anywhere on skin, in water, in the air, in decayed matter, on environmental surfaces, in body secretions, on clothing, or under the Free Edge of nails. Bacteria are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.

Tuberculocidal Disinfectants

Are proven to kill the bacteria the cause Tuberculosis, a disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted through coughing or sneezing. These bacteria are capable of forming spores so they are difficult to kill. Tuberculocidal Disinfectants are one kind of Hospital Disinfectant. It is under Federal Law that all disinfectants must be used according to labeling.

Streptococci

Are pus forming bacteria arranged in curved lines resembling a string of beads. They cause infections such as strep throat and blood poisoning

Staphylococci

Are pus forming bacteria that grow in clusters like bunches of grapes.They cause abscesses, pustules, and boils.Some types of Staphylococci (or Staph, as many call it) may not cause infections in healthy humans

Bacilli

Are short rod shaped bacteria. They are the most common bacteria and produce diseases such as Tetanus (lockjaw), Typhoid Fever, Tuberculosis, and Diphtheria

Diplococci

Are spherical bacteria that grow in pairs and cause diseases such as pneumonia.

Spirilla

Are spiral or corkscrew shaped bacteria. They are subdivided into subgroups. such as treponema papillida, which causes syphilis, a STD and borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.

Infectious Organisms

Bacteria Viruses Fungi Parasites

Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS)

Both federal and state laws require that manufacturers supply a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) for all products sold. The MSDS contains information compiled by the manufacturers about product safety, including the name of hazardous ingredients, safe handling and use procedures, precautions to reduce the risk of accidental harm or overexposure, flammability warnings, disposable guidelines and medical and first aid information. OSHA and State Regulatory Agencies require that MSDS's be kept available in the salon for ALL products. Both OSHA and State Board inspectors can issue fines for salons not having MSDS's. All employees must verify they have read each MSDS by adding their signature to a sign off sheet for each product. Sign off sheets must be available to State and Federal inspectors upon request.

Infectious Disease

Cause by Pathogenic (harmful) organisms that enter the body. An infectious disease may or may not be spread from one person to another person

Inactive Spore Forming Stage of Bacteria

Certain bacteria, such as the Anthrax and Tetanus Bacilli, coat themselves with wax-like outer shells. These Bacteria are able to withstand long periods of famine, dryness, and unsuitable temperatures. In this stage, spores can be blown about and are not harmed by disinfectants, heat, or cold. When favorable conditions are restored, the spores change into the active form and begin to grow and reproduce.

Cocci

Cocci (KOK-sy) are round shaped bacteria that appear singly (alone) or in groups

Inflammation

Condition in which the body reacts to injury, irritation, or infection. An inflammation is characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling

Exposure Incident

Contact with nonintact (broken) skin, blood, body fluid, or other potentially infectious materials that is the result of the performance of an employees duties.

Contaminated

Contaminated salon tools and equipment can spread infections from client to client if the proper disinfection steps are not taken after each and every service.

Disinfection

Destroys most, but not necessarily all, harmful organisms on environmental surfaces. Disinfection IS NOT effective against bacterial spores.

Diagnosis

Determination of the nature of a disease from its symptoms and/or diagnostic tests. Federal regulations prohibit salon professionals from preforming a diagnosis

Movement of Bacteria

Different bacteria move in different ways. Cocci rarely show active Motility, which means self-movement. Cocci are transmitted in the air, in dust, or within the substance in which they settle. Bacilli and Spirilla are both capable of movement and use slender, hair-like extensions called FLAGELLA for locomotion (moving about). You may also hear people refer to CILIA as hair-like extensions on cells. CILIA are shorter than FLAGELLA, however. Both FLAGELLA and CILIA move cells, but they have different motion. FLAGELLA move in a snake-like motion while CILIA move in a rowing-like motion.

