Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for license renewal? Licenses Expire CE Hours Required 16 Biennial renewals are due on October 31. (All hours are allowed through home-study)
How do I complete this course and receive my certificate of completion? On-Line Submission: Go to Cosmetology.EliteCME.com and follow the prompts.You will be able to print your certificate immediately upon completion of the course. Fax or E-mail Submission: Fax to (386) 673-3563, be sure to include your credit card information. All completions will be processed within 2 business days of receipt and certificates e-mailed to the e-mail address provided*. Phone Submission: (855) 769-9888 - Please have your test answers, license number and credit card ready. There will be an additional $4.95 convenience fee added for tests received by phone*. Mail Submission: Use the envelope provided or mail to Elite, PO Box 37, Ormond Beach, FL 32175. All completions will be processed and certificates issued within 10 business days from the date it is mailed*. *Please note - providing a valid e-mail address is the quickest and most efficient way to receive your certificates when submitting via fax, phone, e-mail or mail. Submissions without a valid e-mail address will be mailed to the address provided at registration.
How much will it cost? Cost of Courses Course Title CE Hours Price 16 CE Hour Update for Florida Salon Professionals 16 $21.95 Are you a Florida board approved provider? Elite is approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Our provider number is 0001553. Are my credit hours reported to the Florida board? Yes, we report your hours electronically to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) within one business day after completion. Is my information secure? Yes! Our website is secured by Thawte, we use SSL encryption, and we never share your information with third-parties. What if I still have questions? What are your business hours? No problem, we have several options for you to choose from! Online at Cosmetology.EliteCME.com you will see our robust FAQ section that answers many of your questions, simply click FAQ in the upper right hand corner or Email us at [email protected] or call us toll free at 1-855-769-9888, Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, EST. Please contact us if you have not received your certificate within 7-10 business days. Our company policy is satisfaction guaranteed, or you receive a 100 percent refund. Important information for licensees: Always check your state’s board website to determine the number of hours required for renewal, and the amount that may be completed through home-study. Also, make sure that you notify the board of any changes of address. It is important that your most current address is on file. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Contact Information Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 2601 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Phone: (850) 487-1395 | Fax: (850) 488-8040 Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page i Table of Contents CE for Florida Salon Professionals All 16 Hrs ONLY CHAPTER 1: BE IN HIGH DEMAND AND EARN YOUR WORTH Page 1 $ 95 (2 CE Hours) Elective 21. CHAPTER 2: OUR BODY’S CHEMISTRY: HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS Page 7
(2 CE Hours) Satisfies Chemical Makeup Requirement
CHAPTER 3: AN OVERVIEW OF THE WORKERS’ What if I Still Have COMPENSATION SYSTEM IN FLORIDA Page 13 Questions? No problem, we have several (1 CE Hour) Satisfies Workers’ Compensation Requirement options for you to choose from! Online at Cosmetology. CHAPTER 4: HIV/AIDS AND COSMETOLOGY: PROTECTING EliteCME.com you will see our YOUR CLIENTS AND YOURSELF Page 19 robust FAQ section that answers many of your questions, simply (2 CE Hours) Satisfies HIV/AIDS Requirement click FAQ in the upper right hand corner or Email us at office@ CHAPTER 5: FLORIDA LAWS AND RULES Page 25 elitecme.com or call us toll-free at 1-855-769-9888, Monday (2 CE Hours) Satisfies Laws and Rules Requirement - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. Please contact us if you have not CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY: HAZARDOUS received your certificate within CHEMICALS IN THE SALON SETTING Page 34 7-10 business days. (1 CE Hour) Satisfies Environmental Issues Requirement
CHAPTER 7: OSHA: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE SALON Page 39
(1 CE Hour) Satisfies OSHA Requirement Visit Cosmetology.EliteCME. com to view our entire course CHAPTER 8: A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH: SANITATION AND library and get your CE today! STERILIZATION IN THE SALON INDUSTRY Page 43 (3 CE Hours) Satisfies Sanitation and Sterilization Requirement
CHAPTER 9: SENSITIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE Page 52 PLUS... Lowest Price Guaranteed (2 CE Hours) Elective Serving Professionals Since 1999 Final Examination Questions Page 58
Student Final Examination Answer Sheet Page 61 Elite Continuing Education Course Evaluation Page 62
©2017. All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Elite Professional Education, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge in the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal or professional advice. Elite Professional Education, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal or professional services expert licensed in your state. Elite Professional Education, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation or circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials.
Page ii Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Chapter 1: Be in High Demand and Earn Your Worth
2 CE Hours
By: JoAnn Stills
Learning objectives Evaluate business performance and perform self-assessments. Describe the process used to design a suitable and reasonable Describe the steps you can use to ensure salon visits are pricing structure. consistently exceptional. Discuss why competitive pricing matters. Identify as a beauty professional and discuss why this matters. State clearly how to maintain professionalism in your facility. Introduction Being in high demand and charging what you are worth are topics that certain ‘something’ that you may or may not possess; however, some weigh on the minds of most professional beauty industry workers. Of of the traits of high-earners are learned! Are you providing a service course, everyone wants to make top dollar, and high-earning beauty that leaves a positive impression on clients and visitors? If you have professionals have the tools and skills needed to achieve a financially doubts about the quality of your service, this course teaches business secure career. Let’s explore what it will take for you to join the ranks techniques that will take your career to the next level. You can attain of the top-notch beauty professionals. the wealth and knowledge of those who earn more per service. We will There is no big secret to success as a beauty professional. It just takes discuss what traits and behaviors will advance your career and give work to acquire skills and use them properly to suit the needs of you an edge over the competition. We will evaluate several traits of your business. High-earning beauty professionals seemingly have a high-earning professionals and why these traits make the difference between taking a vacation yearly, or waiting on walk-ins every shift.
Reflection Exercises Self-exploration and self-evaluation can be scary, but they are just you and the words on the page. You are the only person that can important and have to be done in any area of life in which you seek make positive and productive changes for your career. Let’s start now! advancement. Enter the following exercises with an open mind. It is
Self-evaluation and self-exploration It’s time to be completely open-minded and honest with yourself about and the entire staff will be expected to perform duties at a high level of who you are as a beauty professional. Take a minute and visualize quality. Are you one of the beauty professionals who is more aware of what your clients feel, think, and hear when they enter into your salon. your personal needs than your client’s needs? Answering all of these What is their overall experience in your facility? Are they greeted with questions with an open mind will give insight to who are as a beauty the smell of the lunch that you ate at your station? Are they greeted by professional. friendly staff members with smiling faces? To be in high demand, you
Cultivating the salon experience There are a series of actions that a skilled, high-earner does when a visit helps to prepare your mind, and adjust your comments to client walks into the facility. Take note, as these are actions that should suit customer needs. If this is a first time customer, prepare any be done for both repeat customers and new customers. Do not take a documents or release forms that will be needed to perform their person’s patronage for granted as they in no way whatsoever owe you service. any business. If you opt out of smiling and being courteous, they may 2. Smile. Smiling relaxes patrons. For customers that are visiting for opt out of coming into your facility. These are the series of actions basic beauty services, a smile lets them know they will be able high-earners take when a client arrives (if there is a receptionist on to relax. Personal beauty services can deal with hair loss, skin duty, some of the first steps should be performed by this individual). deficiencies, nail issues, and more. These personal beauty matters For this exercise, read through the list and make note of any changes can be sensitive for customers. A smile sets the tone of a relaxing that you may need to make to create a better salon experience for your and safe environment in which their beauty goals can be met. guests. 3. State the customary greeting of your salon. If there is not one 1. Review customer records if they are available before the in place, simply say hello, and use the customer’s name if you customer’s arrival. As a service provider, you need to know know it. Using a person’s name reassures customers that you paid who your clients are, what they want, and what they do not want. attention to them the last time you met. For new customers, ask Having strong records will assist in this process. Review previous their name and share yours. customer appointments and their requested services. There are 4. Hang up the visitor’s coat, jacket, or umbrella. This is an act of times when professionals have to refuse services, alter services hospitality that is often overlooked. Of course, if you are unable because of unavoidable circumstances, or cancel/postpone services to walk away from a service you are performing, you can verbally for safety reasons. Setting aside time to prepare for each customer direct the visitor to hang their items in the place designated for
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 1 these type items. For example, “Hello Ms. Davis! It’s great to see service. Gauge what you would be comfortable with and adjust you again. I’ll take your coat for you. And you can follow me to it for customer needs. Ask your customer if they are comfortable my station.” Or, “Hello, welcome to [Salon Name]. Did you have with certain tools and services. Watch client facial expressions. an appointment today?” You can almost always tell if someone is uncomfortable if you 5. Have a customer fill out a client information card and any watch their face. Respond accordingly when it seems to be release forms that are required by the company ownership. a problem. Communicate clearly if you are going to change Gather whatever information you need to complete the customer’s something. Do not assume; always be willing to ask questions registration. Clearly explain why the customer has to sign any as this creates a clear line of communication between beauty documents before receiving service. Make sure the release is professional and client. Clients will be more willing to talk openly stated to protect you and your business or staff in case of court with you about their needs if you are open with them. If there are involvement. This can build an owner’s confidence in you. Owners add-on services, make sure you mention these to the customer do not trust employees that do not care about the longevity of the before you use any tools and products that require extra payment company. Not owning a business is not an excuse to overlook the outside of the regular service price. importance of protecting the company assets. Some of today’s 9. Allow the customer to see the finished product. A well-lit area most popular beauty services come with a certain amount of where a client can see their face, hands, skin, or feet will allow risk. If clients are made aware of potential dangers, and sign to them to see what they will be presenting to the world. A clean acknowledge that, you have protected the business from future hand mirror allows a close-up view of whatever service they have issues that can arise from the normal and proper use of a beauty had done. Adjust anything the customer needs changed to suit regimen or service. If you are self-employed, you have a business their needs. If changes are not an immediate option, offer them an to protect. Well-written and easy to understand release forms are alternative. Changes can be minimized with a thorough and clear one way to protect your investment from discrepancies. consultation. 6. Escort the customer to the service or retail area. Do not expect 10. Collect your payment. This can be a problem for newer beauty them to know where things are in your facility. You are there professionals. If you provide free services for family and friends, nearly every day; they are not. Although, repeat customers may you should stop. You should go not into a family member’s place know exactly where to go for this service, it is still nice to be of business and expect a discount. Pay for the services you receive appreciated. The time spent escorting clients to work areas also and get paid for the services you provide. This can be tricky if allows time for a simple hello. Ask about their children or pets. you are shy about collecting payment for your services. Practice This is information that can be briefly noted on their client profile saying your target price point aloud to yourself. Practice saying it card. If clients are not forthcoming with information about their with confidence. Practice swiping a credit card as you discuss what personal lives, do not pry, and instead ask them solely about the service you would like to add on to your customer’s visit next services offered. Consistent record-keeping avoids missing out on time. This is an often overlooked step in the process to becoming opportunities. an in-demand stylist with high prices. Know how you sound. If 7. Perform a thorough consultation. Ask the right questions, listen you have given your all in the process, at this point the customer for the answers, evaluate possibilities, plan the service(s), and should be happy and ready to make another visit. Thank your state aloud the plan of action to confirm. Look at the customer’s client graciously for any tip they may give. Tipping is customary face and not at their back when finding out what they want. The in the United States, but is not required. Some people do not mirror can show the person, but that is not the same as looking tip. Some people tip excessively for good service. Treat every at someone and earning their trust while they tell you what they customer the same regardless of what they normally do or do not need. Some people like to discuss price at this point, but this is tip. a personal choice if you are independently contracting. Higher 11. Book the next visit. Booking a future appointment will keep you priced stylists know that their base clientele expect higher prices busier than professionals that do not book in advance. You cannot and are prepared to pay. Although, price will come up at some expect all customers to book their appointments in advance, but point of the process, you do not want it to be the focus of the they should always be prepared for you to ask. This is what keeps consultation. If a client has a limited budget and tells you so, then busy stylists busy. you should offer services in the client’s budget, but also try to 12. Escort your client out and give them their coat, jacket, or meet the client’s needs. If you work for a corporate salon or are umbrella from designated area. This is an act of hospitality. This an employee, there likely are set standards as to what is expected matters even if we do not believe that it does. during the consultation process. Customer satisfaction should 13. After the appointment: Record the products used; the time always be the focus when you are seeking higher earnings. for processing; the customer dislikes, likes, and allergies; and 8. Give exceptional service. Performing all services in the safest any information that will be pertinent to the client’s next visit. way possible is always high on the list of priorities. Use only If possible, write down specifics and notes during non-contact high quality products, tools, and equipment and follow all state- processing time. If you have a bad habit of forgetting this step of mandated safety rules. Do not use dirty tools and implements on service, schedule five to ten minutes after your service times to your customers. That is not only dangerous for the safety of your strictly record information. Whether you see the client again next clients, but it will cause clients to lose trust in your performance week or next year, you will know what they do and do not like, and decision making. Massage, tension, temperature, and force and what they want for their beauty regimen. This will also make can all determine the level of comfort for a client during the entire you stand out because you remembered them.
Customer service self-evaluation Now that we know the steps of customer service, let’s evaluate how ●● Are you hospitable? Do you escort elderly or infirmed customers you perform as a beauty professional. Think about your client records. with a patient and considerate hand? ●● Do you smile as every customer enters your facility? ●● Are you protecting the assets of the business by requiring release ●● Is every person acknowledged by name or greeted and made to forms before beginning chemical and potentially dangerous feel welcomed? This question refers even to vendors, delivery services? persons, or maintenance personnel, as these individuals can also ●● Are you performing high quality consultations? Do you know what lead to business if they are treated well. your clients want? Are you listening or just hearing?
Page 2 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com ●● Are you giving careful and thorough services? in the beauty industry. Reputation is a valuable tool if you maintain it. ●● Does your client get to evaluate your work before being asked to Word of mouth referrals are always more reliable than billboards or pay? business cards. Bad news travels like wildfire. Give your customers ●● Are you booking your client’s next appointment in advance? and visitors something good to talk about. ●● Do you escort your clients out of the service area and make sure Now that you have performed your self-evaluation, you will have they have all of their personal items before leaving the facility? identified some things that you can adjust. By doing this, you are ●● Are all of the details about the service recorded? getting closer to being in higher demand and earning more per client. We all have changes that we can make to enhance our level of service. Let’s take a moment and define what type of beauty professional you Take each step one at a time in making the necessary changes. are and examine how this affects your business. Working at a high level of quality can make or break your reputation
Identify who you are as a beauty professional Your company name may include clues as to what your customers Social media and video-posting websites have been an asset and can expect when they enter into your business. “Color,” “Nails,” an enemy to beauty professionals. Every other video posted is in a “Skin Care,” “Special Occasion Styles,” “Waxing,” or “Weaving,” random kitchen by an unlicensed, self-proclaimed expert in one area of services are commonly used terms in the names of salon businesses. beauty or another. Some of the techniques are witty and cutting-edge, Does your facility along with the practitioners’ skill levels live up but other videos and tutorials are nothing short of an embarrassment to the company’s name? Performing research in your specific area and mockery of the theory and safety that we work so hard to master of cosmetology is necessary to avoid coming up short in the eyes of and enhance. You have a personal responsibility to provide safe and potential and current clients. reliable services. Always check the credibility of your sources. This Your ability to research will increase your personal knowledge. Your way, when you are performing services, you are only performing at a willingness to make needed adjustments will determine how you level consistent with high quality. Exploring the following three types succeed. Identifying who you are as a beauty professional will involve of beauty professionals will make it easier to identify yourself and give how you use what you have researched. Identifying yourself assists in more insight as to how you should market yourself. goal-setting and research needs.
Specialty service providers self-assessment Specialty services can be a matter of ability, training, product If you take notice, the focus is on your existing clientele. New affordability, client base, and demographics. Offering a specialty clients are great and marketing should be continuous, but, stop and is an opportunity to increase your income by offering more expensive think about this for a second. Your clients see you on a regular basis, services and small add-on services. By offering more than the basic say, every two to six weeks. They trust your opinion and skillful salon services, you can attract new customers. Existing clients already decision making. Some clients do whatever their stylist or beauty know your skill and level of service. Selling new and specialty professional tells them to do. If your major focus is on taking care services to existing clients increases sales and creates a greater need of the needs of the people you already service, you will retain those for your services. There are steps to figuring out if you will be able to clients and attract more clients like them by way of referrals. offer certain specialty services: Identifying your clientele and grouping them will help you identify ●● Are you professionally trained to offer these services? who you are as a professional. If you are repeatedly called in for ●● Is your facility licensed to offer the services you are considering? wedding makeup and video shoots, this is probably your personal ●● Can you maintain the products and equipment needed to provide specialty. If, every day for the last three months, you have serviced these services to your client base? only individuals with naturally curly, kinky, or coiled hair textures, ●● Are the services appropriate for the clientele that you service? most would consider you a specialist of naturally-textured hair. This is ●● Will this service or process blend into your company processes as just a basic example; you will have to evaluate closely to define who they exist? you are as a beauty professional. Overall, this identifying mark will ●● Is this all about money, or do you see benefits for your existing assist you in marketing yourself and your business. clientele?
Types of Cosmetologists Trendsetters Trendsetters are always spearheading new and improved techniques A strong marketing plan is essential. Know who your potential and skills. If you are the first in your area to offer a new service, you customers are to avoid offering new and trendy services to people who can base your price on prices from areas that are already offering the would not benefit from the new services. service. Be aware! Do not offer services just because you watched a Trendsetters will face danger if they do not acknowledge the video and it looks lucrative. Cash cows are not always as they seem. following: Your interest in these new services should prompt you to conduct ●● Necessary advanced training required for new services, research and practice before adding them to your list of available techniques, and tools. services. ●● Specialty insurance coverage is needed for services offered. If the services have a reputation or seem to pose a danger of causing Insurance companies are very specific regarding which types of hair loss, hair damage, infection, allergic reactions, or adverse effects, mishaps they will cover in the case of lawsuits or insurance claims. etc., proceed with caution. If you choose to accept the risk of any As you consider adding new services to your pricelist, inform your service, you should be aware that your business and reputation will insurance company. bear the brunt of any negative impacts. ●● Facilities have to be licensed for certain services. For example, tattoos are not regulated by Cosmetology Boards. Body art,
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 3 piercings, and branding type services are not to be performed in ●● All trends are not long-lasting: Trendsetters face the challenge salon environments unless the facility has been approved by all of expiring trends. If you are looking to offer a service for a necessary regulatory boards. few weeks or while quantities last, you have to be prepared for ●● Research must be performed on the services. Be aware of what this based on client services purchased in the past and the client you are taking on and make sure you are prepared to offer a high information you have gathered. level of service. Classic If your service list is basic, you are probably considered a classic in putting any effort into staying abreast of changes in the services that your field. For instance, “Jill” may be an esthetics master that offers you consistently offer? Being reliable is a wonderful reputation to specialty facial scrubs and chemical peels and microdermabrasion have. People need to know that you will be there and that you will services. “David” has mastered high quality basic facials and warm deliver consistently over the years. Clients however, do not want to towels over the years of his beauty career, and has no intention or watch your consistency turn stale or boring. interests in changing what works for his clients and their skin care Classic beauty professionals will face some of the following regimen. There is no better out of the two. Services offered are strictly challenges: a matter of personal preference. There is a difference in risk and cost. ●● Maintaining a high level of customer service and professionalism The classic cosmetologist probably will have less costs associated with with all clients. expenses. It may even be easier to budget because processes will not ●● Offering great salon services even if these do not change change much over the years. A cutting edge beauty professional may frequently. After doing something hundreds or thousands of times, have higher cost with new products, training for continuing education, you should not start skipping steps. and advanced training with specialists. The upside is that, the higher ●● Ensuring a healthy relationship with clients and co-workers by cost of the service for the provider, the costs for the customer increase remaining trustworthy and staying within professional boundaries. as well. ●● Some clients will seek out new services and products elsewhere if Be aware that there are dangers with becoming stagnant in they cannot get them from you. your services and skills. As with any skill, things change, and ●● Losing energy for the industry. Becoming stagnant can cause advancements are made periodically by the regulatory agencies existing clients to lose interest in your services and repel new controlling the standards and practices of each field. Are you clients from seeking your product. Goal–driven success Who are you as a beauty professional? Are you a combination of these types? Now that you have an answer to those questions, setting goals will assist in advancing you to the next steps of your career.
Goal setting A goal-setter knows what they want out of their career. They create a planning. Goal-driven success can begin by writing down your plan, or sets goals to achieve the things that matter most. Goal-setters personal and professional desires. Then list ways you can attain the have a desire to succeed. The perception of success can differ for things you want. Evaluate realistic options for obtaining the smaller each individual. Material possessions may be a motivation. Or maybe things required to get what you want. becoming a published artist is the goal. You may want to be an artistic When you consider what you want to accomplish in your salon, director for your company. With proper planning and mentorship, all consider what it will take to reach your goals. With any business your goals are within reach. Setting long-term goals will help direct venture, you have to create a sensible, sound, and solid plan. Before all your actions. Long-term goals can be broken down into short-term things are considered, the need for a high level of customer service has goals, and short-term goals can be small enough to be completed to be at the top of the priority list. High quality service is attainable for each day. Goal-setters maintain focus on the long-term goal finished any beauty professional who seeks to please their clients. results. Short-term goals can be attained with detailed and focused
Earn what you are worth Designing a reasonable and suitable pricing structure for your beauty well. If your new client volume is created mostly by word of business is a process that requires serious evaluation of your services mouth, you are on the right track. and skills. If you are the salon owner or booth renter, the responsibility 3. Your prices have been the same for over five years. There of setting prices is yours. We spoke of all the things that make clients are some companies that offer raises yearly or based upon stay in your facility. A high level of customer service and attention to sales. Some items are sold based on market value. These the details in regards the customer’s level of comfort will keep your prices change and increase quite frequently. Unfortunately, salon busy. Now, we have to make sure that the clients are paying you professionals can forget themselves when it comes to cost what you are worth. of living increases. Three years ago, your gas, milk, eggs, Some ways of knowing you may be due for a raise: and clothing were likely less expensive. You have to make 1. High retention rate. If most of your customers are returning, adjustments in your pricing to accommodate your lifestyle. this means they are satisfied with your services. Clients stay 4. You have paid for extensive training that earned you a title where they feel their needs are being met and they feel their or a skill that will be used in your business on a consistent business is appreciated. basis. We pay doctors more because they have a doctorate 2. Word of mouth referrals. Word of mouth referrals are an degree. Experience and training were not free to obtain. It honor because existing clients respect and appreciate your should not be free for people to utilize and benefit from your services enough to bring others in to receive your services as investments. 5. You have rave reviews online about your service and your business.
Page 4 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Some ways of knowing you are not in the position to raise your ●● You are the ‘back-up’ person for many of your client’s regular prices: service providers. ●● You have a high level of customer complaints. If customers are ●● You find yourself unoccupied on days when others in the salon are asking for refunds or refusing to pay because of bad service, an busy. evaluation of staff members, skill levels, and available training ●● You find that your training is outdated. People are not purchasing must take place immediately to avoid a total loss of your business. your services because they are going to the people who offer the ●● Clients come in for one or maybe even two visits, but never updated services that they prefer. become regular clients. ●● You have read bad reviews of your business online. Design a lucrative pricing structure There are numerous ways to set a pricing structure for any business. Here are some basic steps that will help you design a suitable The purpose of evaluating the pricing structure for your business pricing structure or raising prices for your business: is to secure reasonable income based on the skills you have and the 1. Evaluate service pricing of competitors in the area. services you offer. The basic components of your pricing structure 2. Evaluate actual services offered and the quality of services include what your expenses, or what you have to pay for. Location offered at competitors. fees, like rent, mortgage, and utilities; supplies; wages if you have 3. If there are little to no competitors in your area, you have employees; and building and grounds maintenance are some of the more freedom in pricing because you are a specialty in the expenses that have to be paid from service sale money. The prices area. But, beware that this may indicate that your services are charged to your customers have to be enough to cover the operational not a need in the area. Perform market research to determine cost of the business plus making a profit. The city or area in which you who lives in the areas, their median incomes, and various offer services can determine the type of customers you will attract. If other factors. These facts can be researched easily by internet you are in an area where services are offered at very low prices, you searching ‘median income’ in your specific area of interest. will have to take that into consideration when you create your pricing 4. Listen to your clients. They will make comments that let you structure. This is not to say that a high-earner needs to work harder in know what they have paid elsewhere. If they are commenting order to compete with low prices. This will drain you and take away that your prices are lower than other places, this may be a from the high level of customer service that high-earners have to problem. Why should the salon down the street get paid more display. Taking competitor pricing into consideration allows you to see for the same type of work? what they offer at these prices. If you know that your product is high 5. Take the total service sales per month or week then deduct quality and you have what your customers need, you can charge what the expense amount per month or week. Divide the time you you are worth with no regard to the competition. Essentially, you offer spend on clients in the same time period. This is what you a better service experience. made per hour. This is a complex industry and it is not exactly per-hour work, but If you decide that your hourly rate is too low, you have to determine some salon professionals like to average a certain amount per hour fair pricing. Take into consideration your personal speed of service. based on service prices and timing. Your prices should not be so low If you find that you are slow or are easily distracted and do not focus that you are earning less than a legal wage. solely on completing services, you may not need to raise pricing just Customers respect beauty professional’s natural and professional yet. Your focus may need to be on increasing the level of service you talents and most are willing to pay for them. Ways for you to show provide to your customers. This will take you back to your self- your respect for the industry include good business practices, and evaluation. Are you focused more on your personal needs or those of fair, competitive pricing. If you show respect for the industry, clients your clients? If you find that you are ready to increase your prices, will follow your lead. Clients are very educated via blogs, magazines, decide a date in which these changes will occur. Informing clients of professional columnists, and various social media outlets. They know these changes with a notice is appreciated since people include their what to expect when they visit salons and spas. It is your responsibility beauty care in their budgets. to be aware of what is expected as well. This will allow you to produce Do not apologize for price increases. This is not a foul that you are a high level of quality. Your pricing should not be what attracts your committing against your clients. If you are providing high quality customers as you should be attracting customers based on high quality service, you should be earning a wage that is reflective of such. Price services. The price is what is to be expected for a high level of quality. increases do not limit you. Price increases will eliminate people who are not willing to pay for service. Price increases will also eliminate working for free or less than an average wage. If you are offering a great service, clients will continue purchasing your services with no question. You will make what you are worth.
