Infection control agencies

HCS

Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), which is what requires manufacturers and salons to have safety data sheets.

OSH

In 1970, OSHA created the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act to encourage employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards and to implement safety and health programs

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is information required by all chemical manufacturers and importers of chemical products on those products and chemicals and how to deal with injury or exposure to them in the event of an emergency. It is required for all chemicals used in the work place regardless of whether those chemicals are used directly on clients or employees for services or used to keep your salon or spa and equipment clean.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is a federal regulatory agency that sets and enforces work environment standards to protect the health and safety of workers. Any employer or institution that does not adhere to OSHA standards is subject to prosecution.

SDS

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) were implemented to help workers and customers know and understand what chemicals are in the products they are being exposed to, or potentially exposed to in the salon or spa. The 16 standards address issues relating to the following areas: Identification, Hazard identification, Composition/information on ingredients, First-aid measures, Fire-fighting measures, Accidental release measures, Handling and storage, Exposure controls/personal protection, Physical and chemical properties, Stability and reactivity, Toxicology information, Ecological information, Disposal consideration, Transport information, Regulatory information, Revision date.

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will also be discussed in the following pages. The CDC is our national public health institute, and its primary mission is to work toward preventing disease, injury, and disability. It also produces research about the nation's health issues in the hopes of educating the public and promoting healthy communities.

EPA

The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, regulates the disposal of hazardous waste and the use of pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides. This agency also approves chemical disinfectants.

FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the regulatory agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health through federal regulation of food and drug safety. This includes dietary supplements, over-the-counter drugs, and cosmetics. The FDA also monitors sterilization instruments that emit any sort of radiation, such as autoclaves and x-ray machines.

PPE

Wear or use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while working.