Parasitic Disease

Disease caused by parasites, such as lice and mites

Infectious Disease

Disease caused by pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms that enter the body. An infectious disease may or may not be spread from one person to another

Bloodborne Pathogens

Disease causing microorganisms that are carried in the body by blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis and HIV, are called Bloodborne Pathogens. In the salon, the spread of Bloodborne Pathogens is possible through haircutting, chemical burns, shaving, nipping, clipping, facial treatments, waxing, tweezing, or whenever the skin is broken. Use great care to avoid damaging the clients skin during any type of service. Cutting living skin is outside the scope of the cosmetologist's licensed and approved practices. Federal law allows only qualified medical professionals to cut living skin, since this is considered a medical procedure. This means cosmetologists are not allowed to trim or cut the skin around the nail plate. Cutting hardened tissue and removing a callus are both considered medical procedures. Even if the client insists, cosmetologists may not intentionally cut any living skin for any reason.

Pathogenic Disease

Disease produced by organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites

Systemic Disease

Disease that affects the body as a whole, often due to under-functioning or over-functioning internal glands or organs. This disease is carried through the blood stream or the lymphatic system.

Active Stage of Bacteria

During the active stage, Bacteria grow and reproduce. Bacteria multiply best in warm, dark, damp, or dirty places. When condition are favorable, bacteria grow and reproduce. When they reach their largest size, they divide into two new cells. This division is called BINARY FISSION. The cells that are formed are called daughter cells and are produced every TWENTY to SIXTY MINUTES, depending on the Bacteria. The infectious pathogen STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS undergoes cell division every TWENTY SEVEN to THIRTY MINUTES. When conditions become unfavorable and difficult for them to thrive, bacteria either die or become inactive.

State Regulatory Agencies

Exist to protect salon professionals and consumers health, safety and welfare while they receive salon services. State Regulatory Agencies include Licensing Agencies, State Boards of Cosmetology, Commissions and Health Departments. Regulatory Agencies require that everyone working in a salon or spa follow specific procedures. Enforcement of rules through inspections and investigations of consumer complaints is also part of an Agencies responsibility. AN Agency can issue penalties agains both salon owner and cosmetologist's license. Penalties vary and include warnings, fines, probation, and suspension or revocation of licenses.

Pathogenic Bacteria (Harmful)

Harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans when they invade the body, Salons and school must maintain strict standards for cleaning and disinfecting at all times to prevent the spread of Pathogenic microorganisms

Non Pathogenic Bacteria (Harmless)

Harmless organisms that may perform useful functions. Safe to come in contact with since they do not cause diseae or harm. In the human body, Non Pathogenic Bacteria help the body break down food and protect against infection. They also stimulate the immune system.

Cosmetologists are only allowed to work on

Healthy hair, skin and nails.

HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) wich is a disease that breaks down the body's immune system. HIV is spread from person to person through blood and less often through other body fluids such a semen and vaginal secretions. A person can be infected with HIV for many years without any symptoms, but testing can determine whether a person is infected within six months after exposure to the virus. Many people do not know they are infected and can infect others. HIV is spread mainly through sharing needles by intravenous drug users and unprotected sexual contact. Less common, HIV is spread through accidents with needles in healthcare settings. The virus is less likely to enter the bloodstream through cuts and sores. It is not spread by holding hands, hugging, kissing, sharing food or using household items such as the telephone or toilet seats. There are no documented cases that indicate the virus can be spread by food handlers, insects, or casual contact during hair, skin, nail and pedicure salon services. If you accidentally cut a client who is HIV-positive, the tool will be contaminated. You cannot continue to use the implement without cleaning and disinfecting it. Continuing to use a contaminated implement without cleaning and disinfecting it puts you and others at risk of infection.

Do Not Perform Services

If clients skin, scalp, neck, hands or feet show visible signs of abrasion or infection.