Retaining Customers Maintain professionalism The importance of professionalism in salons and spas cannot be It is important to always maintain professionalism. Familiarity with taken for granted. Leaders have the responsibility of setting the clients cannot allow us to slip a few obscenities into a conversation standard of professionalism in most business environments. Many or discuss less than professional matters in a setting of a business beauty professionals work independently, so the responsibility is transaction. When a customer is paying for a service, we do not each licensee’s. Understanding the requirements of professionalism want to talk to them as though they are our therapist. But here’s the will have a profound effect on the success of your business. reality check: You are sometimes viewed by clients as a therapist! Communication, environment, and appearance are three Numerous clients share, or overshare, personal information regularly components of professionalism we will examine closely. with hairstylists, manicurists, and other service industry professionals. Do you show a high regard to your client’s secrets? Clients should be
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 5 able to trust that their beauty or personal issues will not be shared with confidentiality clause or you have no contract, your personal use of anyone. Are you treating your co-workers with the same respect and ethics should prevent you from divulging information that is not yours dignity that you did when you first met them? Are you too familiar to share. with your co-workers or staff? Whether your contract contains a
Communication Communication is one of the most powerful tools in the world. lived. The worst feeling is someone looking at you after a business Dealing with clients requires patience, and a listening ear. transaction and saying, ‘This is not what I was talking about.’ If there Communication is not just talking. It is body language, written are ever unclear details, you can always use a visual or use words signs, words spoken, and reactions to words spoken. Verbal to be descriptive about what the finished results should be. Keep communication can be the foundation of strong client-provider communication professional and always make sure your client’s relationships. Bad verbal or written communication can cause the feelings and needs are at the forefront of all verbal and written foundation of relationships to be unclear, rude-natured, and short- communication.
Environment Do you patronize businesses that have rude, ill-trained employees, managers, clients can tell. Create an environment where the drama is dirty displays, or dirty bathrooms? If your answer was no, you can minimized for the sake of client comfort. We all have disagreements, probably remember back to the day that you went into a particular and sometimes we have certain dislikes for co-workers and even business and decided you were not going back. Clean, neat, and clients. We should never ignore the needs of our clients by treating organized service areas and wonderful staff can create a peaceful anyone in a way that is below the company standard. Treating people and lucrative environment. It is good to feel like the employees of how you would like to be treated is always an approach that creates a businesses actually want to be there when customers come in. When professional, drama-free environment. the environment is filled with tension and disgruntled employees and
Appearance Employees should always look like employees. In a profession from cosmetologists that are dirty, sloppy, or immodestly dressed. that is so deeply rooted in appearances, our personal grooming It distracts attention away from the client. Some salons have no should always be a priority. Wearing the most expensive fashions boundaries. There are many beauty professionals that have exposed is never necessary. Cleanliness, neatness, and modesty are the main tattoos, or piercings, or edgy dress codes, or wear business casual. factors to be considered when appearing professional. Some salons There is no right or wrong way in an artistic field like cosmetology. require a simple, all-black dress code. Some salons have no dress code The most important is that you are not offensive to your at all. In booth rental environments, there is usually no restriction customers. You have to be clear on the standards in your particular on what independent contractors wear. Some salons draw different business if you would like to be more edgy or outside the box with clientele based on how the employees look. Clean, well-styled hair your appearance. Your appearance should always be reflective of with professionally applied color, makeup, or beauty enhancements what you want your clients to think of you as a professional in your are a part of professional presentation. Clients will not want services industry.
Conclusion Now you should be able to perform a self-evaluation, describe how to provide exceptional service consistently, identify what type of beauty professional you are, design a suitable pricing structure, discuss why competitive pricing matters and why raising prices does not limit you, and clearly state what you should be doing to maintain professionalism in your facility. After completing these exercises, you will be able to gauge, design, and improve performance standards for your business.
Page 6 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Chapter 2: Our Body’s Chemistry: Hair, Skin, and Nails
2 CE Hours
By: JoAnn Stills
Learning objectives ●● List several of the major functions of the integumentary system. ●● Recall tips for keeping clients and staff safe from chemical ●● Recognize the six elements that account for over 99% of the exposure in the salon setting. human body. ●● Relate knowledge of chemical makeup and pH to product ●● Define pH and discuss levels of acidity and alkalinity. selection. ●● Explain why high pH products may have a drying effect on hair, skin, and nails. Introduction Cosmetology is the professional practice of beautifying the skin, The chart below shows some of the major functions of the hair, and nails: All components of the body’s largest organ system, integumentary system: the integumentary system. The cosmetology industry survives on Waste removal Interfaces with the Protects against human services focusing on the integumentary system, and therefore in (excretion) through environment as the first pathogens and order to provide quality cosmetic services, it is essential that licensed sweat. line of defense from excessive water external factors. loss and controls cosmetologists have a working understanding of the functions, evaporation. chemical makeup, and proper treatment of the organs within the Langerhans cells in Sensory functions from Thermoregulation and integumentary system: Skin, hair, and nails. the skin are part of nerve endings indicate temperature detection. the adaptive immune touch, pressure, The integumentary system serves to protect the human body from system. vibration, and tissue outside elements. It functions to keep our internal organs free from injury, etc. damage, but also serves many other purposes such as waterproofing Acts as a water resistant Absorbs oxygen, Guards the underlying and insulating the deeper tissues, regulating temperature, and removing barrier to hold essential nitrogen, and carbon muscles, bones, wastes. It serves in the detection of pressure, pain, and sensation and nutrients in the body. dioxide - the cells ligaments, and internal comprising the organs. provides for vitamin D synthesis. outermost .25-.20 mm of skin are almost exclusively supplied by external oxygen! Stores lipids and water. Insulates and cushions. Produces vitamin D, Folates. For all of the above reasons and more, the integumentary system is essential to the effective functioning of the entire human body. As a licensed cosmetologist, your job entails not only beautifying the skin, hair, and nails, but also recommending appropriate home-care products to promote and prolong health and keep hair, skin, and nails maintained in the best possible condition. Mastering an understanding of the chemical makeup of the skin, hair, and nails is an important part of being able to provide these services. This course will provide you with the need-to-know information regarding chemical makeup relevant to the salon industry.
Chemical makeup It is impossible to determine the exact chemical composition of and interacting within the human body. Six elements – oxygen, the human body, as each cell is a mixture of thousands of different carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus account chemicals. However, scientific speculation proposes that the average for over 99% of the human body. The most abundant chemical in chemical makeup of the adult human body would be similar to the every human body is water (H20), which composes between 65- following formula: 90% of every living cell, closely followed by carbon (C). Because H375,000,000O132,000,000C85,700,000N6,430,000Ca1,500,000 differentiated cells don’t vary hugely by chemical composition, the P1,020,000S206,000Na183,000K177,000Cl127, formula provided above should be reasonably accurate for human skin, 000Mg40,000Si38,600Fe2,680Zn2,110Cu76I14Mn13F13Cr7Se4 hair, and nails with the exception of calcium and phosphorus, which Mo3Co1 would be significantly lower due to their concentration in bone. While this is not an exact representation for any one individual, it To truly understand the chemical makeup of the skin, hair, and nails, gives an idea of the many different chemical components coexisting it helps to understand the composition of each organ. Organs are
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 7 made of tissues, which are groups of similar cells that work together when trying to determine the chemical formula for particular to perform a certain function. Each of these cells is composed of components (such as skin, hair, and nails) within the body. What organelles, or very tiny structures that perform certain tasks within we do know with certainty is that hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, the cells. Organelles are then made up of various materials including sulfur, and phosphorus normally makeup more than 99% of the proteins. These proteins are made up of various amino acids. The mass of living cells. Therefore, an understanding of how different chemical formula of an amino acid is easily definable, experimentally chemical compounds interact with each of these elements can provide quantifiable, and tells with exactitude what the amino acid is and what insight into how chemical compounds will interact with and affect it does. It is only at this miniscule level that we are able to cleanly the cells in the human body. The best and most straightforward way identify the various different chemical components working within the to do this is to learn about pH levels within the body, which provides human body. applicable insight into how our bodies interact with different chemical components. This shows the extreme complexity of the chemical makeup of the human body and highlights the uncertainty that remains
The pH Balance What is pH? We have discussed several different chemical elements, such as cleaners are also reactive due to the presence of lye, an extremely oxygen (O), Carbon (C), and Hydrogen (O), but the acronym “pH” is alkaline chemical. Obviously, these reactive chemicals are harmful much different. Rather than a symbol used for an element (no, pH does to the human body and can cause damage to the skin, hair, and nails. not stand for phosphorous, which is denoted as “P”), pH is actually an Those chemicals that are neutral, such as pure water, have little if any abbreviation for “power of hydrogen,” where “p” is short for “potenz” negative impact. or the German word for power, and H is the element symbol for The average hair, skin, and nails have a pH level of 5, generally hydrogen. falling between 4.5 and 6. However, this is not a true indicator of pH pH can be defined as the negative log of hydrogen ion for these components of the integumentary system due to a protective concentration in a water-based solution. Based on a logarithmic film of oily acidic secretion that coats and lubricates the surface of the scale that runs from 0 to 14, pH levels indicate the acidity or basicity skin and scalp. This combination of oils and water-soluble materials (alkalinity) of a substance compared to that of pure water (which has is referred to as our acid mantle. The acid mantle is produced by the a pH level of 7). Any substance with a pH value below 7 is ten times skin and protects the hair, skin, and nails from outside elements and more acidic than the higher value, and each whole pH value above 7 is chemicals. ten times less acidic than the one below it. A pH of 7 is neutral (pH of The pH level of the acid mantle in various parts of the body tells pure water). a great deal about the health of our integumentary system and pH Value Acidity or alkalinity compared with gives insight into the cosmetic procedures that would be helpful pure water for a particular individual. For example, the average pH on the Acidic 0 10,000,000 surface of the scalp is 4.8; yet, as we measure the pH on the hair at further distances from the scalp, the pH value increases. This shows 1 1,000,000 that less of the acid mantle reaches the ends of longer hair, meaning 2 100,000 the ends of the hair are less protected than hair closer to the roots. 3 10,000 The scalp’s oils keep the hair lubricated and shiny, while its acidity 4 1,000 keeps the fiber compact and strong. This is why it is necessary to apply increased products to the ends of the hair, in order to maintain the 5 100 shine and strength. For weak or damaged hair, it may be appropriate 6 10 to use products with higher acidity and increased moisture. Finding Neutral 7 (pure water) 1 products with a pH that is compatible with a person’s natural biology 8 10 is essential to proper cosmetic care. 9 100 Due to the bodies’ natural chemistry, products with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 are 10 1,000 compatible with the natural biology 11 10,000 of the skin and scalp, whereas higher 12 100,000 pH levels are incompatible and can 13 1,000,000 have a drying effect. These products maintain a mildly acidic environment Alkaline 14 10,000,000 that closely resembles the environment of Acidic and basic are two extremes that describe chemicals, just like our acid mantle. We call these products hot and cold are two extremes that describe temperature. Mixing acids “acid balanced.” This is important to note and bases can cancel out their extreme effects, much like mixing because when high pH (basic) products hot and cold water can even out the water temperature. A substance come in contact with the hair, the solution that is neither acidic nor basic is neutral. When chemicals are mixed is absorbed through the cuticle layer into with water, the mixture can become either acidic or basic. Vinegar the cortex layer of the hair. This imbalance and lemon juice are acidic substances, while laundry detergents and of pH causes the hair to swell, which ammonia are basic. forces the cuticle layers to be stretched. Chemicals that are very basic or very acidic are called “reactive.” This puts the hair into an unnatural state These chemicals can cause severe burns. For example, automobile and, more often than not, causes breakage. battery acid is an acidic chemical that is reactive and a stronger For example, washing a person’s hair form of some of the same acid that is in acid rain. Household drain
Page 8 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com with baking soda may clean it thoroughly, but the high pH level (8.1) There are some chemical services used in cosmetology that require a indicates it is very alkaline and will have a drying effect on the hair. high pH to work properly. At the same time apple cider vinegar has a much more acidic pH, If you encounter a product that does not have the pH number somewhere between 2.8 and 3.0, making it more potent in maintaining listed on the label, you can use pH test paper or nitrazine paper a healthy pH in the body by restoring alkaline acid balance. Therefore, to determine the correct pH. Just dip the paper into the solution you it is often used as a conditioner for extremely dry, alkaline hair. The are testing. A product with 4.5 pH or below will not change the paper most effective cosmetic products (i.e. shampoos, conditioners, hair from its original yellow shade. A higher pH will change the color to colors, tints, etc.) will have the right level of pH (4.5 to 5.5). Chemists dark blue (4.6 to 7.4), and any product with a pH over 7.5 will turn the have found that most ingredients work best at a specific pH balance. paper purple.
The significance of pH The acid mantle contains lactic acid and various amino acids from There are various skin conditions that can cause an increase in sweat, free fatty acids from sebum (an oily substance that makes the skin pH, including eczema, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, skin and hair waterproof and protects them from drying out) and amino and dry skin. Skin conditions that increase pH: acids (the building blocks of protein). If the acid mantle becomes ●● Eczema. disrupted or damaged or loses its acidity, the skin becomes more ●● Contact dermatitis. prone to damage and infection. The surface pH of damaged skin ●● Atopic dermatitis. has been shown to be increased over the average level, creating ●● Dry skin. susceptibility to bacterial skin infections, fungal infections, or further Treatment for these conditions most often includes very acidic topical skin damage and disease. creams because individuals with skin problems typically have skin Washing skin with soaps or detergents can cause the loss of acid pH values above 6. More alkaline environments also tend to support mantle. A single washing can shift pH to the alkaline region, which acne. Unfortunately for acne sufferers, most commercially available typically reverts back to normal within a few hours. However, soaps are very alkaline, with pH values ranging from 9 to 11. This repetitive washing can alter the natural pH level in of the skin, nails, only compounds the problem, altering the skin’s pH to a more alkaline and hair to the point where it is not able to recover for up to 14 value, and creating an environment even more conducive to acne. hours. With an altered pH level, the skin, hair, and nails can become Acute eczema with erosion can also cause skin surface pH to shift damaged; and by the time it takes to restore natural pH levels, it is from normal to 7.3 or 7.4 (this is a 1,000-fold increase in the pH generally time to wash again. This creates a cycle of damage that is shift; remember, pH is measure in logarithmic function). The entire hard to break without the proper treatments, and this is why using skin surface pH is increased on skin of people with atopic dermatitis. conditioners and treatments with higher acidity levels can help to Furthermore, an increased skin pH contributes to staphylococcus protect and maintain the skin, hair, and nails. It is possible to buy aureus colonization, which can play a role in the formation of atopic pH balanced cosmetic products such as lotions and shampoos. These dermatitis, discoid eczema, and infective dermatitis. products have pH levels that are closest to the body’s natural pH and Diseases that can cause an increase in skin surface pH include effectively keep the skin, hair, and nails from either drying out or diabetes, chronic renal failure, and cerebrovascular disease. becoming too oily. Studies show individuals with diabetes have a decreased level of skin lactic acid. An increase in skin surface pH encourages bacterial growth, making individuals with diabetes more prone to certain skin infections. Furthermore, the use of skin occlusive products, such as dressings and diapers, are known to raise skin pH and may be associated with skin infections.
Maintaining healthy pH levels Knowing which products to use – from cleansers to conditioners surface. The Unites States carries very low-pH soaps and cleansers and and other treatments – can help maintain healthy pH levels for formulas that have a neutral pH (called “syndet” – chemically, they are your clients’ skin, hair, and nails. Cosmetologists must receive not soaps, but rather synthetic detergent in a bar form). Other countries appropriate training in the safe and effective use of each system for have a pH of 9.5 to 10.5, which is inherent to a sodium soap composed care of the skin, hair, and nails. In addition, all products should be used of fatty acids. in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations. Knowing Knowing about pH can also assist in regards to proper exfoliation your products will help you make the best decisions for the care of techniques. One of the risks of exfoliant use is related to the pH of the your clients. product. pH values lower than 3.5 tend to strip the barrier function of For example, there are three main types of cleaning agents: Soaps, the skin, removing protective lipids between the cells and leaving the synthetic detergents, and lipid-free cleansing agents. Soaps typically skin dehydrated, red, and inflamed. In general, do not use products make the skin more alkaline than synthetic detergents. Acidic with a pH of less than 3.5. Learn to analyze the skin properly, and cleaners are less irritating than neutral or alkaline ones, and people make sure the product is in the right base vehicle for the client’s skin. prone to dry skin are typically advised to use acidic cleansers. Agents Do not use more than one exfoliant product at a time on a client, and with slightly acidic or neutral pH (nonionic) may be preferable for make sure the plan of treatment proceeds at a steady, slow pace. individuals who are at increased risk for irritating skin reactions. You may recommend to individuals with skin conditions that they choose a mild cleaning agent with a low pH. Even minor differences in the pH of skin cleaning preparations can cause irritation to the skin’s
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 9 Chemicals and the Body How our body chemistry interacts with outside chemicals Our environment and habits can also on the lookout for any adverse reactions after using chemicals on your affect our chemical makeup. For clients. example, although our skin naturally Due to an influx of permanent makeup tattooing, the FDA has begun changes as we age, increasing time and laboratory research through the National Center for Toxicological exposure to sunlight can cause rapid Research to find out more about the chemical composition of tattoo aging and other damage to the hair, inks, how they metabolize in the body, short-term and long-term safety skin, and nails. In addition, introducing effects, and more information on how the body interacts with the ink chemicals through the form of smoking and light. These are the first systematic studies on the safety of tattoo can also take a toll on the body and inks to date and are teaching scientists more about how our bodies’ increase wrinkling of the skin after chemistry reacts to ink and more about safe removal of tattoos using prolonged use. In the case of sun or Dermatitis due to a temporary tattoo laser light. In terms of removal, they are seeking to answer the question (dolphin) made with black henna. smoke damaged skin, the Food and Drug of what happens to the tattoo ink when exposed to laser lights. One Administration has only approved a few This file is licensed under theCreative theory supports that the body cells digest and destroy the ink, similar to Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 products that are proven to revitalize the the process of fighting bacterial and other infections. Some inks, such International license. skin. There are various products on the as Pigment Yellow 74, may actually be broken down by enzymes. It is market today that can soothe dry skin thought that the body is able to metabolize small amounts of the tattoo and reduce age spots. Learning more about these products can help ink, making it more water soluble, and excrete it out of the body. you and your clients to combat the signs of aging. Another theory suggests that sunlight can cause ink to break down, as Modifications that people make to their skin (such as piercings, tattoos, many tattoos will fade out when repeatedly exposed to sunlight. The and permanent makeup) can also change the chemical makeup of the same pigment - Pigment Yellow 74 - thought to be broken down by skin. These changes can create health risks that a cosmetologist enzymes, also breaks down in sunlight, decomposing into components should be aware of, including allergic reactions, keloids (a type of that are colorless. This theory suggests that the components of the scar that forms during healing), and infections (such as hepatitis). pigment break down but remain in the body, which could also raise Allergic reactions to the inks used in tattooing and permanent makeup concerns about the chemical composition of the body following a can also cause skin problems, such as rashes, that were never present tattoo removal. Another possibility is that the skin cells containing the before. These reactions are often immediate, but can occur even ink are killed by the removal process and the products resulting from years later. There have also been reports of itchy or inflamed skin the breakdown are then dispersed throughout the body. It has been surrounding tattoos during summer months after tattooed individuals proven that some of the pigment actually moves through the body and have spent time in the sun. This irritation can be compounded when settles in the body’s lymph nodes (fluid-carrying vessels in the body chemical products are introduced to that area, so cosmetologists must that filter out disease-causing organisms). use caution when working with tattooed skin. There are also internal chemical changes that can affect our bodies, Henna and hair dyes can also be used to stain the skin temporarily. skin, nails, and hair. For example, as a woman’s body progresses Tattoo ink, henna, and hair dye have not been approved by the FDA through puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, there are for injection or topical use on the skin, and some people have reported fluctuations in her bodies’ chemistry that can affect the chemical serious skin problems resulting from the use of both henna and black composition of her hair, nails, and skin. These physiological changes henna. Some people will develop serious allergies to hair dyes and affect the woman in many different ways and should also affect the other chemical products, even if they have dyed their hair with no way that her hair, skin, and nails are treated in the salon. For example, allergic reaction in the past. during puberty, she may experience hypertrichosis, or an abnormal Furthermore, some people will attempt to remove tattoos using growth of hair in certain areas of her body. After this point, she may removal ointments and creams or do-it-yourself tattoo removal kits. need additional waxing and/or other maintenance that she did not need These too can cause serious chemical damage to the skin resulting prior to this phase in her life. A pregnant woman will need special in skin rashes, burns, or scars. Anytime a cosmetologist works with consideration as well. During this period, she also experiences an the skin, it is important to survey the skin for any breaks or signs influx or hormones. These changes can cause her skin to break out of allergic reactions or rashes. This can affect that client’s ability to and her hair and nails to grow faster. At the same time, she must be receive a skin treatment or other cosmetic services. Always be on the protected from certain chemicals as well, such as those found in hair lookout for any sign of distress before beginning a treatment, and stay dye or other chemical treatments. Working safely with chemicals Because maintaining a chemical balance in our bodies is so The toxicity of a substance depends on many factors, including: important, cosmetologists must also protect their clients (and ●● Type and form of chemical. themselves) from excessive chemical exposure. Working with ●● Dosage and length of time over which dosage occurred. chemicals in the salon requires special safety measures that vary ●● Exposure route (type of exposure). according to the particular chemical or combination of chemicals. All ●● Amount of absorption. substances are toxic, or poisonous, at a certain dose or exposure level. ●● Individual differences. Protecting your client and your own body from contact with certain ●● Presence of other chemicals. chemical substances or processes is absolutely necessary to maintain Fortunately, blocking these routes lowers the risk of exposure to toxic good health and safety in the workplace. chemicals. In the salon setting, all chemical products are required to Chemicals are able to enter the body in three main ways: come with product and hazard information on Safety Data Sheets. ●● As inhaled vapors. ●● Absorbed through the skin. ●● Ingested (eaten).
