Using Nail Products Safely The majority of nail products come under the category of hazardous chemicals & many of them are classified as irritants. When a harmful chemical touches the body in any way, the body reacts to it. This reaction can take different forms but the most common is an allergic reaction. However these chemicals can be safe if used correctively.
For every chemical there is a limit of exposure which is safe. When the safe level is exceeded the body reacts.
The early warning signs of overexposure are: * Localised skin or cuticles become sensitive to pressure or may itch. * Redness or sores for a while after application
Avoiding Overexposure
Routes of entry to the body. There are 3 main ways that substances are taken into the body:
1.Inhalation - breathing fine dust particle or vapours.
2.Absorption - through the skin, or through cuts & abrasions
3.Ingestation - by consuming chemicals accidentally
Inhalation
Vapours Many nail products are volatile chemicals, which mean they evaporate. As the y evaporate, vapours, which are tiny chemical molecules, escape into the air. Some nail products are dispensed as a spray, which releases the chemical directly into the air.
Vapours & eyes * Contact lenses: never wear contact lenses when working with nail products. It is possible that vapours can be absorbed in soft lenses & seriously affect the eyes.
* Safety glasses: wearing safety glasses is highly recommended to protect the eyes from flying debris & products spurting from containers.
Ingestation
Vapours can be absorbed into food & drinks are routes by which chemicals can be ingested.
Preventing Ingestation:
* Wash hands before consuming food.
* Do not store food in the same areas as the products.
* Do not consume food or drink at the nail station.
Absorption Absorption of chemicals can be via the skin or nail plate. Prolonged or repeated contact will cause an allergic reaction, symptoms of which include:
~ Redness ~ Swelling ~ Sores ~ Rashes ~ Itchiness ~ Blisters to the local area of contact ~ Puffy, itchy eyes ~ Mood Swings
Preventing Absorption
* Cover cuts & abrasions
* Do not allow overlays to touch the surrounding skin.
* Try to avoid using a wet mix of liquid & powder as this is more easily absorbed into the nail plate.
* Never apply monomer without polymer powder as the excess monomer will be absorbed.
* Keep the nail plate clean & dry when applying product.
* Spray accelerator as per the manufacturer's instructions to avoiding burning & thinning the nail plate
Preparing your work Area. Pre -service sanitation procedures
Before your service begins, you should perform the following steps:
~ Wash implements thoroughly wash all implements with soap & water.
~ Rinse implements in clean water. Rinse away all traces of soap & dry thoroughly with a paper towel
~ Place implements in an autoclave or sterilising lotion to sterilize your implements.
~ Follow approved storage procedure. Store your implements in a UV cabinet or sterilising tray until ready to be used.
~ Sanitise Manicure table. Wipe area with a disinfectant or sanitising solution.
~Use clean towels. Put out clean towels for next client & cover with couch roll.
~ Refill disposable materials. Put new emery board, orange stick, cotton wool etc on a manicure table. These materials are discarded after use on one client.
~ Use a sanitising hand wash / spray. Wash your hands before treatment & ask the client to cleanse their hands with antibacterial gel, wipes or spray.
~ Completely immerse implements in disinfectant solution. Using a disinfectant such as Barbicide, ensure that it is changed daily, place the jar or soaking tray on you trolley & submerge implements for the required time.
Activity
1.Explain why it is important to carry out the above hygiene procedures
2.Explain why it is important to cleanse your hands immediately before & after the treatment:
3.Explain why it is important for you client to observe these hygiene procedures
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