Occupational Disease

Illness resulting from conditions associated with employment, such as prolonged and repeated overexposure to certain products or ingredients

Natural Immunity

Immunity partly inherited and partly developed through healthy Living

Acquired Immunity

Immunity that the body developed after overcoming a disease, through inoculation (Such as flu vaccination), or through exposure to natural allergens, such as pollen, cat dander, and ragweed

Infection

Invasion of body tissues by disease-causing pathogens

Hepatitis

Is a bloodborne virus that causes disease and can damage the liver. In general, it is difficult to contract Hepatitis. However, Hepatitis is easier to contract than HIV because Hepatitis can be present in all body fluids of those who are infected. Unlike HIV, Hepatitis can live on a surface outside the body for long periods of time. For this reason, it is vital that all surfaces that contact a client are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. There are three types of Hepatitis that are of concern in the salon: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B is the most difficult to kill on a surface, so check the lable of the disinfectant you use to be sure the product is effective against Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B and C are spread from person to person through blood, and less often, through other body fluids, such as semen and vaginal secretions.

Pus

Is a fluid created by infection. It contains white blood cells, bacteria, and dead cells. The presence of pus is a sign of a bacterial infection.

Laws and Rules - What is the Difference?

Laws are written by both Federal and State legislators that determine the scope of practice and that establish guidelines for regulatory agencies to make rules. Laws are also called Statutes. Rules and regulations are more specific than laws. Rules are written by the Regulatory Agency or the State Board, and they determine how the law must be applied. Rules establish specific standards of conduct and can be changed and updated frequently. It is your responsibility to be up to date and comply with all rules and regulations.

Regulation

Many different federal and state agencies regulate the practice of cosmetology. Federal agencies set guidelines for the manufacturing, sale, and use of equipment and chemical ingredients. These guidelines also monitor safety in the workplace and place limits on the types of services you can perform in the salon. State agencies regulate licensing, enforcement, and your conduct when you are working in the salon.

Germs

Nonscientific synonym for disease-producing organisms

Federal Agencies OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created as part of the U.S. Department of Labor to regulate and enforce safety and health standards TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES IN THE WORKPLACE. Regulating employee exposure to potentially toxic substances and informing employees about the possible hazards of materials used in the workplace are key points of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This regulation created the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), which requires that chemical manufacturers and importers assess and communicate the potential hazards associated with their products. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a result of the HCS. The standards set by OSHA are important to the cosmetology industry because of the products used in salons. OSHA standards address issues relating to the handling, mixing, storing, and disposing of products; general safety in the workplace; and your right to know about any potentially hazardous ingredients contained in the products you use and how to avoid these hazards.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Occurs most frequently among persons with weakened immune systems or among people who have undergone a medical procedures. Today it is more common in otherwise healthy people. Clients who appear completely healthy may bring this organism into the salon where it can infect others. Some people carry the bacteria and are not even aware of their infection, but the people they infect may show more obvious symptoms. MRSA initially appears as a skin infection, such as pimples, rashes, and boils that can be difficult to cure. Without proper treatment, the infection becomes systemic and can have devastating consequences that can result in death. Because of these highly resistant bacterial strains, it is important to clean and disinfect all tools and implements used in the salon.

Bacteria

One celled microorganism having both plant and animal characteristics. Some are harmful and some are harmless.

Difference between Viruses and Bacteria

One difference between viruses and bacteria is that a virus can live and produce only by taking over other cells and becoming a part of them, while bacteria can live and reproduce on their own. Also, bacterial infections can usually be treated with specific antibiotics, but viruses are not affected by antibiotics. Viruses are hard to kill without haring the body's own cells in the process. Vaccinations prevent viruses from growing in the body. There are many vaccines available for viruses, but not all viruses have vaccines. There is a vaccine available for Hepatitis B, and it is recommended service providers get vaccinated.

Parasites

Organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or in another organism (referred to as a host) while contributing nothing to the survival of the organism. They must have a host to survive. Parasites can live on or inside of humans and animals. They also can be found in food, on plants and trees, and in water. Humans can acquire internal parasites by eating fish or meat that has not been properly cooked. External parasites that affect humans on or in the skin include ticks, fleas and mites.