Page 10 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com These symptoms may include sleepiness or fatigue, headaches, nausea, ●● Genetic toxicity (somatic cells) results from damage to DNA nosebleeds, tingling of the extremities, scratchiness, or swelling, (known as mutagenesis). among other symptoms. Lower your risk of injury by knowing which Many salon chemicals are xenobiotics (chemicals foreign to the body), products emit toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe, or which which can cause toxicity by multiple mechanisms. Some compounds should not come in contact with the skin. Wear gloves when mixing or are toxic on their own; others must be metabolized (changed preparing formulas, and when recommended by Safety Data Sheets. chemically within the body) before they cause harm to the body. Many In most cases, the dosage is the most critical factor determining xenobiotics harm specific target organs. Others chemicals damage any whether a chemical will be an acute or a chronic toxicant. Almost all tissue with which they come into contact. The target organs affected chemicals can be acute toxicants if taken in sufficiently large doses. vary depending on dosage and type of exposure. The way the toxicity is expressed, as well as the organs it targets, is The form of a chemical is closely associated with its toxicity. Exposure often different for acute and chronic toxicity. route is also important in determining toxicity. Some chemicals are A range of toxic effects may occur, which are typically categorized highly toxic by one route but not by another, varying due to differences according to the location or locations of the toxic effect. If it occurs in in absorption and distribution throughout the body. Additionally, only one location, the site is referred to as the target organ. When toxic some chemicals are easily absorbed and others are not. A major factor effects occur at multiple sites, it is referred to as systemic toxicity. determining whether a toxicant will damage cells is its degree of lipid Systemic toxicities include: solubility. Lipid-soluble chemicals easily penetrate cell membranes. ●● Acute toxicity occurs almost immediately (hours/days) after an Once toxicants enter the body, they may be stored in the body or exposure. distributed throughout the body through the circulatory system. ●● Subchronic toxicity results from repeated exposure for several Two types of metabolism (also known as “biotransformation”), weeks or months. called “detoxification” and “bioactivation,” also influence toxicity. ●● Chronic toxicity represents cumulative damage to specific organ In detoxification, a xenobiotic is converted to a less toxic form, but systems and takes many months or years before the damage is may damage an organ in the process; in bioactivation, a xenobiotic is recognized. converted to a more toxic form. The location of the toxic chemicals ●● Carcinogenicity, a complex multistage process of abnormal cell and the process of metabolism determine where toxicity occurs in the growth and differentiation that can lead to cancer. body. Xenobiotics may target organs, blood, or other body tissues, ●● Developmental toxicity pertains to adverse toxic effects to the damaging them and affecting their function. developing embryo or fetus (results from exposure to parent).
The following chart provides several tips for keeping clients and staff safe from chemical exposure in the salon setting: Keep product containers closed so they cannot release vapors into the Use covered wastebaskets or garbage cans and avoid mixing waste air you’re breathing. materials. Empty the waste container frequently. Keep areas well ventilated and avoid inhaling dangerous fumes. Odors Dust masks are unable to protect against vapor molecules, which are do not indicate degree of safety or danger of a vapor, but can help alert many times smaller than dust particles. Some masks can protect against you to the existence of a vapor. Hazardous chemicals do not always mists. Dust masks lose effectiveness with increased time used, and smell bad. should be thrown away at the end of the day. Eating and drinking in the workplace too often leads to the ingestion Protect the eyes. Many common salon chemicals can cause severe and of salon chemicals. Drinks in cups easily attract dust and powdery permanent eye damage. Wear safety glasses and provide them for your substances. Hot liquids will even absorb vapors from the air. Always client when there is any possibility that a chemical may get in the eyes. keep food and drinks away from salon products and wash hands Protect your client’s eyes during facial treatments and scalp treatments. between work periods and breaks. Wearing contact lenses in a salon can be dangerous because vapors Spraying chemicals from aerosol containers produces a fine mist – collect on the surface of soft contact lenses, which can injure the eye. tiny droplets of the chemical that evaporate into the air and can be inhaled. The longer mists stay in the air, the more likely they are to be hazardous. Pump sprayers produce larger droplets, which cannot be inhaled as easily.
Vitamin supplements for skin, hair, and nails Another way to help protect the skin, hair, and nails is to fortify egg whites daily for several months can also lead to biotin deficiency. them from the inside out. Today, taking vitamins or supplements Symptoms of biotin deficiency can include thinning or discolored hair, to improve skin, hair, and nails has become very popular. There are the presence of a red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth, many over-the-counter products that boast stronger and healthier skin, and even in some cases severe depression, hallucinations, listlessness, hair, and nails. These can be found as both ingestible products and as and tinging in the arms and legs. Some cases of biotin deficiency have topical treatments. Many of these products contain varying levels of also been linked to cigarette smoking. There is currently no laboratory biotin, a vitamin that is found in small amounts in a variety of foods. test to determine biotin deficiency, which is diagnosed based on its Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a component of symptoms. our bodies’ enzymes that metabolizes certain substances like fats and Biotin is also known to treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails carbohydrates. such as hair loss, brittle nails, seborrheic dermatitis (skin rash in While we take in this vitamin naturally, it can be difficult to consume infants), diabetes, and mild depression. Preliminary evidence shows the level that is thought to be needed for healthy hair, skin, and nails, that biotin can be effective for treating hair loss when taken orally and the result is that many people are biotin deficient. This can affect along with zinc and a topical cream containing the chemical compound a person’s overall health, and is often the result of or associated with clobetasol propionate. In some cases where a diabetic patient has pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition, and rapid weight trouble controlling their blood sugar, biotin was shown to be effective loss. Studies have even shown that consuming two or more uncooked
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 11 in combination with chromium to lower blood sugar, balance good and thickness of their nails, while also strengthening their hair against bad cholesterols, and relieve diabetic nerve pain. breakage. Additional studies are still needed to prove the efficacy of In addition, consuming the proper level of biotin has shown positive biotin. Biotin can interact with some medication; so, just as with any effects for some people in strengthening fingernails and toenails. For chemical or medication, always consult with a healthcare professional people with brittle nails, taking biotin supplements may increase the before using and recommend your clients do the same.
Conclusion Working with the skin, hair, and nails requires careful observation skills and many contact hours with clients in need of cosmetic services. Therefore, knowing and understanding the chemical makeup of the body can help you to identify problems that require product adjustment or even recommendations for doctor’s care. If you have a concern, be sure to make your client aware and suggest that they seek qualified medical help prior to providing cosmetic services.
Page 12 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Chapter 3: An Overview of the Workers’ Compensation System in Florida
1 CE Hour
By: JoAnn Stills
Learning objectives Identify the primary responsibilities of the Florida Division of Identify the Bureau tasked with the responsibility of assisting, Workers’ Compensation. educating, and informing injured workers. Identify the departments of the Division of Workers’ Discuss the benefit rights of the injured worker. Compensation and their duties. Summarize the process of how to file a claim and how to resolve a dispute regarding a workers’ compensation claim. Introduction Many people in the U.S. have heard the term “workers’ comp,” awards, eliminating the need for litigation. These laws also provide and many understand it’s foundational principle: It protects benefits for dependents of those workers who are killed because of the worker when injured or ill as a result of working on the job work-related accidents or illnesses. Some laws also protect employers or being in their work environment. However, only some people and fellow workers by limiting the amount an injured employee can understand what it truly is, what it does, and how the system works. recover from an employer and by eliminating the liability of co- Unless an individual has had previous experience with a claim or workers in most accidents. State statutes establish this framework for knows someone who has, little is known about the rights of workers most employment. Federal statutes are limited to federal employees within this system, the benefit delivery process, and the necessary or those workers employed in some significant aspect of interstate time requirements when filing a claim. Workers’ compensation (WC) commerce. sometimes referred to as “workman’s compensation” or “workers’ The WC system is administered on a state-by-state basis, with a state comp”, is the name given to a system of laws meant to protect injured governing board overseeing varying public/private combinations of workers. WC systems. The names of such governing boards, or “quasi-judicial These WC laws are designed to ensure that employees who are agencies,” vary from state to state, many being designated as “WC injured or disabled on the job are provided with fixed monetary commissions.
Florida’s WC Each state legislature enacts statutes and laws to regulate the process, are denied or stopped; advises workers and provides reemployment the employers, workers, health care providers, insurance agencies, and services. other stakeholders involved in WC. In Florida, the entity responsible 4. Bureau of financial accountability: Accountable for WC is the Division of Workers’ Compensation located in Tallahassee. The assessment rate calculations, assessments collection unit, financial Division is accountable for the execution of the WC delivery system, accountability section, among other tasks. educating all stakeholders of their rights and responsibilities, and 5. Bureau of monitoring and audit: Regulate individual self- analyzing data obtained to deliver timely services and benefits.The insurers to ensure financial resources are available to pay Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation has a specific mission employee’s claims; monitor and audit carrier performance, benefit statement: payment accuracy, assess penalties for late reporting benefit “To actively ensure the self-execution of the workers’ payments or medical payments; provide technical assistance compensation system through education and informing all to customers through telephone contacts, training, and audit stakeholders of their rights and responsibilities, leveraging data to workshops. deliver exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders, and 6. Medical services section: Expert Medical Advisor certification holding parties accountable for meeting their obligations.” and database management; reimbursement dispute resolution; In order to effectively achieve this mission, the Division created investigate and determine healthcare provider utilization patterns, six departments, each with their respective duties and obligations. billing practices, or violations of law or rules that may require These are categorized as follows: penalties. 1. Bureau of compliance: Investigates employers to determine civil Later in the chapter, we will review the Employee Assistance and compliance along with other responsibilities. Ombudsmen Office responsibilities as they pertain to employees/ 2. Bureau of data quality and collection: Collect and analyze data workers. This bureau was created by the Florida legislature to inform and reporting of medical data provided under WC; also establish and educate injured workers and help resolve any issues or disputes and implement rules, requirements, and processes for electronic that may arise between any of the parties involved. For now, the big reporting of first report of injury, along with subsequent reports as picture is needed to understand each of the parts of the complete WC well as other duties. delivery system model in Florida. 3. Bureau of employee assistance and ombudsman office: Assist, The WC law in Florida can be found in Chapter 440, Florida Statutes educate and inform system participants, investigate disputes and and the Workers’ Compensation Rules in Florida’s Administrative facilitate resolutions. Reviews claims if injured workers benefits
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 13 Code, under Department of Financial Services, Division 69L. Florida involved in the WC system. The goal of the Division of Worker’s also provides a Workers’ Compensation Guide (Guide) with guidelines Compensation is to ensure that anyone interested or involved in the and resources to assist workers, employers, healthcare providers, and Florida WC system has the tools and resources needed to participate insurance companies involved in the process of a claim. Employers in the process, while following the rules and laws. The Division is are required by law to report a worker’s injury to the insurance not responsible for adjusting claims and/or reimbursement; they are a company within 7 days of when the accident or injury was first resource to help ensure the appropriate responsibilities are completed reported. The Florida statutes, laws, and resources protect all entities by each party.
Requirements to provide WC coverage In Florida, any employer in an industry, other than construction, local government, they are required to carry the coverage, also. and who has four (4) or more employees, full-time or part-time, Farmers have other requirements. An employee can find out if their is required to carry WC coverage. For the construction industry, employer has WC coverage by contact the Employee Assistance and if the employer has one or more employees, including themselves, Ombudsman Office or email [email protected]. they have to carry WC coverage and if the employer is a state or
Classification of salon workers In many businesses including the salon industry, there exist The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) states that most salon unscrupulous salon owners who will exploit workers in the owners rely on independent contractors to work in their salon. Today, cosmetology field by not classifying them correctly with the Internal more than 90% of all salons have no direct employees, meaning Revenue Service (IRS). The worker may indeed be an employee, they either have just one person cutting hair or rely completely and fit the IRS definitions of an employee, but to save on WC costs, on independent contractors. Meanwhile, more than a third of all employee taxes, etc.…, the owners categorize the worker as an hairdressers, stylists, and cosmetologists are self-employed, compared independent contractor/booth renter. By classifying a worker this to just 7% of the overall workforce (thinkprogress.org). way, the worker is actually “self-employed” and responsible for It is critical to understand the classification of salon workers their own taxes and insurance, relieving the salon owner of any WC because much is based on this categorization. If an individual expenditures. The IRS and many states have adopted common law is an employee, they need to ensure their employer is paying their principles to define an independent contractor. These rules focus employment tax, as well as WC for the individual. At the same time, primarily on the level of control an employer has over a service or this individual (employee) has little freedom to run his business product, meaning, whether or not the employer actually defines what is as he wishes, but also has less financial costs. If the individual is a being done and how it will be accomplished. booth renter in a salon, they are self-employed and categorized as If any questions arise as to whether a worker is an employee or self- an independent contractor. The salon owner has very limited control employed, go to the IRS webpage at https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/ over the worker, but does not have to pay employment tax, insurance, Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Independent-Contractor-Self- and WC. Many salon owners may have a lack of knowledge when it Employed-or-Employee. There is an abundance of information on the comes to employee labor laws so it is the responsibility of the worker, topic. as well as the salon owner to know their tax responsibilities. The independent contractor has quite a few freedoms but must be diligent in paying their own self-employment taxes, income tax, medical insurance, etc. The IRS provides information for both the owner and worker of a salon on how to classify a worker. This information is easy to understand, unlike the complicated tax forms. Go to IRS at https:// www.irs.gov/Individuals/Self-Employed.
The process of a WC claim in Florida Understanding the process of how a claim is filed and what the injured The injured worker must ask the employer what doctor they worker’s, employer’s, medical doctor’s, and insurance companies’ can see. The doctor must be authorized by the employer or the responsibilities are empowers all stakeholders. Knowledge is power. insurance company. If the employer is not available, and the injury The injured worker has certain duties to complete after an injury or is an emergency, than the worker must be transported to the nearest occupational illness occurs. The first duty is to tell the employer as emergency room and inform the employer as soon as possible. soon as possible about the injury. The law requires the worker to report the accident or knowledge of a job-related injury within 30 days of their own knowledge of the accident or injury.
The employer is required by law to report the injury to the insurance company within seven (7) days of when the report or accident was reported to them. They may tell the injured worker to call the insurance company handling the claim. If the employer does not give a phone number to the insurance company and does not report the injury
Page 14 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com to the insurance company, the worker needs to call the WC hotline for Once the injured worker has seen the medical doctor authorized to assistance at (800) 342-1741. treat them, they will need to give the doctor’s note to the employer to inform them of the worker’s status. At this time, the authorized After the report is filed with the insurance company, most will doctor will be able to inform the worker if they can return to work, and have an insurance adjuster call the injured worker within 24 if so, if they have a full release to return to original job responsibilities. hours to explain the worker’s rights and obligations. If a message If the release is limited, the employer will either find a job the injured is left on voicemail, they will expect the injured worker to call as worker is capable of performing or release the employee if they do not soon as possible so the injured worker knows where to go for medical have another position available. treatment. Within 3-5 business days after the employer or the injured worker has reported the accident, an informational brochure is sent to It is important that the injured worker contact the insurance company the injured worker and a Notification Letter explaining the services to let them know what the doctor said about the injury or illness and provided by the Employee Assistance Office of the Division of inform them of their work status. If the injured worker is unable to Workers’ Compensation. Some forms may be sent as well. work for more than seven (7) days, they should receive money to partly replace what they were not able to earn after the accident. These forms may include the following: There are several types of disability benefits related to the status of ●● Copy of the accident report or First Report of Injury or Illness. the injured worker. The next section will discuss this further. The ●● A fraud statement which must be read, signed, and returned so following graphic illustrates the claim process from the point of injury benefits are not withheld. through acceptance or denial. The complete process will appear later in ●● Release of medical records for the injured worker to sign and this chapter. return. ●● Medical mileage reimbursement forms to complete after seeking medical treatment and send to the claims adjuster for reimbursement.
Worker’s Compensation Benefit Rights Employers are required to pay for medical treatment necessary on past earnings and work restrictions placed on the worker by the to treat the condition related to the workplace injury or illness. physician authorized to treat them. Under Florida law, an injured This includes doctors’ visits, physical therapy, hospital visits, worker is not paid for the first seven (7) days of the injury unless the prescription medication, and diagnostic tests. The Florida WC injury results in a disability for more than 21 days. In that case, the law entitles the injured worker to receive certain benefits (money) to worker will be paid back for the first seven (7) days after the injury. replace their lost time while recovering. These benefits usually do not The money (benefit) received is tax-free and a check is usually paid 21 reimburse the worker for lost wages; the amount received depends days after the accident or injury.
Amount of money The amount of money to be paid to the worker will be based on their compensation for lost wages, and compensation for permanent partial average weekly wage. This is calculated by using the wages earned or total disability. in the 13 weeks before the date of injury, not counting the week the worker was hurt. If a WC claim is allowed, the worker will be eligible for WC benefits. These benefits include medical benefits,
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 15 Total temporary disability benefits If the authorized doctor places the injured worker on a “no work” 1. The worker reaches overall maximum medical improvement status while they recover, the worker is entitled to a check for 662/3 (MMI). The authorized doctor determines that there are no other % of their weekly wage which is paid every two weeks. This will treatment options that will improve the condition. continue until: 2. Under Florida law, the worker is entitled to a maximum of 104 weeks of temporary benefits; when the 104th week is reached, the benefits are cut off, regardless of the medical condition. Temporary partial disability benefits If the authorized doctor states the injured worker can return to work Example: If you are on a restricted work status and your average with some physical restrictions, the worker is entitled to receive weekly wage is $500 and your employer has a job for you licking temporary partial disability benefits (TPD). Restrictions may include stamps that pays $200 per week, your TPD would be calculated this not lifting more than 15 lbs., no prolonged standing or walking, etc. way: The amount of benefits received depends upon the work status of the ○○ $400 (80% of $500)-$200(amount earned licking stamps) = employee. If an injured worker returns to work but earns less than $200. 80% of their average weekly wage, they are entitled to receive benefits ○○ 80% of $200 = $160. equal to 80% of the difference between 80% of their average weekly ○○ Weekly TPD benefit = $160. wage and the weekly salary they earn when going back to work. Permanent and partial disability benefits Permanent partial disability benefits, also known as impairment injured worker will receive money benefits for a certain number income benefits (IBs), are based on the percentage of the injured of weeks based on the percentage of their impairment. In certain worker’s total body that is impaired, as determined by the authorized instances, the on-the-job injury may be so severe that the worker doctor. When their doctor determines that they have reached MMI, is unable le to return to the work force. If this occurs, the worker is he will assign them a permanent impairment rating. This impairment entitled to permanent total disability benefits. There are criteria to meet rating is determined by using established medical guidelines. The under Florida’s WC law. These injuries are labeled catastrophic.
Medical Treatment With WC claims, the employer is responsible for providing medical treatment The injured worker should not delay in getting a doctor’s appointment the insurance company must authorize the doctor who is to treat the from the employer or insurance company. The injured worker cannot injured worker. just go to their private doctor or a doctor of their choice; instead,
The Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office The Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office (EAO) will various services. The Ombudsman Team is responsible for assisting assist the injured worker, at no cost, with questions or concerns they injured workers to resolve complex disputes. The team conducts fact may have about their WC claim. EAO relies on a team structure to finding reviews, analyzes claim files, researches case law, promotes successfully accomplish its mission. Each team focuses on a specific open communication between parties, and generally helps parties to area of statutory responsibility in order to effectively assist injured understand their statutory responsibilities. workers. The EAO distributes WC information; proactively In the Fiscal Year of 2014-2015, the First Report of Injury Team contacts injured worker’s to inform them of their rights and contacted 29,116 injured workers by telephone and 3,511 employers/ responsibilities and educates them about its services; and works carriers when the team was unable to reach injured workers. In the to resolve disputes between injured workers and carriers to avoid same fiscal year, out of the 373 disputes received, 94% were resolved unnecessary expenses, costly litigation or delay in the provision of by the Team. During the same Fiscal Year 2014-2015, the Ombudsman benefits. Team was involved in resolving 91% of the 754 disputes received. The The First Report of Injury Team identifies and contacts injured medical bill disputes totaled $22,995 in previously unpaid medical workers with more than seven (7) days of work lost due to the job bills. These statistics illustrate the commitment of the department to injury. This contact takes place within two (2) business days of the help injured workers and resolve disputes between parties. Several Division’s receipt of a First Report of Injury. This team will advise offices are located around the state and EAO’s website is http://www. the injured worker of their responsibilities and inform them of EAO’s myfloridacfo.com/division/WC/employee/default.htm.
Re-employment assistance If an injured worker on WC is unable to return to work because of Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office/ permanent work restrictions resulting from on-the-job injury, they Reemployment Services Section may obtain information or assistance from the Bureau of Employee http://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/WC/employee/ Assistance and Ombudsman Office/Reemployment Services Section at reemployment.htm the following website, by phone, or by email. Telephone: (800) 342-1741 - option 4 Email: [email protected] For assistance on how benefits are calculated, call the WC hotline at 1-800-342-1741.
Page 16 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Disputes between parties If a dispute arises with the insurance company it is wise to talk worker may wish to hire an attorney to represent them in this action. about the problem with the adjuster or their supervisor. If the The following graphic depicts the flow of a WC claim in figure 1. The dispute is not resolved, the WC hotline can be contacted. If the second flowchart describes the process of dispute resolution, figure insurance company still will not agree to pay the benefits that the 2. These charts were both obtained from Florida’s WC System Guide worker believes they are entitled to, they can file a Petition for Benefits issued in July of 2014. with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. The injured FIGURE 2
EMPLOYER Injury report to INJURY Employer
The Insurance Company must pay the first installment of compensation, if injured worker INSURANCE COMPANY Insurance misses more than 7 days from work Employer required to report to Company Pays that is immediate and continuous Insurance Company within 7 Claim within 14 days after the employer days of knowledge. has knowledge. Additional payment made bi-weekly until employee return to work or benefits are exhausted.
DENIAL The insurance company ACCEPT must deny a claim within DENIAL OF THE 120 days. The insurance COMPENSABILITY Case Closed company is required to OF THE CLAIM pay benefits until the date the claim is denied.
CARRIER RESPONSE PETITION for BENEFITS If the employee disagrees he/ MEDIATION The insurance company must pay or respond to the Petition she may within 2 years from Medication is held within 130 the date of accident file a days of filing the Petition. within 14 days of receipt of the Petition specifically denying Petition for Benefits (NOTE those benefits they will not The 2-year limit pertains only to provide. contesting the compensability of the claim).
Final Hearing Workers’ Pre-Trial (Within 90 days SETTLED Compensation Hearing after the Pre-Trial Judge Hearing).
ACCEPT Case Closed Case Closed DECISION
An appeal must be 1st District Court of filed within 30 days Appeal from the date the WC judge signs the order.
Violations and Fraud in Florida The following are criminal violations of s. 440.105, Florida Statute depending on the monetary value of the fraud as provided in s. (FS) that constitute a felony of the first, second, or third degree 775.082, s. 775.083, and s. 775.084 F.S.
Filing a false claim of on-the-job injuries or exaggerating injuries An injured employee or any party making a claim of an on- There is much to be said regarding “fraud” and the WC system. the-job injury will be required to provide his or her personal The most recent news is below told by Insurancejournal.com and signature attesting that he or she has reviewed, understands, and written by Amy O’Conner based on the Florida Office of Insurance acknowledges the following statement: Regulation’s (OIR) 2015 Workers’ Compensation Annual Report. “Any person who, knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or “WC fraud continued to plague the state, the report says, but the deceive any employer or employee, insurance company, or self- Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Fraud, within the Division of insured program, files a statement of claim containing any false or Insurance Fraud made 540 workers’ comp fraud-related arrests misleading information, commits insurance fraud, punishable as for fiscal year 2014-2015, an increase of 14%. In excess of $4.3 provided in s. 817.234.” million in restitution was requested as a result of the Bureau’s If the injured employee or party refuses to sign the document, benefits investigations of shell companies, labor brokers and check cashing or payments shall be suspended until such signature is obtained. stores.”
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 17 These numbers definitely express the prevalence of fraud in Florida to the problem. Employees file unsubstantiated claims and employers originating from employees, employers, businesses, and labor brokers. find avenues to reduce their WC payments and/or misrepresent When it comes to WC fraud, employees and employers both contribute themselves in order to pay lower WC rates.
Conclusion In the industry of cosmetology, accidents can and do happen in the workplace. Fortunately, WC laws are in place to protect both employees and employers in the event of these on-the-job injuries. It is of high importance for every worker and employer to familiarize themselves with their rights responsibilities in regards to WC. If you are injured on the job, contact Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation to find out more information.
Page 18 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Chapter 4: HIV/AIDS and Cosmetology: Protecting Your Clients and Yourself 2 CE Hours
By: Staff Writer
Learning objectives Define and compare HIV and AIDS. Recall rules and regulations regarding HIV/AIDS status disclosure Describe how HIV is transmitted. relevant to cosmetology professionals and clients. Recognize popular misconceptions and stigma surrounding HIV/ Paraphrase protections afforded to HIV positive cosmetologists AIDS. under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Identify standard precautions that can be taken to prevent spreading HIV/AIDS within your workplace. Introduction Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune the stigmatization of the disease, many HIV positive persons are not Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are commonly recognized terms. willing to inform others of their status. This can prevent them from However, while many have heard of these terms: The stigmatization seeking treatment, sustaining treatment programs, seeking support of HIV positive individuals paired with commonly believed myths structures, and even informing sexual partners. As a result, HIV and misconceptions surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic can positive individuals often remain silent due to their fear of social influence behaviors when working with HIV positive persons. isolation, judgement from their families, friends, and other peers, and Cosmetologist must be comfortable working around all types of other social constructs (such as religious groups, co-workers, and people, and misinformation can interfere with their ability to provide even service providers). The effects of stigmatization prevent them quality, non-discriminatory services to all clients. from becoming more informed, seeking out information, and sharing Receiving an HIV positive diagnosis can be devastating and hard to important information with others, making it increasing difficult to accept for anyone. Those who are able to best cope with the realities of promote understanding and reduce discrimination. the disease are those who are able to establish a strong support system Learning about HIV/AIDS and recognizing commonly believed myths within their families, friends, communities, and service providers. For and misconceptions about the disease is important to professional anyone diagnosed with HIV, the need for compassion, sensitivity, and cosmetology and the salon industry, as business is built upon customer fair treatment is greatly needed. Yet too often the stigma associated relationships and the provision of quality and fair services to all with the disease can stand in the way of ensuring an HIV positive customers. Acknowledging the stigma and arming themselves with person is treated fairly and with respect. It can also create situations in facts about the HIV virus can assist cosmetology professionals in which unnecessary steps are taken and exorbitant costs are expended working with all clients in the salon setting and recognizing and when working with HIV positive clients. This has an impact not only implementing safety and precautionary measures to keep themselves on the client’s comfortability, but also on the bottom line for the salon. and their clients protected. This course outlines the need-to-know According to the World AIDS Campaign on Eliminating Stigma information surrounding HIV/AIDS to keep cosmetology professionals & Discrimination, “Stigma and discrimination are the top and clients informed and protected in terms of identification, hindrances to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care.” Due to contraction, prevention, disclosure, and legal ramifications.
Myths and misconceptions First recognized as a new disease in 1981, today science has made HIV great strides in research and trends that have changed the way we look [ˌāCH ˌī ˈvē] at and work with HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, just as our knowledge Human immunodeficiency virus, a retrovirus that causes AIDS. of the disease has increased, the number of people living with HIV/ HIV is transmitted by sexual intercourse, through infected blood AIDS has increased over the last decade, with over 1.2 million and blood products, and through the placenta. reported cases living in the United States (U.S.) alone. In 2013 H – Human: The HIV virus attacks human beings through their (most recent data availability), an estimated 47,352 new cases of HIV bloodstream. No other animals are susceptible to HIV. infection and 26,688 cases of AIDS were diagnosed. It is estimated I – Immunodeficiency: HIV weakens your immune system by that almost one in seven (12.8%) of those living with the disease destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. remain undiagnosed to date. While the numbers may be startling, they V – Virus: HIV is a virus that hijacks cells in the body in order to underscore the importance of obtaining and communicating factual replicate itself. There is no cure for the HIV virus. information and prevention tips to slow the spreading and progression AIDS of HIV/AIDS. [eydz] Having accurate information is the key to understanding and A disease of the immune system characterized by increased preventing HIV transmission and working safely and respectfully susceptibility to opportunistic infections, certain cancers, and with HIV positive clients. The following provides commonly believed neurological disorders; a condition, caused by the HIV virus myths and misconceptions paired with the true facts about HIV/AIDS. resulting in loss of the body’s ability to protect itself against disease.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 19 A – Acquired: A person has to “catch” the HIV virus in order to S – Syndrome: AIDS is characterized by a group of symptoms develop AIDS. It doesn’t just spontaneously occur. including rapid weight loss; extreme fatigue; recurring fever; I – “Immuno”: AIDS is caused by the immune system being susceptibility to illness; sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals; depleted of its cells by HIV. pneumonia; blotches under the skin; memory loss, etc. D – Deficiency: Once enough white blood cells have been destroyed by HIV, the immune system becomes weak and is not capable of fighting off other bacteria and viruses easily.
Myth #1: There is a cure for HIV/AIDS Despite advances in treatments, there is currently no cure readily of treatment is risky, expensive, and not feasible for the millions of available for HIV positive individuals today. There have been rare people currently living with the virus. An effective cure that could be cases publicized through research findings and clinical trials in made available to the public is still far in the horizon. which extreme treatments have been thought to cure HIV. The most Fortunately, increased and ever evolving understanding of the famous of these has been dubbed as the “Berlin Patient.” In these virus and resulting illness has led to advances in medicine that cases, treatment included a bone marrow transplant resulting in a new are effectively treating the disease for those who take it regularly. immune system which eradicated the HIV virus. The infected patients When sustaining this type of treatment, an HIV positive person can had to be readied for their transplants with a modified protocol to reduce their viral load (or amount of HIV in the blood) to the point that ensure decreased intensity. This affords them the strength to maintain it is undetectable, or unable to be seen in laboratory tests. Maintaining antiretroviral drug treatments. These treatments are generally too toxic an undetectable viral load helps prevent the progression of the virus and for HIV positive cancer patients to tolerate. prevent HIV from developing into AIDS and other infections. Currently, To date, it appears that the patients’ new immune systems have research is still being done to identify new treatments and improve remained HIV-free, yet more study is necessary to ensure the existing regimens to further ease the burden for HIV carriers and their bloodstream continues to remain free of any HIV genetic material health providers. Every day, more is being learned to identify new ways throughout the duration of the patient’s life. Scientists continue to of preventing HIV infection. Even without a cure, people can live full, monitor these patients to determine if the virus was in fact cured, happy, and healthy lives despite their HIV positive diagnosis. rather than simply in a sustained remission. Nevertheless, this type
Myth #2: HIV and AIDS are the same thing HIV and AIDS are commonly mistaken as interchangeable terms for to the point of not being able to combat certain kinds of infections and the same disease. However, in truth, they are distinct terms that are not cancers. To determine the stage of infection caused by HIV, a lab test is transposable. HIV is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system. If conducted to identify the number of CDR cells a person has, otherwise left untreated, it can evolve into AIDS. AIDS is an immunodeficiency known as their “viral load.” A viral load under 200 in an HIV-infected syndrome. It is the third and most advanced stage of infection caused person indicates an AIDS diagnosis. Without medication, it can take by HIV. Most people who are living with HIV do not have AIDS between two to 10 years or longer for an HIV-positive person to and will never progress into the AIDS phase of the disease. HIV develop AIDS. progresses into AIDS when a person’s immune system is diminished
Myth #3: HIV diagnosis is a death sentence Revolutions in medications and treatments make it possible for from making copies of itself. These treatment therapies cannot fully HIV carriers to live long, healthy lives. In the Western world, where eradicate the virus from the bloodstream, but are able to keep the resources are available for treatment, HIV has been downgraded amount of virus in the blood low or undetectable. Currently, there are from a fatal virus to a chronic life-threatening illness (similar to many clinical and research trails that continue to bring insight into the cancer, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension). The virus becomes life- virus and its treatments and the potential pathway to a cure. threatening once it progresses to the third and most severe stage of Today’s treatment and prevention interventions were made through HIV: AIDS. However, in many case, individuals diagnosed with AIDS scientific advances funded through federal and private investments in can be reverted to HIV status after starting anti-HIV drug “cocktails,” basic, biomedical, behavioral, and social science research. All findings regaining their health and returning to a normal life. point to the fact that starting treatment for HIV early (as soon as There are many treatments that can now help people with HIV, possible after diagnosis) significantly improves the patient’s health each attacking the virus in their own way. As a result, many HIV and reduces the risk of illness and death, decreasing the risk of positive people are living much longer and healthier lives than ever onward transmission by 96%. before. Medicines today can slow the growth of the virus or stop it
Myth #4: You can contract HIV through tears, sweat, feces, and urine HIV can only be contracted through specific bodily fluids. These include semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, rectal fluids, blood, and breast milk. A person can get infected from sexual contact with someone who is infected with HIV through vaginal, anal, or oral sex; however, unprotected sex with someone who is infected doesn’t mean a person will automatically contract the disease. Using a latex condom or other latex barrier greatly reduces the risk. Furthermore, HIV is not spread by hugging or massage, dry kissing, or daily contact with someone who has HIV.
Page 20 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com HIV can be transmitted from mother to her child, either in the Finally, people who inject drugs, hormones, steroids, or silicone can womb, during vaginal childbirth, or through breastfeeding. There are get HIV by sharing needles or syringes and other injection equipment. treatments today that can reduce the risk of this type of transmission, Anytime a needle penetrates a person’s skin, even with tattooing or keeping the baby safe and virus free. They are most effective if medical procedures, it is important that a new needle is used. Keeping started as soon as possible during the pregnancy. Even with treatment, the penetration area clean and unexposed can greatly reduce the risk of breastfeeding is not recommended for HIV positive mothers. infection.
Myth #5: You can tell someone has HIV by looking at them It is true that as the HIV The HIV virus can actually live in the body asymptomatic for up virus progresses and begins to 10 years during the latency period. Yet, during this time, it is still affecting the immune possible to transmit the virus to others. This is why it is so important to system there can be physical use condoms correctly and every time. Doing so can reduce the risk of symptoms of the disease. contracting or passing HIV by up to 80%. Also, when a person is taking In addition, thanks to new drug therapies, many people who are aware HIV medicines, there may of their HIV positive status are living symptom free and have no be changes in body shape outward sign of carrying the virus. Medications and treatments can and appearance, including keep them at a healthy body weight and prevent them from progressing fat accumulation (increased to symptomatic stages of HIV. As previously noted, many are able deposits of fat in the to maintain the status of undetectable, meaning that there are so abdomen, neck, shoulders, few copies of the virus in their blood stream they can no longer be breasts, or face or fatty bumps detected by a laboratory test. However, even if undetectable, there is on the body) and lipoatrophy still a possibility (though greatly diminished) of transmitting the disease. (loss of fat, particularly in the face, legs, or arms). However, The only way to know for sure whether a person has HIV is for them all of these symptoms can to get tested. Knowing your status is important because it helps you also be linked to many other make healthy decisions to prevent contracting or transmitting HIV. To conditions as well, so it find places near you that offer confidential HIV testing, visithttps:// is never possible to tell if gettested.cdc.gov/, text your ZIP code to KNOW IT (566948), or call someone has HIV just by 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). You can also use a home testing looking at them. kit, available for purchase in most pharmacies and online.
Myth # 6: If someone is HIV positive, they will eventually develop AIDS When people get HIV and don’t receive treatment, they will typically therapy (ART), helps at all stages of the disease if taken the right progress through three stages of disease, the last and most severe stage way, every day. This treatment can slow or prevent progression from being AIDS. Yet, if properly treated, an HIV positive person may one stage to the next. It can also dramatically reduce the chance of never acquire AIDS. Medicine to treat HIV, known as antiretroviral transmitting HIV to someone else. Stages of HIV infection HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids. It attacks the body’s currently exists, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (white blood cells), often Developed in the 1990’s, ART therapy can dramatically prolong the called T cells. These special cells help the immune system fight off lives of many people infected with HIV and lower their chance of infections. Over time, if left untreated, HIV can destroy so many infecting others. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease, can have a nearly normal life expectancy. Without ART treatments, allowing opportunistic infection or cancers to take advantage however, HIV will continue to duplicate itself within the body, moving of a very weak immune system. While no safe and effective cure through the three stages of HIV infection. Stage 1: Acute HIV infection Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, people may experience influx of white blood cells in an attempt to eradicate the virus.As the a flu-like illness, which may last for a few weeks. This is the body’s body is unable to eliminate the virus, it readjusts and proceeds into the natural response to infection. During this time, the body produces an second stage of the disease.
Stage 2: Clinical latency (HIV inactivity or dormancy) This period is sometimes called asymptomatic HIV infection or remember that people can still transmit HIV to others during this chronic HIV infection. During this phase, HIV is still active but phase, although people who are on ART and stay virally suppressed reproduces at very low levels. People may not have any symptoms or (having a very low level of virus in their blood) are much less likely get sick during this time. For people who aren’t taking medicine to to transmit HIV than those who are not virally suppressed. At the end treat HIV, this period can last a decade or longer, but some progress of this phase, a person’s viral load starts to go up and the CD4 cell through this phase much faster. People who are taking medicine count begins to go down. As this happens, the person may begin to to treat HIV (ART) the right way, every day may be in this stage have symptoms as the virus levels increase in the body and the person for several decades or throughout their lifespan. It’s important to moves into Stage 3.
Stage 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) AIDS is the most severe phase of HIV infection. People with AIDS number of severe illnesses, called opportunistic illnesses. Without have such badly damaged immune systems that they get an increasing treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about 3 years. Common
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 21 symptoms of AIDS include chills, fever, sweats, swollen lymph have a high viral load and be very infectious. An estimated 658,507 glands, weakness, skin lesions, and weight loss. People are diagnosed people in the United States with an AIDS diagnosis have died since its with AIDS when their CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells/mm or discovery, with tens of thousands of deaths each year. if they develop certain opportunistic illnesses. People with AIDS can
Who is at risk? Anyone that engages in behaviors that place them in contact with The following are risk factors that can affect anyone, at any age or blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast status in their life. milk may be at risk for getting HIV. Even if you are in a long-term, ●● Having sex with someone without being 100% sure of their HIV monogamous relationship with one person, it is important to confirm status. Remember, 1 in 6 people are unaware of their infection. your HIV status to be sure that you and your partner remain healthy ●● Injecting drugs or sharing needles. This can include steroids, and HIV negative. According to the CDC, everyone aged 13 to 64 hormones, insulin, or even getting tattoos. should include HIV testing as part of their health care routine, even if they do not feel they are at risk. ●● Acquiring any sexually transmitted disease, hepatitis, or - There are over 1.2 million reported cases of HIV living in the in tuberculosis. HIV often travels with other infectious diseases, so the United States (U.S.) alone. if you have contracted another virus, there is a heightened chance - 1 in 6 people who have HIV in the United States are unaware you could have also contracted HIV. they are. ●● Having sex with someone who has any of the above risk factors. Don’t forget, when you put yourself at risk, you put all of your future partners at risk as well. High risk groups In the US, HIV is most commonly spread through sexual means that with each sexual or drug use encounter, they are placing intercourse, be it anal or vaginal, and by sharing drug-use themselves at heightened risk of contracting the virus. Furthermore, equipment (or works) with someone who is carrying the virus. the different demographic, social, and economic factors of each While these risks are the same for everyone, HIV continues to distinct community can further attribute to the level of risk. These devastate some risk groups more than others. Certain populations factors can include income, education, geographic region, or even are at greater risk based on the fact that there are higher rates of HIV prevalence of stigma and discrimination. infection existing within their communities or population groups. This
High risk ethnic and racial groups ●● African Americans: African American women in 2014 compared to 1,350 ○○ 296,500 African Americans were living with the HIV virus at Hispanic/Latino women, and 1,483 white women). the end of 2012. ○○ In 2013, 3,742 African Americans died of HIV or AIDS (54% ○○ In 2014, 48% of people in the US diagnosed with AIDS were of total deaths attributed to the disease). African American (10, 045). ●● American Indians/Alaska Natives: ○○ With 44% of new HIV diagnoses, African Americans have the ○○ Highest rate of HIV infection due to injection drug use of all highest prevalence of HIV infection in the US – this was an races/ethnicities. increase of 22% over a period of 9 years (2005-2014). ●● Hispanics/Latinos: ○○ Over half of the African Americans affected are gay and ○○ Despite representing about 17% of the US population, bisexual men (57% with 49% aged 13-24) – this was an Hispanics/Latinos accounted for almost one quarter of all increase of 87% from 2005-2015. estimated new HIV diagnoses. ○○ African American women have the highest rates among ○○ Hispanics/Latinos tend to have sex with partners of the same women, despite a 42% decline in new HIV infections (5,128 race/ethnicity, increasing the risk of HIV infection in this community. Other HIV risk demographics ●● Gender: ●● Injection drug users: ○○ 76% of all people living with HIV are men. 1. Injection drug users represented 8% of new HIV infections ○○ 80% of all new HIV infections are in men. in 2010 and 15% of those living with HIV in 2011. Since the ●● Sexual preference: epidemic began, nearly 186,728 people with AIDS who inject ○○ Certain members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, drugs have died, including an estimated 3,514 in 2012. and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community are at the Despite the level of risk based on ethnicity, gender, and lifestyle, highest risk for contracting the HIV virus. Gay, bisexual, everyone can take precautions to help reduce their risk and maintain a and other men who have sex with men of all races and HIV negative status. By learning about the prevention strategies and ethnicities remain the population most affected by HIV, standard precautions, we can reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and accounting for 57% of all persons living with HIV. lessen the devastation resulting from the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Prevention and precautions National HIV/AIDS Strategy As of July 2015, the Federal government has developed a National infected have free and equal access to high quality, life-extending care. HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. Their vision is for the US In order to accomplish this goal, efforts must be taken in: to become a place free from new HIV infections, where all currently ●● Intensifying and expanding prevention efforts. ●● Increasing education regarding risks, prevention, and transmission.
Page 22 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com ●● Implementing systems to connect people with care providers The Strategy acknowledges that HIV is still an epidemic and immediately following diagnosis. major health issue in the US, despite the fact that most people can ●● Supporting comprehensive coordinated patient-centered care for live long and healthy lives once diagnosed and treated. It recognizes people living with HIV. that everyone across the nation deserves access to prevention tools and ●● Reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities. education and immediate access to treatment and care. It will require ●● Reducing stigma and eliminating discrimination associated with a collaborative national response to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic HIV status. and achieve the strategic goals provided. This includes all health ●● Achieving a more coordinated national response to the HIV and human service providers, including cosmetology professionals. epidemic. Fulfilling this national strategy starts with each individual, and should begin with you and your salon.
Protecting yourself in the workplace: HIV and salons Salons have come under intense scrutiny in the past decade because of there are no documented cases of HIV transmission through blood various outbreaks of infectious diseases that were traced to improperly contact that have occurred in a salon setting. Therefore, while cleaned equipment. State licensing boards have set strict rules for salon transmission of HIV in the salon is highly unlikely (and likely a direct procedures and the exact steps for proper sanitation and sterilization result of the strict regulations in sanitization and operations), it is still of equipment to make sure disease transmission can’t happen in essential that salon professionals stay up-to-date on HIV/AIDS specific salons. It is important that all licensed cosmetologist are familiar with prevention techniques and protocols to stop transmission. and consistently practice these safety rules and guidelines. Among Seasoned cosmetologists know that the presence of blood during the most important is the simplest: Workers must wash their hands various cosmetic procedures is not that usual. For example, it is not frequently, between clients and sometimes more often, when there is unheard of to draw blood during a manicure or pedicure, close shave, a chance of any kind of disease transmission. Not only will this (and or facial procedure. When/if this happens, if the blood is infected with other mandated safety precautions) significantly reduce the likelihood the HIV virus and comes in contact with a cut or an open wound, there of transmitting HIV/AIDS, it will also provide protection against the is potential to transmit the virus. It is important to note that while risk transmission of staph infection and other harmful bacteria and germs of exposure due to direct splashes with body fluids is minimal, there is that are statistically much more likely to be transmitted within the increased danger if infected blood enters the body via a scratch or open salon setting. wound. Nail clippers, acrylic nail drills, cuticle scissors, callus paring Only 58 cases of confirmed occupational transmission of HIV to blades, and reusable razors and blades all have the potential to transmit health care workers have been documented in the Unites States infectious diseases if they are not properly sterilized. Following (while extremely rare, in a very few cases, HIV transmission has proper sanitation rules and standard precautions will greatly decrease occurred in a household setting due to unprotected contact between the potential of HIV transmission and protect both professionals and infected blood and broken skin or mucous membranes). To date, clients from transmitting the disease.
Prevention and standard precautions To prevent transmission of HIV in the workplace, cosmetologists precautions must be taken to avoid contact with bodily fluids. The and other health and human service providers must assume that following table provides standard precautions that should be taken blood and other body fluids from all patients are potentially when providing cosmetic services: infectious. To stay safe, when working with any client standard
Standard Precautions for Preventing HIV Transmission. If there is a possibility of contact with blood or other bodily fluids that could potentially contain visible blood (such as urine, feces, or vomit), always wear gloves and/or other protective equipment. Cover cuts, sores, or breaks in the skin with bandages (for both clients and cosmetologist). Anytime contact is made with blood or other bodily fluids, immediately wash hands and/or other body parts that have been in contact. Carefully handle all sharp instruments and tools, taking caution during use and disposal. Sanitize or dispose of any tools/materials that may have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids, and properly clean and sanitize the surrounding workstation. Avoid any practices that can increase the probability of contact with blood or bodily fluids (e.g. sharing razors, toothbrushes, or any equipment that could come in contact with the virus). Research indicates that the use of standard precautions by healthcare plan in place for post exposure management should direct contact with and human service providers when dealing with HIV/AIDS positive known HIV infected blood takes place. clients is inconsistent. This impacts both stigmatization and the The impact of HIV/AIDS on the workplace continues to grow as the reporting of discriminatory practices. Therefore, it is important that population of those most affected by the disease (those aged 20- standard precautions are employed universally with every client, not 44) make up over 50% of the 143 million people employed in the just those that have disclosed HIV positive status. For everyone’s United States. It is important that while taking precautions against the safety and health, human service providers must keep up to date spreading and/or contraction of HIV/AIDS, licensed professionals in on current research and findings surrounding transmission and stay no way infringe upon a person’s (be it a client, co-worker, or self) civil knowledgeable regarding misconceptions around transmission and rights. assumptions about patient lifestyle and risk. It is also helpful to have a
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 23 Know your rights: Protections Timeline of protections The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that every person is given equal opportunity to participate in and receive benefits from any program or activity that receives federal funding, and every person in the United States is afforded equal opportunity in employment under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), despite disabilities (including positive HIV status). The ADA maintains that people with HIV, whether or not it is symptomatic, are physically impaired to the point that it substantially limits the life activities, and are therefore covered under the Act. In this, the ADA protects against discrimination against HIV-positive persons and specifically those who are denied an occupational license or admission to a school on the basis of their HIV status. Title II of the ADA It is unlawful to prohibit a person living with HIV/AIDS from prohibits both state licensing agencies and occupational training schools participating in services offered to others, and it is illegal to deny (including cosmetology schools) from discriminating against individuals them a benefit because of their HIV status. Section 504 of the with HIV or AIDS. A licensing entity, trade school, or training program Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities cannot exclude a person with HIV/AIDS because of their status. Act of 1990, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPA) protect those living with HIV/AIDS and their A person infected with HIV may be excluded, however, from activities friends and family from this type of discrimination. or services of a private or public entity only if there is a health concern in which they pose a significant risk to the health or safety of others or Rehabilitation Act of No qualified individual with a disability a “direct threat” that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable 1973 – Section 504. shall, by reason of his or her disability, level by reasonable modification. Evidence of the direct threat must be be excluded from the participation in, be based on an individualized assessment of the person with the disability denied the benefits of, or be subjected and based on current medical evidence. However, transmission of to discrimination under any program HIV will rarely raise a legitimate direct threat issue as HIV cannot be or activity receiving federal financial transmitted by casual contact. Therefore, circumstances do not exist assistance or under any program or activity for the transmission of HIV in a school or workplace setting, including conducted by any executive agency or by those involving cosmetology. If a licensing entity or trade school the United States Postal Service. requires an applicant to provide a doctor’s certification that he or she Americans with No qualified individual with a disability is free of infectious, communicable, or contagious disease, this must Disabilities Act of 1990 shall, by reason of such disability, be exclude diseases, such as HIV, not transmitted through casual contact – Title II. excluded from participation in or be denied or usual practice of the occupation for which a license is required. the benefits of services, programs, or Furthermore, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act activities of a public entity or be subjected of 1996 (HIPAA) mandates privacy and confidentiality restrictions to to discrimination by any such entity. further protect those living with the disease. This Act maintains the Health Insurance Mandates privacy and confidentiality confidentiality of health information and provides a person the right to Portability and restrictions to protect those living with the not only review but make corrections to personal medical records. Accountability Act of disease. This Act maintains the confidentiality 1996. of health information and provides a person the right to not only review but make corrections to personal medical records.
HIV and the right to obtain occupational training and state licensing Service providers are not required to disclose personal HIV status EAPs is protected by confidentiality from your employer. Workplace in the workplace, as this is a personal choice that can have both discrimination based on HIV status is illegal and there are regulations in a positive and/or negative impact. Disclosing to co-workers can be place to assist anyone experiencing discrimination after disclosing status. of benefit in cultivating a support system amongst colleagues; or it can Even though it is not required to disclose status in the workplace, those unnecessarily create stigma causing coworkers to behave differently. living with HIV/AIDS do have the responsibility to disclose their When making this decision, it is important to carefully consider which status to healthcare providers (doctors, clinical workers, dentists, etc.) individuals to tell. Best practice would be to have a specific plan for and sex or needle-sharing partners under penalty of law. However, they disclosure which takes into consideration who to inform, how to inform are not obligated to disclose to all service providers, and therefore may them, expectations for third-party disclosure, etc. Many employers offer keep this information private when securing cosmetology services. an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which will help employees Again, all services should be provided using standard precautions, handle disclosure at work and navigate personal issues that may making disclosure from clients irrelevant to safety and prevention. affect performance, health, or well-being. Information share with
Conclusion While tremendous progress has been made, we have yet to win the heightened risk of contracting and transmitting HIV. To conquer victory over the HIV/AIDS epidemic, evidenced by the fact that the disease and reign in the next era of HIV prevention, we must be by 2012, 658,507 people with an AIDS diagnosis have died in the informed and consistent in our prevention and education efforts. At US, with an estimated 13,712 people dying that year. We must each the same time, we must keep in mind that although this is a serious play our part in increasing prevention efforts in order to save lives disease, it is also a preventable disease, and the extra care that we take and improve the quality of life for those living with HIV. Despite in our lives and in our salons can be the difference between life and the advances in treatment and therapies, today the world faces a death – for not only our clients, but also yourself.