Parasites

Organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or in another organism (referred to as the host), while contributing nothing to the survival of that organism. Parasites must have a host to survive.

Allergy

Reaction due to extreme sensitivity to certain foods, chemicals, or other normally harmless substances

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Registers all types of disinfectants sold and used int the United States. Disinfectants are chemical products that destroy all bacteria, fungi, and viruses (but not spores) on non porous surfaces. The two types that are used on cosmetology are hospital disinfectants and tuberculocidal disinfectants.

Parasites

Should only be treated by a doctor. Contaminated countertops, tools and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected with an EPA registered disinfectant for the time recommended by the manufacturer or with bleach solution for ten minutes.

Contagious Disease AKA Communicable Disease

Some of the more common contagious diseases that prevent service are the common cold, ringworm, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), viral infections, and natural nail, toe or foot infections. The most common way these infections spread is through dirty hands, especially under the fingernails and in the webs between the fingers. Contagious diseases can also be spread by contaminated implements, cuts, infected nails, open spores, pus, mouth and nose discharges, shared drinking cups, telephone receivers, and towels. Uncovered coughing and spitting in public also spread germs.

Staphylococci

Staphylococci are among the most common bacteria that affect humans and are normally carried by about a third of the population. Staph bacteria can be picked up on doorknobs, countertops, and other surfaces, but in the salon they are more frequently spread through skin to skin contact (such as shaking hands) or through the use of unclean tools or implements. Staph is responsible for food poisoning and a wide range of diseases., including Toxic Shock Syndrome. Some types of infectious Staph Bacteria are highly resistant to conventional treatments such as Antibiotics.

Immunity

The ability of the body to destroy and resist infection.

Infection Control

The methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms.

Tinea Barbae

The most frequently encountered fungal infection resulting from hair services. Also known as Barbers Itch. Tinea Barbae is a superficial fungal infection that commonly affects the skin. It is primarily limited to the bearded areas of the face and neck or around the scalp. This infection occurs almost exclusively in older adolescent and adult males. A person with Tinea Barbae may have deep, inflamed or non inflamed patches of skin on the face or nape of the neck. Tinea Barbae is similar to Tinea Capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp characterized by red papules, or spots at the opening of hair follicles.

Contamination

The presence, or the reasonably anticipated presence, of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item's surface or visible debris or residues such as dust, hair, and skin

Decontamination

The removal of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item's surface and the removal of visible debris or residue such as dust, hair and skin.

Types of Bacteria

There are thousands of different kinds of Bacteria that fall into two primary types: Pathogenic (harmful) and Non Pathogenic (harmless) Most bacteria are Non Pathogenic.

Bacterial Infections

There can be no Bacterial Infections without the presence of Pathogenic Bacteria. Therefore, if eliminated, clients cannot become infected.

Indirect Transmission

Transmission of blood or bodily fluids through contact with an intermediate contaminated object, such as razor, extractor, nipper, or an environmental surface.

Direct Transmission

Transmission of blood or body fluids through touching (including shaking hands) kissing, coughing, sneezing, and talking.

Bacterial Growth and Reproduction

Under a microscope, bacteria look like tiny bags. They generally consist of an outer cell wall that contains liquid called PROTOPLASM. Bacterial cells manufacture their own food through what they absorb from the surrounding environment. They give off waste products, grow, and reproduce. The life cycle of Bacteria consists of two distict phases: The active stage and the inactive or SPORE-FORMING stage.

Toxins

Various poisonous substances produced by some microorganisms (bacteria and viruses)

Nail Infections

can occur on both hands and feet. Fungal infections are much more common on the feet than on the hands, but bacterial infections commonly occur on both hands and feet. The most frequently encountered infection on the foot resulting from Nail services is Tinea Pedis, a ringworm fungus of the foot. Both bacterial and fungal infections commonly can be spread to an infected clients other nails or to other salon clients unless everything that touches is either properly cleaned and disinfected or is thrown away after use.

Scabies

is also a contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite, which burrows under the skin.