Page 24 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Chapter 5: Florida Laws and Rules
2 CE Hours
By: Staff Writer
Learning objectives List and describe your legal responsibilities according to the Florida Describe your duties and responsibilities under Florida Statutes. Cosmetology Practice Act and Florida Administrative Code. Introduction The two primary areas of law pertaining to the practice of cosmetology Other sections or chapters of the Florida Statutes (FS) and Florida in the State of Florida are: Administrative Code (FAC) that apply to the practice of cosmetology ●● The Florida Cosmetology (such as Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations; or Chapter Practice Act: Chapter 477 of the 120: Administrative Procedure Act) are not addressed in this chapter. Florida Statutes. The full updated text (as of February 4, 2016) for Chapter 477, Florida ●● Chapter 61G5 of the Florida Statutes, Chapter 61G5, Florida Administrative Code, as well as Administrative Code. sections of Chapter 455 Florida Statutes and Chapter 61 of the Florida The following pages provide excerpts Administrative code pertaining to the Board of Cosmetology can be of these documents in order to found at the following website: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/ promote compliance with regulations pro/cosmo/documents/printable_cosmetology_lawbook.pdf. and explain legal responsibilities and obligations important to cosmetologists. Chapter 477 Known as the “Florida Cosmetology Act,” Chapter 477 was designed to regulate the practice of cosmetology within Florida. This legislature is intended to protect the public from health dangers without imposing unnecessary restrictions or affecting the competitive market. It outlines the legal remedies allowable for consumer protection for both health and economic matters.
Terms Definitions Board. The Board of Cosmetology. Department. Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Cosmetologist. A person who is licensed to engage in the practice of cosmetology in this Florida. Cosmetology. The mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes, including, but not limited to, hair shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, hair coloring, permanent waving, and hair relaxing for compensation. This term also includes performing hair removal, including wax treatments, manicures, pedicures, and skin care services. Specialist. Any person holding a specialty registration in one or more of the specialties registered under this chapter. Specialty. The Practice of one or more of the following: a. Manicuring, or the cutting, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, adding, or extending of the nails, and massaging of the hands. This term includes any procedure or process for the affixing of artificial nails, except those nails which may be applied solely by use of a simple adhesive. b. Pedicuring, or the shaping, polishing, tinting, or cleansing of the nails of the feet, and massaging or beautifying of the feet. c. Facials, or the massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations, and skin care services. Shampooing. The washing of the hair with soap and water or with a special preparation, or applying hair tonics. Specialty salon. Any place of business wherein the practice of one or all of the specialties as defined in subsection (6) are engaged in or carried on. Hair braiding. The weaving or interweaving of natural human hair for compensation without cutting, coloring, permanent waving, relaxing, removing, or chemical treatment and does not include the use of hair extensions or wefts. Hair wrapping. The wrapping of manufactured materials around a strand or strands of human hair, for compensation, without cutting, coloring, permanent waving, relaxing, removing, weaving, chemically treating, braiding, using hair extensions, or performing any other service defined as cosmetology.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 25 Photography An establishment where the hair-arranging services and the application of cosmetic products are performed solely for the studio salon. purpose of preparing the model or client for the photographic session without shampooing, cutting, coloring, permanent waving, relaxing, or removing of hair or performing any other service defined as cosmetology. Body wrapping. A treatment program that uses herbal wraps for the purposes of cleansing and beautifying the skin of the body, but does not include: a. The application of oils, lotions, or other fluids to the body, except fluids contained in presoaked materials used in the wraps. b. Manipulation of the body’s superficial tissue, other than that arising from compression emanating from the wrap materials. Skin care services. The treatment of the skin of the body, other than the head, face, and scalp, by the use of a sponge, brush, cloth, or similar device to apply or remove a chemical preparation or other substance, except that chemical peels may be removed by peeling an applied preparation from the skin by hand. Skin care services must be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or facial specialist within a licensed cosmetology or specialty salon, and such services may not involve massage, as defined in s. 480.033(3), through manipulation of the superficial tissue.
477.019: Cosmetologists; qualifications; licensure; supervised practice; license renewal; endorsement; continuing education (1) A person desiring to be licensed as a cosmetologist shall apply to cosmetologist in a licensed salon. An applicant who fails any part the department for licensure. of the examination may not practice as a cosmetologist and may (2) An applicant shall be eligible for licensure by examination to immediately apply for reexamination. practice cosmetology if the applicant: (6) Renewal of license registration shall be accomplished pursuant to (a) Is at least 16 years of age or has received a high school rules adopted by the board. diploma. (7) The board shall certify as qualified for licensure by (b) Pays the required application fee, which is not refundable, endorsement as a cosmetologist in this state an applicant and the required examination fee, which is refundable if the who holds a current active license to practice cosmetology in applicant is determined to not be eligible for licensure for any another state. The board may not require proof of educational reason other than failure to successfully complete the licensure hours if the license was issued in a state that requires 1,200 or examination. more hours of prelicensure education and passage of a written (c) Is authorized to practice cosmetology in another state or country, examination. This subsection does not apply to applicants who has been so authorized for at least 1 year, and does not qualify received their license in another state through an apprenticeship for licensure by endorsement as provided for in subsection 5. program. (3) Has received a minimum of 1,200 hours of training as (8) (a) The board shall prescribe by rule continuing education established by the board, which shall include, but shall not be requirements intended to ensure protection of the public limited to, the equivalent of completion of services directly related through updated training of licensees and registered specialists, to the practice of cosmetology at one of the following: not to exceed 16 hours biennially, as a condition for renewal (a) A school of cosmetology licensed pursuant to chapter 1005. of a license or registration as a specialist under this chapter. (b) A cosmetology program within the public school system. Continuing education courses shall include, but not be limited (c) The Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf to, the following subjects as they relate to the practice of and the Blind, provided the division meets the standards of this cosmetology: Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired chapter. immune deficiency syndrome; Occupational Safety and Health (d) A government-operated cosmetology program in this state. Administration regulations; workers’ compensation issues; state The board shall establish by rule procedures whereby the school and federal laws and rules as they pertain to cosmetologists, or program may certify that a person is qualified to take the cosmetology, salons, specialists, specialty salons, and booth required examination after the completion of a minimum of 1,000 renters; chemical makeup as it pertains to hair, skin, and nails; actual school hours. If the person then passes the examination, and environmental issues. Courses given at cosmetology he or she shall have satisfied this requirement; but if the person conferences may be counted toward the number of continuing fails the examination, he or she shall not be qualified to take the education hours required if approved by the board. examination again until the completion of the full requirements (b) Any person whose occupation or practice is confined solely provided by this section. to hair braiding, hair wrapping, or body wrapping is (4) Upon an applicant receiving a passing grade, as established by exempt from the continuing education requirements of this board rule, on the examination and paying the initial licensing fee, subsection. the department shall issue a license to practice cosmetology. (c) The board may, by rule, require any licensee in violation of a (5) If an applicant passes all parts of the examination for licensure continuing education requirement to take a refresher course as a cosmetologist, he or she may practice in the time between or refresher course and examination in addition to any other passing the examination and receiving a physical copy of his or her penalty. The number of hours for the refresher course may not license if he or she practices under the supervision of a licensed exceed 48 hours. 477.0201: Specialty registration; qualifications; registration renewal; endorsement (1) Any person is qualified for registration as a specialist in any one or 1. A school licensed pursuant to s. 477.023. more of the specialty practices within the practice of cosmetology 2. A school licensed pursuant to chapter 1005 or the under this chapter who: equivalent licensing authority of another state. (a) Is at least 16 years of age or has received a high school diploma. 3. A specialty program within the public school system. (b) Has received a certificate of completion in a specialty pursuant 4. A specialty division within the Cosmetology Division of to s. 477.013(6) from one of the following: the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, provided
Page 26 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com the training programs comply with minimum curriculum this state who have been registered or licensed and are practicing requirements established by the board. in states which have registering or licensing standards substantially (2) A person desiring to be registered as a specialist shall apply to the similar to, equivalent to, or more stringent than the standards of department in writing upon forms prepared and furnished by the this state. department. (6) Pending issuance of registration, a person is eligible to practice (3) Upon paying the initial registration fee, the department shall as a specialist upon submission of a registration application register the applicant to practice one or more of the specialty that includes proof of successful completion of the education practices within the practice of cosmetology. requirements and payment of the applicable fees required by (4) Renewal of registration shall be accomplished pursuant to rules this chapter, provided such practice is under the supervision of a adopted by the board. registered specialist in a licensed specialty or cosmetology salon. (5) The board shall adopt rules specifying procedures for the registration of specialty practitioners desiring to be registered in 477.0212: Inactive status (1) A cosmetologist’s license that has become inactive may be board shall prescribe by rule a fee not to exceed $50 for the reactivated under s. 477.019 upon application to the department. reactivation of an inactive license and a fee not to exceed $50 (2) The board shall promulgate rules relating to licenses which have for the renewal of an inactive license. become inactive and for the renewal of inactive licenses. The 477.0213: Cosmetology graduates of Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind; licenses The department shall license candidates upon graduation from the to candidates from the Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for Cosmetology Division of the Florida School for the Deaf and the the Deaf and the Blind and shall also provide, by rule, for the type of Blind. The department shall, by rule, provide fees for licenses issued licenses to be issued and for any required applications. 477.022: Examinations (1) The board shall ensure that examinations adequately measure (3) The examination shall be given at least once a year. both an applicant’s competency and her or his knowledge of (4) All licensing examinations shall be conducted in such manner related statutory requirements. Professional testing services may that the applicant shall be known by number only until her or his be utilized to formulate the examinations. The board may offer examination is completed and the proper grade determined. An a written clinical examination or a performance examination, or accurate record of each examination shall be made; and that record both, in addition to a written theory examination. shall be filed with the secretary of the department and shall be kept (2) The board shall ensure that examinations comply with state and for reference and inspection for a period of not less than 2 years federal equal employment opportunity guidelines. immediately following the examination. 477.025: Cosmetology salons; specialty salons; requisites; licensure; inspection; mobile cosmetology salons (1) No cosmetology salon or specialty salon shall be permitted to (8) Renewal of license registration for cosmetology salons or specialty operate without a license issued by the department except as salons shall be accomplished pursuant to rules adopted by the provided in subsection 11. board. The board is further authorized to adopt rules governing (2) The board shall adopt rules governing the licensure and operation delinquent renewal of licenses and may impose penalty fees for of salons and specialty salons and their facilities, personnel, safety delinquent renewal. and sanitary requirements, and the license application and granting (9) The board is authorized to adopt rules governing the periodic process. inspection of cosmetology salons and specialty salons licensed (3) Any person, firm, or corporation desiring to operate a cosmetology under this chapter. salon or specialty salon in the state shall submit to the department (10) (a) The board shall adopt rules governing the licensure, operation, an application upon forms provided by the department and and inspection of mobile cosmetology salons, including their accompanied by any relevant information requested by the facilities, personnel, and safety and sanitary requirements. department and by an application fee. (b) Each mobile salon must comply with all licensure and (4) Upon receiving the application, the department may cause an operating requirements specified in this chapter or chapter 455 investigation to be made of the proposed cosmetology salon or or rules of the board or department that apply to cosmetology specialty salon. salons at fixed locations, except to the extent that such (5) When an applicant fails to meet all the requirements provided requirements conflict with this subsection or rules adopted herein, the department shall deny the application in writing and pursuant to this subsection. shall list the specific requirements not met. No applicant denied (c) A mobile cosmetology salon must maintain a permanent licensure because of failure to meet the requirements herein shall business address, located in the inspection area of the be precluded from reapplying for licensure. local department office, at which records of appointments, (6) When the department determines that the proposed cosmetology itineraries, license numbers of employees, and vehicle salon or specialty salon may reasonably be expected to meet identification numbers of the licenseholder’s mobile salon the requirements set forth herein, the department shall grant the shall be kept and made available for verification purposes by license upon such conditions as it shall deem proper under the department personnel, and at which correspondence from the circumstances and upon payment of the original licensing fee. department can be received. (7) No license for operation of a cosmetology salon or specialty (d) To facilitate periodic inspections of mobile cosmetology salon may be transferred from the name of the original licensee to salons, prior to the beginning of each month each mobile another. It may be transferred from one location to another only salon licenseholder must file with the board a written monthly upon approval by the department, which approval shall not be itinerary listing the locations where and the dates and hours unreasonably withheld. when the mobile salon will be operating.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 27 (e) he board shall establish fees for mobile cosmetology salons, not accommodations for persons with disabilities, and with all to exceed the fees for cosmetology salons at fixed locations. applicable OSHA requirements. (f) The operation of mobile cosmetology salons must be in (11) Facilities licensed under part II of chapter 400 or under part I of compliance with all local laws and ordinances regulating chapter 429 are exempt from this section, and a cosmetologist business establishments, with all applicable requirements licensed pursuant to s. 477.019 may provide salon services of the Americans with Disabilities Act relating to exclusively for facility residents. 477.0263: Cosmetology services to be performed in licensed salon; exceptions (1) Cosmetology services shall be performed only by licensed cosmetology services in a location other than a licensed salon cosmetologists in licensed salons, except as otherwise provided in when such services are performed in connection with the this section. motion picture, fashion photography, theatrical, or television (2) Pursuant to rules established by the board, cosmetology services industry; a photography studio salon; a manufacturer trade show may be performed by a licensed cosmetologist in a location demonstration; or an educational seminar. other than a licensed salon, including, but not limited to, a (4) Pursuant to rules adopted by the board, any cosmetology or specialty nursing home, hospital, or residence, when a client for reasons service may be performed in a location other than a licensed salon of ill health is unable to go to a licensed salon. Arrangements for when the service is performed in connection with a special event the performance of such cosmetology services in a location other and is performed by a person who is employed by a licensed salon than a licensed salon shall be made only through a licensed salon. and who holds the proper license or specialty registration. An (3) Any person who holds a valid cosmetology license in any state appointment for the performance of any such service in a location or who is authorized to practice cosmetology in any country, other than a licensed salon must be made through a licensed salon. territory, or jurisdiction of the United States may perform 477.0265: Prohibited acts (1) It is unlawful for any person to: (d) Obtain or attempt to obtain a license or registration for money, (a) Engage in the practice of cosmetology or a specialty without other than the required fee, or any other thing of value or by an active license as a cosmetologist or registration as a fraudulent misrepresentations. specialist issued by the department pursuant to the provisions (e) Use or attempt to use a license to practice cosmetology or a of this chapter. registration to practice a specialty, which license or registration (b) Own, operate, maintain, open, establish, conduct, or have is suspended or revoked. charge of, either alone or with another person or persons, a (f) Advertise or imply that skin care services or body wrapping, cosmetology salon or specialty salon: as performed under this chapter, have any relationship to the 1. Which is not licensed under the provisions of this practice of massage therapy as defined in s.480.033 (3), except chapter; or those practices or activities defined in s.477.013 . 2. In which a person not licensed or registered as a (g) In the practice of cosmetology, use or possess a cosmetic cosmetologist or a specialist is permitted to perform product containing a liquid nail monomer containing any trace cosmetology services or any specialty. of methyl methacrylate (MMA). (c) Permit an employed person to engage in the practice of (2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a cosmetology or of a specialty unless such person holds a valid, misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. active license as a cosmetologist or registration as a specialist. 775.082 or s. 775.083. 477.029: Penalty (1) It is unlawful for any person to: (i) Violate or refuse to comply with any provision of this chapter (a) Hold himself or herself out as a cosmetologist, specialist, hair or chapter 455 or a rule or final order of the board or the wrapper, hair braider, or body wrapper unless duly licensed or department. registered, or otherwise authorized, as provided in this chapter. (2) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be (b) Operate any cosmetology salon unless it has been duly subject to one or more of the following penalties, as determined by licensed as provided in this chapter. the board: (c) Permit an employed person to practice cosmetology or a (a) Revocation or suspension of any license or registration issued specialty unless duly licensed or registered, or otherwise pursuant to this chapter. authorized, as provided in this chapter. (b) Issuance of a reprimand or censure. (d) Present as his or her own the license of another. (c) Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $500 for (e) Give false or forged evidence to the department in obtaining each count or separate offense. any license provided for in this chapter. (d) Placement on probation for a period of time and subject to (f) Impersonate any other licenseholder of like or different name. such reasonable conditions as the board may specify. (g) Use or attempt to use a license that has been revoked. (e) Refusal to certify to the department an applicant for licensure. (h) Violate any provision of s. 455.227(1), s. 477.0265, or s. 477.028. 477.031: Civil proceedings As cumulative of any other remedy or criminal prosecution, the any person who is or has been violating any of the provisions of this department may file a proceeding in the name of the state seeking chapter or the lawful rules or orders of the department. issuance of a restraining order, injunction, or writ of mandamus against
Chapter 61G5
Page 28 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com The following section provides the governing laws regarding Administrative Code. The excerpts provided lend guidance on services Cosmetology Salons provided under Chapter 61G5 of the Florida allowable outside of the salon and general salon requirements.
Terms Definitions Cosmetologist. A cosmetologist is a person who is licensed to perform the mechanical or chemical treatment of the head, face, and scalp for aesthetic rather than medical purposes, including, but not limited to, hair shampooing, hair cutting, hair arranging, hair braiding, hair coloring, permanent waving, and hair relaxing, for compensation. A cosmetologist may also perform non-invasive hair removals, including wax treatments but not including electrolysis as that term is defined in Chapter 478, F.S., manicures, pedicures, and skin care services. Compensation. For the purposes of this act “compensation” is defined as the payment of money or its equivalent, the receipt or delivery of property, or the performance of a service, or the receipt or delivery of anything of value in exchange for cosmetology services. Medical purposes. For the purposes of this act “medical purposes” is defined as any form of bodily intrusion into the orifices, skin, muscles, or any other tissues of the body. Salon. Salon means any establishment or place of business wherein cosmetology as defined in Section 477.013(4), .S.,F or any specialty as defined in Section 477.013(6), F.S., is practiced for compensation, however this does not prevent the practice of cosmetology in a licensed barbershop, or the practice of barbering in a licensed cosmetology salon, provided the salon employs a licensed cosmetologist. Except as provided in Rule 61G5-20.010, F.A.C., a salon must be at a fixed location. Special events. Weddings, fashion shows, and other events as approved by the board. Clean. The removal of visible debris from a surface such as washing with soap/water. Disinfect. The use of a chemical to destroy potential pathogens. Sterilize. Complete destruction of all microbial life, commonly achieved through the use of heat and/or pressure. Wet disinfection container. A tub or jar with a lid, filled with disinfectant and large enough for all items to be fully immersed. Infection control. The process for reducing the risk of spreading disease causing pathogens.
61G5-18.0008: Cosmetologist license renewal (1) A cosmetologist shall renew his or her license on or before (2) Spouses of members of the Armed Forces of the United States are October 31 each biennial year, according to the fee schedule as exempted from all licensure renewal provisions, but only in cases outlined in Rule 61G5-24.008, F.A.C. of absence from the state because of their spouses’ duties with the Armed Forces. Chapter 61G5-20: Cosmetology salons 61G5-20.0015: Performance of cosmetology or specialty services outside a licensed salon (2) Cosmetology or specialty services may be performed by a be performed by a licensed Florida cosmetologist or under licensed cosmetologist or specialist in a location other than a the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist employed by the licensed salon, including a hospital, nursing home, residence, salon. “Under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist” or similar facility, when a client for reasons of ill health is shall mean that an individual who then holds a current, active unable to go to a licensed salon. Such services are not to be Florida license as a cosmetologist shall be physically present at performed upon employees or persons who do not reside in the the photography studio salon at all times when hair-arranging facility, or any other non-qualified persons. services or applications of cosmetic products are being 3. Cosmetology services may only be performed in a photography performed. studio salon subject to the following requirements: (c) When performing hair-arranging services, the photography (a) Only hair-arranging services and the application of cosmetic studio salon shall use either disposable hair-arranging products may be performed in a photography studio salon; implements or shall use a wet or dry sanitizing system and, may only be performed for the purpose of preparing a approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. model or client of the photography studio for a photographic (4) The following procedures shall be followed when performing session. Shampooing the hair, hair cutting, hair coloring, cosmetology services outside of a licensed salon: permanent waving of the hair, hair relaxing, removing of hair, (a) Information as to the name of the client and the address at manicuring, pedicuring, and the performance of any other which the services are to be performed shall be recorded in the service defined as cosmetology may not be performed in a appointment book. photography studio salon. (b) The appointment book shall remain at the salon and be made (b) All hair-arranging services and applications of cosmetic available upon request to any investigator or inspector of the products to be performed in the photography studio salon shall Department. 61G5-20.002: Salon requirements (2) Prior to opening a salon, the owner shall: (c) Meet the safety and sanitary requirements as listed below (a) Submit an application on forms prescribed by the and these requirements shall continue in full force and effect Department of Business and Professional Regulation. for the life of the salon: (b) Pay the required registration fee as outlined in the fee 1. Ventilation and cleanliness: Each salon shall be kept well schedule in Rule 61G5-24.005, F.A.C. ventilated. The walls, ceilings, furniture and equipment shall be kept clean and free from dust. Hair must not be
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 29 allowed to accumulate on the floor of the salon. Hair must completely immerse in a chemical solution that is hospital be deposited in a covered waste receptacle. Each salon level or EPA approved disinfectant as follows: which provides services for the extending or sculpturing of a. Combs and brushes, remove hair first and immerse in nails shall provide such services in a separate area which hospital level or EPA approved disinfectant. is adequately ventilated for the safe dispersion of all fumes b. Metallic instrument, immerse in hospital level for EPA resulting from the services. approved disinfectant. 2. Toilet and lavatory facilities: Each salon shall provide – c. Instruments with cutting edge, wipe with a hospital on the premises or in the same building as, and within 300 level or EPA approved disinfectant. feet of, the salon – adequate toilet and lavatory facilities. d. Implements may be immersed in a hospital level or To be adequate, such facilities shall have at least one toilet EPA approved disinfectant solution. and one sink with running water. Such facilities shall be e. Shampoo bowls, facial beds, and neck rests, clean and equipped with toilet tissue, soap dispenser with soap or disinfect between each use. other hand cleaning material, sanitary towels or other 3. For purposes of this rule, a “hospital level disinfectant or hand-drying device such as a wall-mounted electric blow EPA approved disinfectant” shall mean the following: dryer, and waste receptacle. Such facilities and all of the a. For all combs, brushes, metallic instruments, foregoing fixtures and components shall be kept clean, instruments with a cutting edge, and implements that in good repair, well-lighted, and adequately ventilated to have not come into contact with blood or body fluids, remove objectionable odors. a disinfectant that indicates on its label that it has been 3. A salon, or specialty salon, may be located at a place registered with the EPA as a hospital grade bacterial, of residence. Salon facilities must be separated from virucidal and fungicidal disinfectant. the living quarters by a permanent wall construction. b. For all combs, brushes, metallic instruments with a A separate entrance shall be provided to allow entry to cutting edge, and implements that have come into the salon other than from the living quarters. Toilet and contact with blood or body fluids, a disinfectant that lavatory facilities shall comply with subparagraph (c)2. indicates on its label that it has been registered with above and shall have an entrance from the salon other than the EPA as a disinfectant, in accordance with 29 the living quarters. C.F.R. 1910.1030. 4. Animals: No animals or pets shall be allowed in a salon, 4. All disinfectants shall be mixed and used according to the with the exception of service animals and fish kept in manufacturer’s directions. closed aquariums. (e) After cleaning and disinfecting, articles shall be stored in a 5. Shampoo bowls: Each salon shall have shampoo bowls clean, closed cabinet or container until used. Undisinfected equipped with hot and cold running water. The shampoo articles such as pens, pencils, money, paper, mail, etc., bowls shall be located in the area where cosmetology shall not be kept in the same container or cabinet. For the services are being performed. A specialty salon that purpose of recharging, rechargeable clippers may be stored in exclusively provides specialty services, as defined in an area other than in a closed cabinet or container, provided Section 477.013(6), F.S., need not have a shampoo bowl, such area is clean and provided the cutting edges of such but must have a sink or lavatory equipped with hot and clippers have been disinfected. cold running water on the premises of the salon. (f) Ultra Violet Irradiation may be used to store articles and (d) Comply with all local building and fire codes. These instruments after they have been cleansed and disinfected. requirements shall continue in full force and effect for the life (g) Pedicure Equipment Disinfection: The following cleaning of the salon. and disinfection procedures must be used for any pedicure (3) Each salon shall comply with the following: equipment that holds water, including sinks, bowls, basins, (a) Linens: Each salon shall keep clean linens in a closed, pipe-less spas, and whirlpool spas: dustproof cabinet. All soiled linens must be kept in a closed 1. After each client, all pedicure units must be cleaned receptacle. Soiled linens may be kept in open containers if with a low-foaming soap or detergent with water to entirely separated from the area in which cosmetology services remove all visible debris, then disinfected with an EPA are rendered to the public. A sanitary towel or neck strip shall registered hospital grade bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal, be placed around the patron’s neck to avoid direct contact of and pseudomonacidal disinfectant used according to the shampoo cape with a patron’s skin. manufacturer’s instructions for at least ten (10) minutes. If (b) Containers: Salons must use containers for waving lotions and the pipe-free foot spa has a foot plate, it should be removed other preparations of such type as will prevent contamination and the area beneath it cleaned, rinsed, and wiped dry. of the unused portion. All creams shall be removed from 2. At the end of each day of use, the following procedures containers by spatulas. shall be used: (c) Disinfection: The use of a brush, comb or other article on a. All filter screens in whirlpool pedicure spas or more than one patron without being disinfected is prohibited. basins for all types of foot spas must be disinfected. Each salon is required to have sufficient combs, brushes, All visible debris in the screen and the inlet must and implements to allow for adequate disinfecting practices. be removed and cleaned with a low-foaming soap Combs or other instruments shall not be carried in pockets. or detergent and water. For pipe-free systems, the (d) Disinfectants: All salons shall be equipped with and utilize jet components or foot plate must be removed and disinfecting solutions with hospital level disinfectant or EPA cleaned and any debris removed. The screen, jet, or approved disinfectant, sufficient to allow for disinfecting foot plate must be completely immersed in an EPA practices. registered, hospital grade bactericidal, fungicidal, 1. A wet disinfection container is any receptacle containing virucidal, and pseudomonacidal disinfectant that a disinfectant solution and large enough to allow for is used according to manufacturer’s instructions. a complete immersion of the articles. A cover shall be The screen, jet, or foot plate must be replaced after provided. disinfection is completed and the system is flushed 2. Disinfecting methods which are effective and approved with warm water and low-foaming soap for 5 minutes, for salons: First, clean articles with soap and water, rinsed, and drained.
Page 30 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com b. After the above procedures are completed, the basin allocation with a school teaching cosmetology or a specialty should be filled with clean water and the correct licensed under Chapter 477, F.S., or in any other location, space, or amount of EPA registered disinfectant. The solution environment which adversely affects the sanitation of the salon. In must be circulated through foot spa system for 10 order to control the required space and maintain proper sanitation, minutes and the unit then turned off. The solution where a salon adjoins such other business or school, or such other should remain in the basin for at least 6 to 10 hours. location, space or environment, there must be permanent walls Before using the equipment again, the basin system separating the salon from the other business, school, location, must be drained and flushed with clean water. space, or environment and there must be separate and distinctly 3. Once each week, subsequent to completing the required marked entrances for each. end-of-day cleaning procedures, the basin must be (5) Evidence that the full salon contains a minimum of 200 square feet filled with a solution of water containing one teaspoon of floor space. No more than 2 (two) cosmetologists or specialists of 5.25% bleach for each gallon of water. The solution may be employed in a salon which has only the minimum floor must be circulated through the spa system for 5 to 10 space. minutes and then the solution must sit in the basin for at (6) A specialty salon offering only one of the regulated specialties shall least 6 hours. Before use, the system must be drained and evidence a minimum of 100 square feet used in the performance of flushed. the specialty service and shall meet all the sanitation requirements 4. A record or log book containing the dates and times of stated in this section. No more than one specialist or cosmetologist all pedicure cleaning and disinfection procedures must be may be employed in a specialty salon with only the minimum documented and kept in the pedicure area by the salon and floor space. An additional 50 square feet will be required for each made available for review upon request by a consumer or a additional specialist or cosmetologist employed. Department inspector. (7) For purposes of this rule, “permanent wall” means a vertical (4) No cosmetology or specialty salon shall be operated in the same continuous structure of wood, plaster, masonry, or other similar licensed space allocation with any other business which adversely building material, which is physically connected to a salon’s floor affects the sanitation of the salon, or in the same licensed space and ceiling, and which serves to delineate and protect the salon. 61G5-20.003: Inspections The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall at least biennially by the Department. No person shall, for any reason cause an inspection of all proposed salons to determine if all the intentionally, or directly inhibit an authorized representative of the requirements have been met. Each licensed salon shall be inspected Department from performing said inspections.
61G5-20.004: Display of documents (1) All holders of a cosmetology or specialty salon license shall or body wrapping services. The license or registration on display display within their salons, in a conspicuous place which is clearly shall be the original certificate or a duplicate issued by the visible to the general public upon entering the salon, the following Department and shall have attached a 2’’ by 2’’ photograph taken documents: within the previous two years of the individual whose name (a) The current salon license, appears on the certificate. The certificate with photograph attached (b) A legible copy of the most recent inspection sheet for the shall be permanently laminated as of July 1, 2007. salon. (3) By July 1, 2008, all holders of a cosmetology or specialty salon (2) All holders of a cosmetology or specialty salon license shall license shall display at each footbath a copy of the Consumer require and ensure that all individuals engaged in the practice Protection Notice regarding footbaths, sanitation, and safety. of cosmetology, any specialty, hair braiding, hair wrapping, or Copies of this notice (revised 10/15/07, and incorporated herein by body wrapping display at the individual’s work station their reference) may be obtained from the Department of Business and current license or registration at all times when the individual is Professional Regulation at 1940 North Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL performing cosmetology, specialty, hair braiding, hair wrapping, 32399-0783, and the Call Center by calling (850)487-1395. 61G5-20.007: Communicable disease (1) No person engaged in the practice of cosmetology or a (2) No cosmetologist or person registered to practice any specialty specialty in a salon shall proceed with any service to a person in Florida, who has a visible disease, pediculosis, or open sores having a visible disease, pediculosis, or open sores suggesting a suggesting a communicable disease, shall engage in the practice communicable disease, until such person furnishes a statement of cosmetology or any specialty, until such cosmetologist or signed by a physician licensed to practice in the State of registrant obtains a statement signed by a physician licensed to Florida stating that the disease or condition is not in an practice in the State of Florida stating that the disease or condition infectious, contagious or communicable stage. is not in an infectious, contagious, or communicable stage. Chapter 61G5-30: Disciplinary guidelines 61G5-30.001: Disciplinary guidelines (1) The Board shall act in accordance with the following guidelines when it finds the enumerated violations in disciplinary cases. The Board shall impose a penalty within the range of each applicable disciplinary violation set forth below unless the Board finds an aggravating or mitigating circumstance, in which case the Board may deviate from the guideline penalty.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 31 (2) Violation. Penalty Range. (a) Unlicensed cosmetology or specialty practice (Section For an individual who was never licensed, a fine of $500. For a licensee or 477.0265(1)(a) or 477.029(1)(a), F.S.). registrant who fails to properly renew, a fine of $50 for every month or partial month during which the individual was unlicensed or unregistered, up to a maximum of $500. (b) Unlicensed Salon and Delinquent Salon License (Section For a salon which has never been licensed, or for which the salon license has 477.0265(1)(b)1. or 477.029(1)(b), F.S.). expired, a fine of $500. For a salon license which has become delinquent, a fine of $50 for every month or partial month of delinquency during which the salon has operated, up to a total of $500. (c) Permitting a person without a license or registration, unless For a violation involving a person who was never licensed or registered in exempt, to perform cosmetology services or any specialty in Florida, a fine of $250 to $500. For a violation involving a person who failed a salon (Section 477.0265(1)(b)2., F.S.). to properly renew or whose exemption has terminated, a fine of $50 for every month or partial month during which the violation took place, up to $500. (d) Permitting an employee to practice cosmetology or a For employing a person who was never licensed or registered in Florida, or specialty without being duly licensed, registered, or who is not exempt, a fine of $250 to $500. For employing a person who failed otherwise authorized (Section 477.0265(1)(d) or 477.029(1) to properly renew or whose exemption has terminated, a fine of $50 for every (c), F.S.). month or partial month during which the person was employed, up to $500. (e) Obtain or attempt to obtain a license or registration for A fine of $500 and denial or revocation of the license or registration. money, other than the required fee, or any other thing of value or by fraudulent misrepresentations (Section 477.0265(1)(d), F.S.). (f) Using or attempting to use a suspended or revoked A fine of $500 and suspension for one year of any license or registration issued cosmetology license or specialty registration to practice pursuant to Chapter 477, F.S., or denial or revocation of license or registration. cosmetology or a specialty (Section 477.0265(1)(c) or 477.029(1)(g), F.S.). (g) Advertising or implying that skin care services or body A fine of $100 to $200 for the first offense; a fine of $500 for subsequent wrapping are related to massage therapy, except as allowed offenses. by statute (Section 477.0265(1)(f), F.S.). (h) Use or possess a product containing a liquid nail monomer A fine of $500 for the first offense; a fine of $500 and suspension with a containing any trace of methyl methacrylate (MMA)(Section reinspection of the premises prior to reinstatement of the license, or revocation 477.0265(1)(g), F.S.). for a subsequent offense. (i) License or registration obtained by fraud or false or A fine of $500 and revocation of the salon license, cosmetology license, or forged evidence (Section 477.028(1)(a), 477.028(2)(a) or specialty registration. 477.029(e), F.S.). (j) Guilty of fraud, deceit, gross negligence, incompetency, A fine of $200 to $500 and suspension or revocation of the salon license, or misconduct in practice or instruction of cosmetology or cosmetology license, or specialty registration. specialty, or in operation of the salon (Section 477.028(1)(b) or 477.028(2)(b), F.S.). (k) License or registration holder is guilty of aiding, assisting, A fine of $250 for the first offense. A fine of $500 and revocation or suspension procuring, or advising any unlicensed person to practice as a of salon license, cosmetology license, or specialty registration for a subsequent cosmetologist (Section 477.028(1)(c), F.S.) . offense. (l) Present license of another as his or her own license (Section A fine of $500 and a reprimand for the first offense. A fine of $500 and refusal 477.029(1)(d), F.S.). to certify for licensure for a subsequent offense. (m) Impersonate any other licenseholder of like or different A fine of $500 and a 6 month suspension of any other license or registration name (Section 477.029(1)(f), F.S.). held pursuant to Chapter 477, F.S. (n) Violate or refuse to comply with: 1. Any provision of Chapter 455, F.S., or final order of the A fine of $500 and suspension, revocation, or refusal to certify to the Board or the Department. department for licensure. 2. Any provision of Chapter 477, F.S., or a rule of the Board or A fine of $100 to $200 for the first violation. A fine of $300 to $500 for a the Department except as otherwise provided. subsequent violation. A fine of $500 and suspension or revocation of license or registration for a refusal to comply. 3. Salon requirements subsections 61G5-20.002(3)-(7), F.A.C., A fine of $50 per violation for less than three violations. A fine of $250 for three relating to sanitation and safety. to four violations. A fine of $500 for five or more violations, and suspension of the license with a reinspection prior to reinstatement of the license. A fine of $250 for a salon operating without proper disinfection practices. 4. Display of documents Rule 61G5-20.004, F.A.C., relating to A fine of $100 for each violation for the first offense. A fine of $200 to $300 for display of licenses and inspection sheets (Section 477.029(1) each subsequent offense. (h)-(i), F.S.).
Page 32 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Conclusion It is important to familiarize yourself with each of the Florida Laws and Rules provided in this course as well as the full text. Knowing and incorporating these laws into your practice and daily routine can help you stay in compliance, protect yourself and your salon, and avoid any penalties.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 33 Chapter 6: Environmental Safety: Hazardous Chemicals in the Salon Setting
1 CE Hour
By: Staff Writer
Learning objectives Identify some of the more common hazardous chemicals found in List three accident prevention strategies to reduce chemical common salon products and their hazardous effects. exposure within the salon. Locate information about the chemicals found in salon products Describe how to treat first-degree burns resulting from chemical and how to safely use them. exposure. Discuss best practices in chemical management with your coworkers. Introduction In the salon industry, great efforts are often made to create an mists. If improperly used, these products can get on the skin or splash ambiance and environment that is pleasant, calming, and peaceful into eyes, and potentially be transferred onto food or cigarettes that are for clients. Many patrons visit salons just as much for the luxury later ingested. If any of this happens, it can affect the health and safety of the “salon experience,” as they do for the actual services. These of everyone involved. accommodations can include special lighting, music, and other The environmental impact of the many different chemicals that aesthetics designed to enhance the environment within the salon and salon workers are exposed to every day is compounded when several help clients relax and feel pampered. However, just as much effort, if different products are used at the same time or multiple treatments and not more, must also be placed on other environmental factors that are services are provided, which is the typical scenario for the majority not just pleasing or displeasing to the client, but potentially dangerous of salons. When these products are used day after day, in sizeable for both the clients and the staff. quantities or when there is poor ventilation, everyone within the salon, In the salon setting, one of the most important environmental and especially salon staff, is at risk of exposure and has the potential factors is the presence of chemicals and hazardous materials. to become ill. As exposure increases with long working hours that Multiple chemicals can be found within the salon setting, from the are characteristic of the salon industry, workers have the potential everyday products that are used on clients to the cleaning supplies. For to become very ill, either immediately or as time passes and the example, products that are used in nail salons can contain chemicals environmental threats accumulate. that expose salon workers and patrons to harmful vapors, dusts, or
Controlling chemical exposures Fortunately, it is possible to control the level of chemical exposures conceivable risks along with ways to reduce exposure. For example, for both salon workers and their clients. In order to do so, it is some of the more common hazardous chemicals found in common important to first identify and learn about the possible chemical threats salon products and their hazardous effects can be seen in the following within your particular salon environment. Once the chemicals that are chart: present in your salon are identified, it is then possible to determine
Common Hazardous Chemicals in the Salon Nail polish or glue remover, Can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, and throat; breathing problems; nausea; Acetone, acetonitrile, butyl vomiting; weakness; and exhaustion. High levels of Ethyl Acetate can cause fainting. acetate, isopropyl acetate, etc. Nail polish, butyl acetate, Can cause headaches, irritation to eyes, skin, nose, mouth, throat, and stomach; nausea; difficulty breathing dibutyl phthalate (DBP), (coughing, asthma-like attacks, and wheezing); allergic reactions, skin burns; and numbness. High levels ethyl acetate; formaldehyde; of Ethyl Acetate can cause fainting and long-term exposures to high concentrations of DBP can cause other isopropyl acetate; methacrylic serious effects. Formaldehyde can cause cancer, and toluene can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and acid, toluene, etc. harm to unborn children during pregnancy. Chemical hair treatments, Difficulty breathing, including coughing, asthma-like attacks, and wheezing; allergic reactions; irritated eyes, formaldehyde. skin, and throat. Formaldehyde can cause cancer. Disinfectants, quaternary Can cause asthma; irritation to the skin and nose. ammonium compounds.
Page 34 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Sample safety data sheet More information about the chemicals found in salon products into the air above limits set by OSHA or the American Conference of and how to safely use them is located on product information, Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Each Safety Data Sheet packaging, or printed Safety Data Sheets that are provided when lists both the precautions and health risks for the relevant products the products are purchased. It is your responsibility to be familiar including: Hazardous ingredients; exposure warnings; health and with the chemicals you are using and the safety precautions that are safety risks; precautions for use and storage; and emergency response required, for both your own protection as well as the protection of information. As a licensed cosmetologist, you should read and become salon clients and visitors. Thanks to regulations set forth in OSHA’s familiar with each Safety Data Sheet and be sure that you understand Hazard Communication Standard, product manufactures must provide and retain the information included. For managing cosmetologists, it is salon owners with Safety Data Sheets for every product used in the also important to ensure that all workers have access to - and training salon that may contain a hazardous chemical at 1% or more (or at on - the Safety Data Sheets, the potential hazards of each product, and 0.1% or more for carcinogenic chemicals) or that could be released proper and safe usage.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 35 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
SECTION I: MANUFACTURER’S NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Manufacturer’s name and address Emergency phone number Call this number in case of an emergency
SECTION II: HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS/IDENTITY INFORMATION
List hazardous components and safe exposure limits Ingredient name can be found here
SECTION III: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Physical state (gas, liquid, or solid), boiling point, freezing point, vapor pressure, specific gravity
SECTION IV: FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Flash point, extinguishing media, special fire fighting procedures, unusual fire and explosion hazards, if any This section explains what may cause the product to catch fire and how to put out the fire
SECTION V: REACTIVITY DATA
Stability, incompatibility, hazardous decomposition or by-products, if any
SECTION VI: HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Routes of entry/exposure This This Health hazards section indicates if this section explains the hazards Carcinogenicity product contains an ingredient that and symptoms workers may have Signs and symptoms of exposure is listed as a potential cancer- if they are exposed to a harmful Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure causing agent ingredient This section describes physical effects that may be experienced if overexposure occurs, as well as if certain illnesses can be made worse by exposure to this ingredient
SECTION VII: PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
Emergency and First Aid procedures This Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled section explains what Precautions to be taken in handling and storing to do in an emergency Waste disposal methods This This section explains how section describes how to clean up spills to dispose of this product properly
SECTION VIII: CONTROL MEASURES
Respiratory protection This section Ventilation requirements describes the proper personal Personal Protective Equipment protective equipment (e.g. gloves) to wear and ventilation requirements when using this product
Page 36 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com One of the most commonly used chemicals in the salon setting ●● Methylaldehyde. is formaldehyde (also called formalin or methylene glycol). The ●● Methylene oxide. same chemical that is used in embalming fluid, formaldehyde is ●● Formic aldehyde. a preservation fluid that is recognized by the National Cancer ●● Oxomethane formalin. Institute as a cancer causing agent. It is present in most of the ●● Phenol formaldehyde. products you use every day, and is the base ingredient in many beauty Despite the dangers, some products containing formaldehyde neglect products, including nail polishes, glues, chemical hair treatments, to list the ingredient on their Safety Data Sheets and product labels, or lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, and more. The majority of salons use synonyms for the chemical so as not to alarm consumers. The chart use - and store - a multitude of products that contain formaldehyde. provided identifies synonyms for chemicals very similar in makeup to This poses serious threats to the environment and personal health of formaldehyde that don’t call as much attention as the more popularly everyone at the salon. Not only can formaldehyde cause cancer, known name. but recent studies show that many salon products, such as hair straightening products, contain enough of this chemical to be Another chemical that is frequently found in salons is toluene. hazardous to workers who use the produce once or more daily. Toluene is a very common chemical found in many polishes and Most salon workers handle products containing formaldehyde multiple cosmetics. A petroleum based by-product, it is a harmful neurotoxin times throughout the day and are in the presence of coworkers doing which can cause dry or cracked skin; headaches, dizziness, and the same, compounding this threat. numbness. Not only can Toluene irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and cause damage to the liver and kidneys, but also can affect Synonyms for chemicals that “act like” formaldehyde: the function of the brain and central nervous system. It can also pose ●● Formalin. implications for the healthy development of children. ●● Methanal. ●● Oxymethyline. It is critical that every product in the salon is handled with care. Know ●● Urea. what you are working with. If you are not sure about the chemical ●● 1,3-Dioxetane. makeup and effects of any product, approach it with the utmost care, ●● Quaternium 15. taking into consideration all of the safety and precaution tips and tools available to you.
Best practices in chemical management The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) influences and even death. Therefore, it is a priority and responsibility for the laws and regulations and sets policy in regard to a variety of salon professional to know and follow all chemical accident prevention environmental issues, including the cleanup and disposal of chemical practices and protocols in order to keep themselves, their clients, and and hazardous waste. In the salon setting, there are many hazardous their businesses safe. chemicals that cosmetologists and their clients come into contact For organizations that house large quantities of chemicals, there with, so it is important to know not only how to handle and dispose of are specific requirements that must be adhered to, including the these materials, but also how to prevent chemical accidents. Chemical following best practices in chemical management. accidents can result in property damage, injuries and hospitalizations, Best practices in chemical management ●● Assessing worst-case scenarios in order to mitigate and prevent works with chemicals and hazardous materials. Even if not formally potential effects. developed, these are great discussion points to have within your salon ●● Maintaining a five-year history of any accidents that have taken that could help lessen the effects of accidents. place on site. It is important to compile safety information about the chemicals ●● Emergency planning response actions with local response agencies and equipment used in your salon along with safe operating (i.e. hospitals, law enforcement, etc.). procedures. Ensure that all staff is fully trained on this information ●● Development of and training on a written Risk Management Plan. and any safety measures that could impact the work. Furthermore, While the quantities of hazardous materials in a salon do not make anytime an accident does occur, all salon staff should be informed of these requirements, they are still considered best practices and the accident, the steps taken leading to the accident, and any lessons whenever possible should be incorporated in any organization that learned as a result.
Accident prevention strategies Response plans are important, but just as important are accident health, employers and workers can take standard precautionary steps prevention strategies. To prevent exposure and protect staff and client whenever they use hazardous products and chemicals.
Using safer product alternatives Whenever feasible, use a safer product alternative instead of a read all manufacturers’ instructions and conduct adequate research on product with known harmful chemical ingredients. You should not the safety and environmental impact of the product. only be aware of the levels of hazardous chemicals in the products you The United Stated Environmental Protection agency has made strides use, but also make every attempt to use products with the least amount in helping salons and other consumers easily find safer products.They of hazardous chemicals in them. Today, there are many alternatives, have implemented Safer Choice labels to identify quality performance such as “3-free” products: Those products that do not use what is products with safer chemical ingredients. Previously known as Design referred to as the “toxic trio” (toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl for the Environment or “DfE” label, today more than 2,000 products phthalate). It is also possible to buy “acid free” products, to ensure that qualify to carry the Safer Choice label. These products range from there is no exposure to chemicals such as methacrylic acid. However, cleaners to colorants, fragrances, and more and incorporate the Safer even when using products that claim to be less hazardous, be sure to
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 37 Choice Standard and Safe Chemical Ingredients Criteria that address chemicals that are used in the salon and provide a safer substitution for a broad range of potential toxicological effects. Whenever possible, clients and professionals. using these products can help to lessen the potential effects of the
Ensuring proper ventilation The best way to reduce the level of hazardous materials and open doors and windows. For salons that use ventilated tables, it is chemicals in the air is to ensure proper ventilation. Without proper important to ensure proper upkeep, such as changing out the charcoal ventilation, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health filters once a month and cleaning the catch basins once a week. and comfort problems. Make sure your salon’s ventilation and exhaust Ventilation can reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals by over 50%, system is always on. In the case that there is no exhaust system, be so is well worth any extra effort, noise, or expense. sure that the heating and air condition is on during all work hours Limiting chemical exposure: and consider installing exhaust fans near open doors or window to ●● Use less toxic, safer, natural products. pull in fresh air and push out contaminated air. Ensure enough air is ●● Use pumps instead of aerosol containers. circulating to clear hazardous fumes from the air (six to ten fresh air ●● Use products with low volatile organic compound content. changes per hour), and whenever possible, let in fresh air through ●● Use non-toxic products for disinfecting and cleaning. Identifying and labeling chemicals Another accident prevention strategy to ensure environmental you need to perform services. When disposing of used chemicals, health within your salon is ensuring all chemicals are properly never pour them down the sink, toilet, or drains, or pour them onto labelled and sealed. Even discarded products left in trash cans can cotton balls. Instead, follow the proper safety instructions for disposal. evaporate and contaminate the air, so it is best to always use metal This will not only help keep everyone in the salon safe, but also trash cans with tight, self-closing lids or place chemical-soiled reduces the risk for garbage and sanitation workers after the waste is products into a sealed bag before disposing them. Be sure to empty removed from the salon. trashcans often and reduce waste by only using the amount of product
Limiting chemical exposure One of the most important accident prevent strategies when and other protective clothing and equipment such as safety gloves dealing with any chemical is to frequently wash your hands, and goggles can further reduce the risk of coming into contact with especially before eating, drinking, applying cosmetics, and chemicals and hazardous materials. Immediately replace any damaged smoking, and never store food or drinks in your work area. It is protective equipment and ensure that you cover and cuts, scrapes, or important to reduce contact between your hands and your skin and damaged skin. Any breaks or damage to the skin provides for quicker eyes whenever possible. In addition, wearing long-sleeved shirts absorption of any chemicals or hazardous materials.
Treating chemical burns Despite the best accident prevention strategies, accidents still can and Most chemical burns within the salon setting will be first-degree do occur. In the salon setting, some of the most common accidents, burns, meaning that they only involve the top layer of skin. These or even skin allergies and sensitivities, can result in chemical burns will be red, painful to the touch, and will show mild swelling. burns. Therefore, it is important to know the steps to take to treat Applying a cool, wet compress or submerging in cool, clean water them. It is important to administer first aid within the first few minutes until the pain subsides can help to treat first-degree burns. Following following a chemical burn, as this can make a significant difference in this, cover the burned area with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage; but the severity of the injury. Remove any clothing that is contaminated never apply ointments or butter to burns, as these can cause infection by the chemical. If the clothing adheres to the skin, cut or tear around and increased damaged to the area and overall health of the burned the burned area. Also, be sure to remove any tight garments or jewelry individual. First-degree burns generally heal without further treatment, in contact with the burned area, as these areas will begin to swell but over-the-counter pain medication may be useful in relieving pain immediately and can make it harder to remove items as time passes. and inflammation. Seek emergency medical attention for more severe Pay close attention to the neck and throat if these areas are affected, burns or anytime the burn victim is an infant or elderly. as tight or constraining articles of clothing or jewelry can restrict the airways and hinder breathing.
Conclusion Despite it being a relaxing and calming place, there are perils located in every salon. As a certified cosmetologist, it is your responsibility to educate yourself on these perils and techniques to mitigate dangers and respond appropriately when accidents occur. Your clients have the right to a safe and hazard-free salon environment, and your participation is required to ensure that this right is fulfilled.Your clients depend on you for their cosmetic needs, be sure they can depend on you for their safety as well. You can play an active role in addressing the environmental issues and reducing environmental risk for both your clients and yourself.
Page 38 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Chapter 7: OSHA Responsibilities for the Salon
1 CE Hour
By: Staff Writer
Learning objectives Summarize the OSH Act mandate and discus the purpose of OSHA Identify ergonomic hazards found within your workplace. laws and regulations. Describe employer responsibilities mandated by OSHA. Locate and review Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR) referring Discuss the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. to workplace safety and health. OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health applicable to their industry and comply with the General Duty Clause Administration (OSHA) sets laws and of the Occupational Safety Health (OSH) Act. The OSH Act regulations to guide workplace health mandates that employers must maintain a workplace that is free of and safety standards. Their mission is to serious recognized hazards. assure safe and healthful work places by OSHA was created by Congress under the Occupational Safety and setting and enforcing standards and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 29, providing training, outreach, education, 1970. Since its establishment in 1971, workplace fatalities have been and assistance. All employers are required cut by 62%, and occupational injury and illness rates have declined to comply with OSHA standards that are 40%.
Importance of the OSHA act According to OSHA, providing workers with a safe workplace is ●● Better labor/management relations. central to their ability to enjoy health, security, and the opportunity to ●● Reduced turnover. achieve the American dream. Addressing safety and health issues in ●● Better use of human resources. the workplace also saves the employer money and adds value to the “Over 95% of OSHA cases reported are preventable injuries.” business. Recent estimates place the business costs associated with occupational injuries at close to $170 billion – expenditures that come However, the cost of non-compliance with OSHA regulations is straight out of company profits. immeasurable: ●● 4,679 fatal, yet preventable work injuries were reported to the When workers stay whole and healthy, the direct-cost savings to Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2014. 793 of these were businesses include: linked to falls, slips, and trips. ●● Lower workers’ compensation insurance costs. ●● From October 4, 2015 to March 3, 2016, 393 catastrophes resulted ●● Reduced medical expenditures. in death. ●● Smaller expenditures for return-to-work programs. ●● In 2014 alone, there were nearly 3.0 million nonfatal workplace ●● Fewer faulty products. injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers. ●● Lower costs for job accommodations for injured workers. ●● Less money spent for overtime benefits. These numbers represent the tragedy associated with non-compliance to OSHA rules and regulations. While the data shows that reported Safety and health also make big reductions in indirect costs, due to: injuries and illnesses in healthcare and social assistance have declined, ●● Increased productivity. this is still an alarming number and indicates the importance of OSHA ●● Higher quality products. compliance in every organization. ●● Increased morale.
Recognized hazards and penalties for the salon and other industries An excess of 375,000 nail technicians work every day in salons in their safety regulation. Fortunately, OSHA provides standards and across the nation and are exposed to multiple potential hazards in responsibilities to help salon owners navigate thorough potential the workplace. These hazards can include chemical exposure from hazards and address them in a way that can prevent most injuries and various salon products including glues, polishes, dyes, and chemical illnesses. hair treatments, among others, and can result in a host of negative In fact, OSHA employer responsibilities are important not only for health effects, including respiratory illness, liver disease, reproductive managing cosmetologists, but for any salon worker. OSH law edicts dysfunction, skin disorders, and even cancer. However, there are other employers must provide a safe workplace and dictates employer dangers that are present in the salon that can be just as serious and, responsibilities that are legally enforceable in Florida. There are in some cases, deadly. These include a high risk for infection from serious penalties for employers that do not maintain these OSHA blood borne pathogens, communicable diseases from skin and nails, standards. Aside being detrimental to an employee’s safety and health, and bodily injury from repetitive motions, awkward positions, and violations can be detrimental to any salon and can result in heavy slips and falls. Therefore, salon owners and managers must be diligent fines and even salon closures.Employers have a responsibility to
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 39 provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards that Important OSHA Regulations for Salons are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. There were multiple infractions in 2015 costing organizations penalties It is important for salon owners and managers to be familiar with above $40,000. While these serious Florida violations were fortunately OSHA regulations and standards. The following are some of the not discovered within the salon setting, they do provide precautionary major OSHA Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR) essential for safety in the salon setting. Familiarize yourself with each of these information that can indeed apply to your salon. For example: standards (and others), which are available through OSHA and the ●● $71,000 fined to the U.S. Postal Service in Pensacola for working osha.gov website. conditions in which employees were exposed to excessive heat while delivering the mail. https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owasrch.search_form?p_doc_ ●● $140,000 fined to Jasper Contractors, Inc. in Jacksonville for type=STANDARDS&p_toc_level=1&p_keyvalue=1910 failing to provide eye and face protection. Standard Number 1910: ●● $60,500 fined to Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. for issues with ●● Subpart D: Walking-working surfaces maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes; ●● Subpart E: Means of egress (exit routes, emergency action exposure to compressed gases; handling of materials, and other plans, and fire prevention plans) infractions. ●● Subpart G: Occupational health and environmental controls ●● $91,000 fined to Indianhead Exploration, LLC for infractions ○○ 1910.94: Ventilation ○○ 1910.95: Occupational noise exposure involving permit-required confined spaces, the control of ●● Subpart H: Hazardous materials hazardous energy, mechanical power-transmission, hazard ○○ 1910.106: Flammable liquids communication, respiratory protection, and other general ○○ 1910.119: Process safety management of highly hazardous requirements. chemicals ■■ 1910.119 App A: List of highly hazardous chemicals, toxics, and reactives) ●● Subpart I: Personal protective equipment ●● Subpart J: General environmental controls ●● Subpart K: Medical and first aid ●● Subpart L: Fire protection ●● Subpart N: Materials handling and storage ●● Subpart O: Machinery and machine guarding ●● Subpart P: Hand and portable powered tools and other hand- held equipment ●● Subpart Z: Toxic and hazardous substances
SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR SALON. OSHA and the salon OSHA has not formulated any rules and regulations that deal practices, you can reduce stress on your body and prevent ailments specifically with the cosmetology industry. While no specific rules resulting from improper positioning of your body. Some good exist, cosmetologists are expected to abide by basic rules contained ergonomic practices are included in the following chart. within the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR) which refer to workplace safety and health. These rules describe the responsibilities Good ergonomic practices for reducing hazards. of employers and employees when handling hazardous chemicals, When sitting… When standing… as well as the use of personal protective devices (PPE), proper Use an adjustable chair and pay Raise your guest to a level that ventilation, prevention from overexposure to dust, and overall health attention to your posture at all is comfortable to reach so you and safety plans. All regulations for general industry (Standards – 29 times. Be sure to sit with your do not place strain on your CFR, can be found at the following web address: back supported and feet flat on extremities or bend your back https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owasrch.search_form?p_doc_ the floor. to reach them. If working with type=STANDARDS&p_toc_level=1&p_keyvalue=1910 If necessary, use a footrest to hands or feet, you can also use a ensure your feet reach the floor. cushion to raise their extremities OSHA provides guidelines to help keep workers safe in various and maintain proper posture. settings, including the salon. In many cases, they provide information If working at a table, place a Adjust the lighting or use safety on good work practices that should be used to protect workers and towel or foam pad on the edge glasses with magnifying lenses guests from chemical hazards, muscle strains, and diseases. Often in order to cushion the impact to so that you do not have to strain overlooked but very common in the salon setting are the hazards that your wrists, elbows, and hands. your eyes or bend over to reach can cause aches and pains that can eventually result in long-term your guest. damage. For instance, aches and pains can result from leaning over a worktable too long – a common concern for cosmetologists working Never sit with the back of your Always wear comfortable shoes in nail salons – or repetitive movements like cutting hair, applying knees flush to your chair. This that provide arch support. cosmetics, and resting hands, wrists, and forearms and/or elbows will improve the blood flow to against hard surfaces or sharp edges of worktables. These types of your legs. hazards are referred to as ergonomic or musculoskeletal hazards, In general… and they impact the functioning and health of muscles and bones. Changing your position can be helpful to ward off strains. Take In order to reduce these risks, salon workers can practice ergonomics, frequent breaks or switch between repetitive tasks whenever or the science of fitting the task to the worker. This can make possible. You can do gentle stretching exercises in between clients cosmetology techniques more comfortable and more efficient and can to relieve stress on muscles. take the strain out of some procedures. By utilizing good ergonomic
Page 40 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Pace yourself. Working too fast can cause your body to become Pay attention to the way you move and position your body. For tense and result in muscle pains. example, when lifting any item of weight, make sure to support the Keep your arms and shoulders loose. Tilting your head to each weight with your legs, rather than your back. Try to keep your wrists side for a few seconds at a time can help to relieve neck stress and straight, rather than repetitive bending. tension. No matter what task you are doing, always listen to your body. If Organize your work area in a way that makes equipment and a technique is causing you pain, try to find a way to adjust your materials easy to access without causing unnecessary bending, posture or positioning to more easily accomplish the task. reaching, or twisting.
Employer responsibilities Sample safety data sheet While you can play a part in your own health within the salon setting, When applicable, safety training should be delivered in a language that employers must also take a role in providing you with a safe operating can be understood by all workers. Keep this in mind when working environment. There are key responsibilities that employers are with employees that may speak foreign languages, and ensure that all responsible for that can make a difference for everyone working within workers understand the vocabulary used. or visiting the salon. Safety Data Sheets for every hazardous material must be readily “The federal government requires that product manufacturers accessible at all times within the salon. In addition, hazardous make the material safety data sheets (SDS) available to their materials should be clearly labeled and employers should use employees and customers.” posters, signs, or some other indication (such as color codes) to warn employees of dangers within the salon. Employers are also responsible For example, under OSH law, employers are responsible for to develop and implement written hazard communication programs. complying with all OSHA standards and rules in order to provide These should include communication and training on hazards present a workplace that is safe and free from recognized and preventable in the salon and safety precautions for preventing exposures. Certain harm. All workplace conditions and standard operating procedures chemicals and techniques will also require OSHA regulated medical must conform to OSHA standards, and all employees must have access examinations and training, so check with your supervisor or the OSHA to and training on the safe operation of tools, products, and equipment. standards before handling any hazardous materials.
Reporting and notifications In worst case scenarios resulting in work-related fatalities, period of three working days, whichever is longer. OSHA will provide reporting must be provided to the nearest OSHA office within 8 guidance on required deadlines for correcting violations. hours of the instance. For inpatient hospitalization, amputations, A best practice in salons is the adoption of an Injury and Illness and losses of an eye, reporting must be complete within 24 hours. Prevention Program. This can help employers to limit injury and Always keep records of any work-related injuries or illnesses. This is illness by using standard interventions, which can significantly impact a requirement for any salon that employees more than ten employees, the occurrence of workplace injuries and manage safety within the but is also a good practice for any salon, despite the size or headcount. salon. There are examples of programs and systems for your reference It is also important to provide employees (as well as former employees on OSHAs Injury and Illness Prevention Programs topics page. and their representatives) access to the Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Log, for full disclosure of potential injuries and hazards. In Successful Injury and Illness Prevention Programs are based on the addition, all employees should also be provided access to their medical following key elements: records and exposure records. ●● Management/leadership. ●● Worker participation. When violations have been identified and addressed by OSHA, ●● Hazard identification. employers have the responsibility to notify employees of the ●● Hazard prevention and control. citation at or near the involved work area. These notifications ●● Education and training. are required to remain posted until the violation is corrected or for a ●● Program evaluation and improvement. Discrimination It is also extremely important to note that it is a direct violation The OSHA act also allows for limited rights to refuse performing of OSHA standards to discriminate in any way against employees a job due to hazardous conditions. You have the right to refuse a job who report concerns to OSHA. Every employee has the legal right under the following circumstances: to be protected from retaliation and free from adverse action when 1. You reasonably believe the act puts you at risk for death or serious reporting concerns to OSHA. The OSH Act guarantees that employees injury because the act is clearly hazardous. who complain to their employer, OSHA, or other government agencies 2. You have attempted (if possible) to have your employer rectify the in regards to hazardous, unsafe, or unhealthy working conditions hazardous condition and there is no alternative way to complete cannot be transferred, denied a raise, have hours reduced, be fired, the job safely. or punished in any other way based on the fact that they exercised 3. The situation is urgent enough that there is no time allowed to their OSHA rights. These protections are outlined under OSHA’s prevent hazard through calling OSHA or other regulatory channels. Whistleblower Protection. Employees are able to file complaints There are a number of laws that protect your rights against retaliation regarding retaliation directly to OSHA by either visiting, calling/ for reporting violations of environmental laws related to drinking faxing, or filing online. water and/or pollution, toxic substances, air quality/pollution, disposing of solid waste, and more.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 41 Hazard communication standard Of extreme importance to the salon industry are OSHA’s requirements can be extremely hazardous to anyone who works in or visits the salon. and standards on Hazard Communication. Working with cosmetology Salon managers must ensure all employees are trained in how presents multiple opportunities to come into contact with chemicals to properly handle hazardous materials. Never use chemicals or and hazardous materials, and the importance of communication hazardous materials without first being trained on their safe use. If you regarding hazard can prevent serious injury and even death. are unsure, ask your salon manager and access the Safety Data Sheets Information about the identities and hazards of all chemicals and labels for more information on safe use and precautionary actions. found within the workplace is required to be available and There have been recent, major changes to the Hazard Communication understandable to employees. This is essential in ensuring chemical Standard that impact cosmetology professionals: safety within the workplace and is a fully enforceable requirement. ●● Hazard classification: Must provide specific criteria for Violations of this requirement can result in extreme fines paired classifying health and physical hazards and classification of with required corrective action. OSHA’s Hazard Communication mixtures. Standard mandates that these informative materials are maintained and ●● Labels: Labels from manufactures must include harmonized signal disseminated throughout every salon. word, pictogram, and hazard statement as well as precautionary The manufacturers of chemicals used in the salon are required to statements. include safety and hazard information with their products. Each ●● Safety data sheets: Must have a specified 16-section format. product should come with a Safety Data Sheet. It is the responsibility ●● Information and training: Employees must be trained on the of the salon to ensure that all employees understand this provided new label elements and safety data sheets to ensure awareness and information and have access to it at all times. Never remove a label understanding. from any chemical product, or store it in an unlabeled container. This Contacting your OSHA area office Due to the extent and complexity of OSHA rules and regulations, it is important to know how to clarify any questions that you may have regarding compliance in your place of employment. In Florida, there are three OSHA Area Offices that are available to you for any questions or concerns. The following chart provides the contact information for each of the three Florida OSHA Offices. Contact the office nearest you.
Fort Lauderdale Jacksonville Tampa 1000 South Pine Island Road Ribault Building, Suite 227 5807 Breckenridge Parkway, Suite A Suite 100 1851 Executive Center Drive Tampa, FL 33610-4249 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33324 Jacksonville, FL 32207 (813) 626-1177 (813) 626-1177 (954)424-0242 (954)424-0242 (904) 232-2895 (904) 232-2895 (813) 626-7015 FAX (954)424-3073 FAX (904) 232-1294 FAX
Toll-Free Numbers: 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-OSHA FREE (6742) TTY 1-877-889-5627.
Conclusion OSHA laws and regulations are in place for a reason: to keep you safe. Staying on top of OSHA requirements and responsibilities is essential and cannot be taken lightly. In order to protect yourself and everyone in the salon and avoid penalties, always follow OSHA stipulated guidelines and protocols.
Page 42 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Chapter 8: A Matter of Life or Death: Sanitation and Sterilization in the Salon Industry
3 CE Hours
By: Staff Writer
Learning objectives Discuss the importance of sanitization and sterilization in the Describe the difference between “sanitation” and “sterilization” cosmetology industry. and the significance of those differences. Describe recent events that require your knowledge of sanitation Summarize the purpose of an autoclave, and provide details on techniques. how to use it. Introduction Sanitation and sterilization is serious business In the entertainment industry, characters that are obsessively clean Although we find these personalities in television and movies funny, are often portrayed as amusing. Adrian Monk (played by actor germs and infections are serious concerns in the cosmetology industry Tony Shaloub), the quirky detective in the television show “Monk,” and can be a matter of life or death. Cosmetologists must approach maintains that germs are at the top of his list of 312 phobias. In the cleanliness of their salons with an obsessive ferocity - for the addition to germs, Monk has an overpowering fear of door handles, safety of both themselves and their clients. anything dirty, and always carries sanitizing wipes with him wherever he goes.
What’s the worst that can happen? Case histories are littered with “worst-case scenarios” and should be occur in your facility if you are not informed and/or not following the warnings to cosmetologists that bad things can – and will – happen proper procedures. if equipment and tools that are used daily on clients are not properly Before AIDS and hepatitis became household names, the cosmetology cleaned and maintained. Equally important are safety measures such as and barbering industry were under little scrutiny as risks for spreading ventilation and proper training about chemical use and the appropriate infectious diseases. However, since the 1980’s, an epidemic of blood- use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Due to the sheer nature of borne diseases has forced a reexamination of the beauty industry. people touching people in the salon atmosphere, killer organisms can
Health risks and the beauty industry The health risks associated with the beauty industry include viral acrylic, lacquer, and hair product fumes and the misuse of chemical infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and herpes. Bacterial peeling solutions can cause a whole host of respiratory problems and infections, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, and pseudomonas diseases. are also of great concern, as well as fungal infections (e.g. athlete’s “Among the diseases that have the potential to be transmitted at foot, nail fungus, and yeast). Reactions to nail, hair, and facial products a hair or nail salon, hepatitis B and C pose the biggest threat to can cause devastating effects such as chemical burns, loss of hair public health.” or nails, eyelid dermatitis, and eczema. Furthermore, toxicity from Hepatitis B & C Among the diseases that have the potential to be transmitted at Approximately 75-85% of people who become infected with hepatitis a hair or nail salon, hepatitis B and C pose the biggest threat to C develop a chronic infection. hepatitis B can be infectious for at least public health. One out of every three people worldwide has been a week on surfaces commonplace to salons, such as headrests, chairs, infected with hepatitis B. 240 million people have become chronically and tools or instruments. Prior to 1990, hepatitis C was commonly infected; in other words, they are not able to get rid of the virus. In transmitted through blood transfusions; there is now evidence that it the United States, over 12 million people have hepatitis B and it is can be transmitted through personal care items that may have come estimated that 40,000 people become infected each year. in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors, nail files, and Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C. It barber’s scissors, among other items commonplace in a salon. currently affects an estimated 3.5 million people in the United States.
Herpes A woman in Colorado was awarded $3.1 million dollars after it was Preston reported to ABC News that after she had left the salon, the found that she contracted herpes from a manicure. Kristina Preston had cuticles of her thumbs felt like they were burning. “Two days later they her first professional manicure in 1998 at a salon in Aurora, Colorado.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 43 were swollen and tender,” Preston said. “I knew something was wrong. “Unfortunately,” continues Sekula-Gibbs, “we are finding that not I started developing blisters, which spread to all 10 fingers.” all salons are following this simple rule of thumb. As more and Blood tests showed that she had herpes and bacterial infections. A more consumers frequent hair and nail salons each year, the risk of second test confirmed these results. Preston also reported that she becoming infected with hepatitis, HIV, and other transmittable diseases started suffering with chronic fatigue, ear infections, and strep throat increases as well.” among other ailments following her manicure. A similar case was reported in a New York salon. Attorney Bruce Egert This is just one example of why it is so important to properly sanitize recounted his client’s experience which resulted in an occurrence of and sterilize within the salon. “Since there is an inherent risk that herpes transmission. The client, who visited the salon for an eyebrow customers may accidentally be cut during a routine hair or nail waxing, maintained that the attendant applied the wax with “a terribly appointment, it makes sense to use sterile instruments,” says Dr. infected stick.” Shelley A. Sekula-Gibbs, MD, a dermatologist practicing in Houston, Egert explained to the New York Post that the stick had been Texas. “Nail clippers, acrylic nail drills, cuticle scissors, callus paring previously “used on somebody else in a rather delicate part of her blades, and reusable razors and blades all have the potential to transmit body.” According to the Post, an ophthalmologist found that the client infectious disease if they are not properly sterilized. was suffering from herpetic keratoconjunctivitis in her eyes.
Northern California bacterial outbreak In optimal conditions, certain bacteria can thrive and divide every Upon investigation of the nail salon, large amounts of skin debris and twenty minutes. Optimal conditions include moisture, oxygen, and hair were found inside the inlet suction screens of every whirlpool warm temperatures. These “perfect storm” environmental factors footbath examined. “A bacterial soup was back there behind the created the ideal setting for an outbreak of mycobacterial furunculosis screens,” said McCarty. “There was enough hair to make a toupee.” in a California nail salon’s footbaths. In response to the claims, the salon owner reported that the areas In the fall of 2000, a physician in Northern California reported a behind the screens were never cleaned. Cultures from all ten footbaths group of female patients who reported developing boils on their lower at this particular nail salon produced m fortuitum. In addition, m. legs. Over one hundred customers reported pustules that were slow to mucogenicum, m. smegmatis, unidentified mycobacteria, and nocardia respond to antibiotics and which left the victims scarred. The patients organisms were also found in at least five of the footbaths. reported small bumps that turned into purple pus-filled boils that Unfortunately, this is more common than one might think. California “erupted discharge, seemed to heal, then formed again and spread to investigators reported they found similar bacteria at 16-18 salons other areas.” they checked. Investigators from 20/20, a prime time news program, Strong antibiotics were prescribed and patients were required to also went with inspectors to salons in Dallas, Boston, Houston, and continue the treatments for six months. The treatment was “no picnic” Phoenix, and almost all of the salons tested positive for potentially said Betsy McCarty, Chief of Public Health for the Santa Cruz County harmful bacteria. Health Department. The antibiotics resulted in yeast infections, diarrhea, and nausea for the patients.
Deaths in California Evidence suggests that an infection contracted from a pedicure may salons. “While progress has been made,” Yee continued, “clearly more have caused the death of Gerry Ann Schabarum, wife of former needs to be done to protect the health of nail salon consumers.” California State Assemblyman and longtime Los Angeles County In addition, a Sunnyvale, California woman died in June of 2006. Supervisor, Pete Schabarum. According to Pasadena Weekly, Jessica Mears was 43 years old. Her mother, Diana Mears, filed a Schabarum had been battling a staphylococcus infection for over wrongful death lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court against a year. She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, and because of a Top Hair and Nails Salon in Mountain View. The suit claims Jessica weakened immune system, the bacteria was able to take hold in her Mears contracted a bacterial infection during a 2004 pedicure at body. the salon that left a large lesion on her left calf. Jessica Mears had “It is tragic that another life may have been lost because of an lupus - a chronic disease that compromises the immune system. “The unsanitary salon,” said Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San lesion never healed,” said Robert Bohn, Jr., the San Jose attorney Mateo), the author of legislation signed into law to help clean up dirty representing Diana Mears. The end result was the loss of Mears’ life.
A death in Texas Kimberly Jackson of Fort Worth, Texas, died in February of 2006. treated with repeated rounds of antibiotics. Shortly after, the 46 year Jackson was a paraplegic and couldn’t feel the massages and the old died of a heart attack triggered by the staph infection, according bubbling water on her feet, but she loved the bright pink nail polish. to family’s attorney, Steven C. Laird. “She was afraid she was going Her heel was cut with a pumice stone during a pedicure. Several days to lose her foot,” said David Lee Jackson, her ex-husband. “Who later she sought out medical help for an infection in her foot and was would’ve thought this would take her life?”
MRSA outbreak in the Netherlands In September 2005, a medical microbiologist from groin, resulting in incision and drainage of lesions. When an abscess a regional medical microbiology laboratory in the developed in the genital area in July 2005, MRSA was cultured from a Netherlands reported to the municipal health wound swab. In December 2005, the stylist was declared to be department of a recurring MRSA – methicillin- MRSA-free after antimicrobial treatment. Yet, in March 2006 the resistant Staphylococcus aureus – infection in a woman was tested again for MRSA colonization; test results showed stylist. From December 2004 onward, the woman that she had been re-infected, or that the therapy had failed. had recurrent infections on the legs, buttocks and
Page 44 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com The stylist had eczema. Because of the “hands on” nature of her work, In the following weeks, these customers were screened at the she was advised to temporarily stop providing services to customers. municipal health office and informed about the MRSA. Of the 22 The municipal health department conducted a risk assessment of the regular customers, 21 completed a questionnaire and 19 were actually woman’s contacts within her household and in the beauty salon. screened for MRSA by culturing samples from the pairs of openings In April 2006, a salon customer was of the nasal cavity, as well as the throats. Fortunately, all employees hospitalized with an abscess of the breast and the 19 selected regular customers were negative for MRSA caused by MRSA; in July 2006, another colonization. All environmental swabs were also negative for MRSA. customer who had had boils since February It became apparent that after performing waxing treatments, the stylist 2006 was found to be MRSA positive. Both would touch the waxed skin of customers with ungloved hands to customers had been given wax treatments by check for remaining hairs. She did not wash her hands. Ultimately, the stylist during the period in which she had a total of 45 persons who had been in direct or indirect contact an infected hair follicle in her armpit. with the stylist were screened for MRSA: Three family members, Concern arose about the risk for infection to three roommates, 11 other persons (including secondary contacts), customers through instruments, materials (wax), or contact with other six beauty salon employees, and 22 customers (including regular employees. The index patient and the other six employees of the salon customers). Fifteen persons had skin infections and ten were colonized regularly provided services to each other. In response, all working with MRSA (stylist, family member, roommate, ex-partner of the procedures and protocols in the salon were investigated, and the salon roommate, customers and partners of the customers). Although skin was advised to clean and disinfect instruments and procedure rooms. A infections never developed in the stylist’s family members, tests did total waxing procedure was observed and ten swabs were taken from show MRSA colonization in one of them. While the MRSA infections used wax, wax implements, and the treatment room. All six employees were treated, the damage to the salon was unrepairable. were screened and informed about MRSA and the current situation. Although the prevalence of MRSA is low, local microbiologic Arrangements were also made to test 22 regular customers who had laboratories should report outbreaks to the local municipal health received wax treatments by the index patient in the previous two department for further investigation when they are detected. More months. research is necessary to better understand the risk factors involved in these outbreaks.
Other recent salon incidents ●● An unnamed woman nearly died after getting a bikini wax nails, but five days later she visited the hospital and was told she and then contracting a life threatening bacteria: Streptococcus had to stay. “I was shocked because I never thought going and pyogenes. getting your nails done, to have them polished, would end up with ●● Entertainer Paula Abdul’s injury made worldwide news, and she a finger gone.” Burgess continues, “I cry a lot. I hide my hand a nearly lost her thumb because of a fungal infection following a lot. I’ll never wear fingernail polish again. I’ll never wear nails manicure. She testified in front of the California State Business again.” and Professions Committee to lobby for legislation that would ●● Geremie Hoff of St. Louis, Missouri sued a hair salon for establish safety standards for manicure and pedicure equipment. emotional distress and was awarded $6,000 because of a “bad hair “Being a professional dancer, I’m no stranger to pain,” Abdul said. treatment.” The hair treatment left her depressed and caused her to “But this time, the pain was so excruciating that even my hair seek an early retirement. Jurors found the stylist negligent. touching my thumb caused me to scream.” ●● Mary Reddish, Athens, Georgia, was awarded $150,000 after a ●● Reba Burgess, of Kansas City, Missouri was forced to amputate visit to a salon left her mostly bald. Reddish said she was left her finger after getting her nails done, reported Kansas City nearly bald as result of a chemical reaction from the hair relaxing television station KMBC. “Then they filed again. Then they product and the dye used to bleach her hair blonde. The damage drilled. Then they filed, drilled, picked…” said Burgess of the nail to Reddish’s follicles was bad enough to cause her premature hair technician’s attempts to remove her acrylic nails. The process took loss, according to her attorney. almost four hours. Burgess left the salon with a new set of acrylic Germs are everywhere Bacteria and viruses can live virtually anywhere. We expect some In salons, handling money can be a major source of transmission surfaces – such as toilets and surfaces in bathrooms - to harbor germs. of bacteria and viruses. Scientists have found that the dollar bill Some of the most contaminated surfaces in business, however, are a carries about 3000 types of bacteria on its surface. Most bacteria are little more unexpected. harmless; and some bacteria are even beneficial. Yet, according to a In Kimberly Clark Professional’s “The Healthy Workplace Project,” 2014 National Public Radio report, money may have a “smudge” of over 5000 swabs from different samples were collected to determine anthrax or diphtheria. The very nature of money makes it a possible the levels of bacteria. The most contaminated area (75% of surfaces way that antibiotic resistant genes move around cities, as reported by tested) was the sink faucet tap handle, followed closely by microwave biologist Jane Carlton, who is leading the Dirty Money Project at New door handles (48%). Light switches are also highly contaminated. York University. “We’re not trying to be fear mongers,” says Carlton, “or suggest that everyone goes out and microwave their money. But I “…money may have a “smudge” of anthrax or diphtheria.” must admit that some of the one dollar bills in NYC are really nasty.”
Trendy and dirty Beards have recently become trendy among a certain demographic of Beard swab tests were performed by reporters at Action 7 news men. Simmons National Consumer Study estimates 17% of all men in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Quest Diagnostics discovered that and 35% of young men ages 18-24 have facial hair today, an increase men’s facial hair can contain bacteria usually found in the intestines from past studies. Barbers and stylists need to be aware of just how and fecal matter. “I’m usually not surprised,” said Quest Diagnostic dirty beards can be when men present themselves for grooming. microbiologist, John Golobic, “and I was surprised by this.” Some
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 45 beards tested were comparable to toilets. Bacteria found could lead Because of a beard’s location, organisms found in it can easily make to skin infections and to the spread of bugs, such as staphylococcus. their way to a man’s mouth.
Violations Former WFAA reporter, Brad Watson, performed several undercover Watson’s investigations showed evidence of salon professionals salon investigations in 2007. He found that while improvements not washing hands between customers, illegal blades, improper had been made, many salons continued unsanitary practices. After cleaning and disinfecting of spa chairs, the potential cross- his reports, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) contamination of creams/lotions, and reuse of buffing blocks, went to look for themselves. “Well, we found a lot of lax sanitation which expose a customer to the previous customer’s nail and skin practices,” said Patrick Shaughnessy, a spokesperson for TDLR. “They tissue. were not paying attention to the things they need to look at.”
Simple solutions Although each of these risks poses considerable health problems for employing proper hand washing practices, and teaching the Centers for consumers, there are simple ways beauty establishments can modify Disease Control’s (CDC) “standard precautions” in cosmetology and their current practices and reduce the potential transmission of barber schools would virtually eliminate the risks of contracting viral, infectious diseases. Dr. Sekula-Gibbs explains that using disposable bacterial, and fungal infection. instruments whenever possible, properly sterilizing instruments,
Your responsibilities As a salon professional, you have responsibilities to the State and to instruments, and your workstation must be kept as clean as possible. your profession. Learning appropriate precautionary measures This means no shortcuts or omissions of any precautionary measures and cleaning procedures will help protect you and your clients. discussed in this course. Violations can result in penalization by the These measures will also reduce the incidence of bacterial, viral, and state of Florida, removal from your salon, and hazardous infection to fungal infections and will prevent the spread of disease. You, your both you and your clients.
Modes of contamination Always assume your clients, co-workers, and the salon environment are contaminated Diseases are communicable or contagious when they move from one The primary modes of travel for common contagions are: individual to another. Working with the public means encountering ●● Unclean hands. potentially dangerous pathogens and opportunistic organisms. Always ●● Unclean implements. assume your clients, co-workers, and environment could be carrying ●● Open sores. illness, and use proper infection control procedures, or standard ●● Pus. precautions, every day. ●● Mouth and nose discharge. Humans have some level of immunity against infection, but our level ●● Shared cups or towels. of protection varies with age, health, and a range of other factors. ●● Coughing or sneezing. Skin is our first line of defense. When there are no cuts or scrapes, ●● Spitting. skin is excellent protection against pathogens. In the vast majority of Pathogenic bacteria can also enter the body through: cases, bacteria, fungi, and viruses enter the body through the portals ●● A break in the skin, including pimples, scratches, or cuts. of the nose and mouth, small tears or openings in the skin, and to a ●● The nose and the mouth during breathing. lesser extent, the eyes and ears. Once inside the body, the pathogen ●● The mouth during eating and drinking. reproduces rapidly at a rate that can overwhelm the immune system, resulting in disease. Humans are excellent sources of contamination because we are Transmission may occur through “direct” or “indirect” contact. constantly leaving organic particles behind wherever we go; For example, indirectly inhaling contaminated droplets in the air a mixture of dead skin cells with viral, bacterial, and fungal (airborne transmission), or touching a contaminated surface and then particles, along with other microorganisms that consume skin cells touching one’s nose, eyes, or mucous membranes is an easy way for or use us to travel to an appropriate host. Every time you touch transmitting germs. Try to avoid touching your face during the day, something, you deposit some of this organic matter on another surface. and always wash your hands between clients. Simple actions - such as touching a client’s hair, brushing some of On the other hand, yeast, scabies, lice, and many other skin infections your hair out of your eyes with your hand, or touching a spray bottle - do not require an open sore or mucosal surface to infect. For example, can move microorganisms from one item to another: From you to your athlete’s foot contaminates through indirect transmission. When client or from your client to you. someone with athlete’s foot walks barefoot on a wet bathroom floor, Individuals who are susceptible to infection (due to a compromised the person leaves behind spores that will stick to the foot of anyone protection system or some failure in their ability to resist invasion) else walking barefoot on that floor, infecting the individual even if are also the targets of opportunistic microorganisms. In contrast to he or she has no cuts or openings on the feet. Fungi, like athlete’s pathogens, opportunistic organisms do not cause initial illness but will foot, will survive for some time on a damp or wet floor. Spa shower infect an individual once pathogenic organisms have already weakened stalls and soaking baths that retain small amounts of water must be the immune system. These opportunistic organisms cling to the skin thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with the appropriate disinfectant. and the hair and exist in the bodies of healthy people.
Page 46 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Microbes also contaminate ventilation systems Germs in a ventilation system easily spread throughout a salon Some of the most dangerous areas in salons are the places - landing on people, surfaces, and implements - whenever the contaminated manicuring tools or equipment are kept, including blowers or fans turn on. Germs not only float through the air, settling the manicure table and the trashcans in which dirty implements are constantly on salon surfaces such as sinks and countertops, but they deposited. Microbes can even exist on seemingly unlikely products, can also “hitchhike” on human skin, hair, and clothing, contaminating like bars of soap. Because germs and other microorganisms have been anything with which they come into contact. To discourage their shown to thrive on bar soap, many salons prefer to use liquid soap growth, vents, filters, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers should be cleaned that can be dispensed from a container for each customer. In addition, and maintained regularly. Investigate any mildew or musty odors, soaking solutions, lotions, and creams that initially are uncontaminated which are a good indication of microbe growth. may lose preservatives that keep them safe from pathogenic or Pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms are able to thrive in a opportunistic microbes growing in them. Changes in color, texture, salon’s warm, moist places, like shampoo sink drains, footbaths, and appearance, or odor can be signs of contamination. hot and cold-water handles and taps. Implements such as scissors, Fighting infection may be a matter of staying home when you are files, brushes, or nippers can be major sources of contamination sick. Just as you should avoid working with contagious clients, you because they often contain organic matter, an optimum growth should not go to work if you have an infection, such as a bad cold or environment for pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. flu. Cover your mouth and nose to control pathogens escaping through “Microbes can also exist on seemingly unlikely products, like bars sneezes and coughs. Another way to fight infection is to take care of soap.” when interacting with others. For example, avoid causing wounds when working with dry of fragile skin, as tears and breaks can occur easily, even when filing nails. Always use abrasive instruments with care and a gentle touch, especially around the nail bed.
Decontaminating your environment You have a responsibility to control exposure to pathogens by Cleaning is only the first step of the process. The following sections decontaminating your environment and tools. Remember that review the meaning of sanitation, sterilization, and disinfection - terms pathogens collect any time an object or surface is exposed to air. that are commonly used interchangeably, but have very different Doorknobs, handles, telephones, money, light switches, cash registers meanings and results and require different procedures. – all are surfaces touched by co-workers and clients that may harbor harmful pathogens, so all must be decontaminated to some degree.
Sanitation Sanitation is the lowest level of decontamination. Sanitation will infectious agents from one person to another. Hands cannot be reduce some germs on a surface, but will not kill all organisms. sterilized, because it is impossible to remove all microorganisms from Sanitation provides a minimum level of cleanliness, protecting public the surface of the skin. Water and soap, in fact, are not sterile and can health by preventing the spread of some, but not all, bacteria and introduce new bacteria and infectious agents. fungi. It is important to note that instruments that are sanitized are not Your hands are populated by both resident and transient organisms. sterile. Resident organisms are a normal part of your skin’s environment “Sanitation will reduce germs on a surface, but will not kill all - their natural habitat. They grow and multiply in an oxygenated organisms.” environment and rarely cause infection or harm the individual who is their host. These organisms cannot be removed easily by hand Countertops and workstations should also be sanitized by wiping them washing. down with soap and water; this process should not be confused with Sanitation controls minimize exposure to transient organisms. These (and does not replace) disinfection, which requires an appropriate organisms, like E. coli and salmonella, cause dangerous infections in disinfectant cleaner. Remember that soap and water will kill most of humans. In contrast to resident organisms, transient organisms cannot the bacteria on your hands, workstation, or chair, but will not kill all live long on the surface of our skin. They function poorly in an oxygen bacteria or fungal spores. environment, usually surviving less than 24 hours. Fortunately, these The term “sanitation” is most often used in reference to cleaning organisms can be removed easily through the process of hand washing, the hands. Hand washing is absolutely essential to controlling using friction, soap and water. bacteria and the most effective way to prevent the spread of
Wash your hands Hand washing is like a “do- Clean hands prevent infections, and keeping hands clean prevents it-yourself” vaccine. It’s the illness at home, at school, and at work. Hand hygiene practices are key best way to prevent infection prevention tools in healthcare and human services settings, in daycare and illness. It involves five facilities, in schools and public institutions, and for the safety of our simple and effective steps: food. In health care settings, hand washing can prevent potentially Wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and fatal infections from spreading from patient to patient, from patient to dry. Regular handwashing, health care worker, and vice-versa. The basic rule in the hospital is to particularly before and after cleanse hands before and after each patient contact by either washing (http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/) certain activities, is one of the hands or using an alcohol-based hand rub. The same is true for salons, best ways to remove germs, cosmetologists, and their clients. avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 47 Wash your hands, the right way! When washing hands with soap and water: ●● Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available. ●● Rub hands together to produce lather, and scrub all surfaces. ●● Continue rubbing hands for 15-20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through to a friend. ●● Rinse hands well under running water. ●● Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet. ●● Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. ●● If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol- based hand rub to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast- acting. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: ●● Apply product to the palm of one hand. ●● Rub hands together briskly. ●● Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry. (http://www.health.state.mn.us/handhygiene/wash/fsgermbuster.html)
Hand washing: The beginning of infection control Over 16 years ago, Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician, first the students’ hands. The result was a death rate five times higher for demonstrated that hand hygiene can prevent the spread of disease. mothers who delivered in the clinic attended by the students than for Hand hygiene, as a practice, includes performing hand washing using mothers who delivered at another clinic. antiseptic hand wash or alcohol-based hand rub and/or surgical hand In an experiment considered quaint at best by his colleagues, Dr. hygiene/antisepsis. Semmelweis insisted that his students wash their hands before Dr. Semmelweis worked in a hospital in Vienna whose maternity treating the mothers – and deaths on the maternity ward fell fivefold. patients were dying at such an alarming rate of puerperal fever (or Unquestioned today as the most important tool in the health care childbed fever) that they begged to be sent home. Most of those dying worker’s arsenal for preventing infection, hand washing was not had been treated by student physicians who worked on corpses during readily accepted in Dr. Semmelweis’s era. His pleas to make hand an anatomy class before beginning their rounds in the maternity ward. washing a routine practice throughout the hospital were largely met Hand washing was an unrecognized hygenic practice at the time. with derision. Another 50 years would pass before the importance of Because the students did not wash their hands effectively between hand washing as a preventive measure would be widely accepted by touching the dead and the living, pathogenic bacteria (Sommelweis the medical profession. Sanitation is now a standard and thousands of called them “cadaverous particles” or little pieces of the corpse) lives have been saved because of Dr. Semmelweis’s discovery. from the dead bodies were regularly transmitted to the mothers via
Cleaning agents for the hands Cleaning agents assist in the process of removing substances from created using chemicals that can be very harsh to skin. In contrast to surfaces. Soaps and detergents are two common cleaning agents that detergents that do not leave a residue or require rinsing, soaps leave are often confused for one another, but are composed of very different a coating or residue on the body, typically one designed to make skin ingredients, with different cleaning properties. Soaps are the product of smoother or more attractive. Soaps also remove less fat from the skin a chemical reaction. They can be formed by vegetable oil reacting with than detergents. Removing fat from the skin has a drying quality and lye or chemicals. These chemicals, such as glycerin, add a desirable may strip the skin, therefore the use of detergents can dry skin out. smell or quality to the soap and make it milder. While soap does not Be sure to use the appropriate cleaning agent for the job. Different kill microorganisms, soap and water will help remove them from cleaning and disinfecting agents have many different properties. surfaces. Always read the ingredients, instructions, and recommendations for On the other hand, detergents are manufactured for the express use on the item’s label. purpose of cleaning specific substances off specific items and are
Sterilization and disinfection “Sterile” means free from all germs; sterilization is the most “Disinfection” is the process of killing specific microorganisms, effective level of decontamination, involving the removal of all bacteria, or germs using physical or chemical processes. Disinfectants bacterial life from a surface This is the level of decontamination are chemical agents that destroy organisms on contaminated required for tools and surfaces in hospital surgeries. For sterilization, instruments or surfaces. They can be dangerous and must be used hospitals use steam autoclaves to heat instruments to a very high with caution. Disinfectants are used to destroy bacteria on equipment temperature. Today, many salons are investing in autoclaves to reinsure and implements, but they should not be used on the skin. In a salon clients that their safety is the number one priority. atmosphere, disinfectants must be able to kill viruses, fungus, and dangerous bacteria.
Page 48 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Disinfectants “Sterile means free from all germs; sterilization is the most preparation and use of a specific disinfectant. Remember to follow effective level of decontamination, involving the removal of all all directions when using this type of disinfectant or any other bacterial life from a surface.” disinfectant. Controlling bacteria in a salon requires a degree of effort, vigilance, To ensure safety, use an appropriate ratio of concentration in the and good sense. In choosing a disinfectant, always look for the solution, and clean only approved items according to label instructions. EPA registration number (awarded by the Environmental Protection Wear gloves and safety glasses whenever mixing and using solutions. Agency) to ensure you are using an approved disinfectant. This Do not confuse disinfectants, which destroy harmful microorganisms, number indicates a level of safety for specific kinds of disinfection. with antiseptics: Products designed to slow the growth of To be registered by the EPA, disinfection must be effective in microorganisms. Antiseptics do not kill microorganisms and should killing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, and not be confused with disinfectants or used for salon disinfection. pseudomonas. Cosmetology salons must use not only EPA-approved Household disinfectants commonly used to clean offices and homes disinfectants, but also those with an EPA rating of hospital-level may be used to clean floors, doorknobs, and walls, etc., as directed on (tuberculocidal) quality. These disinfectants are especially effective for the container label, but should not be used in place of a hospital-grade salon use and are capable of killing viruses, dangerous bacterium, and salon disinfectant, which is required to sterilize instruments. Bleach fungi. can be used as an effective disinfectant, but it is not a cleaning agent Disinfectants can be hazardous if prepared incorrectly. Consult the and should only be applied to clean surfaces. Bleach must be used with manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for information on preparing caution because it can release toxic fumes when mixed with certain and using the solution. Always check the listing of chemicals in the substances. Bleach is far too harsh for day-to-day disinfection and disinfectant and if/how they can pose safety hazards. Be certain to will damage instruments. It may be used for washing towels and other follow manufacturers’ instructions and all written directions for the salon laundry.
What are efficacy tests? The tests used to measure the effectiveness of disinfectants Currently, for a disinfectant cleaner to be registered by EPA as hospital on various pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms are called strength, it must be effective at its recommended dilution in killing efficacy tests. The EPA must pre-approve all “efficacy test methods” target pathogens in the presence of 400 ppm hard water and 5 percent used to measure the effectiveness of disinfectants against specific organic serum and must kill 100 percent of the target test organisms. microorganisms. The most common efficacy test prescribed by EPA is It is a good idea to verify manufacturer and/or distributor efficacy data the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) test. of a disinfectant or disinfectant-cleaner before selecting it for use in your salon.
What factors affect how well a disinfectant works? There are six main factors: 4. Temperature: Certain disinfectants work best in cold water 1. Concentration: This is dilution rate. Proper dilution is very (bleach). important. Read label for complete dilution directions. 5. Soil load: Disinfectants do not know the difference between soil 2. Contact time: For disinfectants, such as bleach, contact time is and bacteria. That is why heavy soil should be removed before very critical. disinfecting. See explanation above for more details. 3. pH: Certain disinfectants work best under acidic conditions 6. Organism type: Not all disinfectants work on all types of (bleach), and others work best under alkaline conditions. organisms. When in doubt, read the product label for a complete list.
How can you calculate active parts per million (ppm) of the disinfectant you are using? To calculate active ppm, you’ll need three things: The active ingredient ●● Step 3: list from the disinfectant label, dilution rate of the product, and a Divide the result of Step 2 by the dilution rate (128 in this calculator. The following is an example of how this would be done example): using Neutral Germicidal Cleaner: 84,500 / 128 = 660 ppm. ●● Step 1: Parts per million (ppm) is a ratio figure that represents the amount of Add together active ingredient percentages from the label: one substance that is in one million parts of another substance. For example, 5.07 percent + 3.38 percent = 8.45 percent total active ingredients. ●● Step 2: Multiply by 10,000: 8.45 X 10,000 = 84,500
Introduction to the autoclave According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the “autoclave” is: An apparatus (as for sterilizing) using steam under load and the contents. high pressure. The autoclave was invented by French microbiologist, While autoclaves are not required in Florida, many salons are Charles Chamberland, in 1879. Autoclaves are used in industries purchasing them anyway. They provide salons with an increased where sterilization is a necessity. They sterilize equipment and supplies layer of safety; and stressing use of an autoclave is a good way to by subjecting the equipment to high-pressure saturated steam at 270
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 49 market your salon to clients. This section will give you the basics of materials and items contaminated with potentially infectious agents autoclave procedures. should be decontaminated before use or disposal. Such items include, The autoclave that uses saturated steam under pressure is one of the but are not limited to, toenail clippers, cuticle nippers, and metal most dependable methods available for the inactivation of all forms of cuticle pushers. Steam sterilization is not recommended for anhydrous microbial life. To ensure safety and quality control, all biohazardous substances, flammable materials, electrical equipment, or any item that may be damaged in the autoclaving process.
How the autoclave works “The autoclave, which uses steam under pressure, is one of the The sterilization procedure consists of three phases. most dependable methods available for the inactivation of all 1. The autoclave heat-up time. forms of microbial life.” 2. The contact time. 3. The cool-down time. The most common steam sterilizer found is the gravity displacement type. Saturated steam enters the top of the changer by a steam Once the temperature has come to equilibrium, a minimum of 20 pressure-control valve. As the steam enters, it pushes the air out minutes contact time for all surfaces that require sterilization is through a trap in the drain line. Once all the air is evacuated, the trap necessary to insure complete biological inactivation. Usually the heat- closes. Steam continues to fill the autoclave chamber until a pre- up time section of the sterilization procedure is the time given for the set temperature and pressure point are reached. Common operating autoclave chamber to heat up to the prescribed temperature; therefore, conditions are 270 degrees Fahrenheit and 15 pounds per square inch the run time used must be long enough for the entire package to gauge (psig) pressure. equilibrate at 270 degrees and still give the load 20 minutes contact time.
Steps in cleaning your instruments in an autoclave ●● Step 1: ○○ 106 kPa (106 kilopascals). In a sink, put instruments in warm water and detergent; then, hold ○○ 1 atm (1 atmosphere). the instruments under the water and scrub them with a clean brush, ○○ 1 kgf/cm2 (1 kilogram of force per square centimeter). paying attention to crevices and grooves. Rinse clean instruments ○○ 776 torr. in warm water and dry using a lint-free disposable towel. ○○ 776 mm Hg (776 millimeters of mercury). ●● Step 2: ●● Step 6: Open or unlock all jointed instruments and other items, such If the autoclave is automatic, the heat will shut off and the pressure as cuticle nippers and nail clippers, and disassemble those with will begin to fall once the sterilization cycle is complete. If the sliding or multiple parts. This allows steam to reach all surfaces of autoclave is not automatic, manually turn off the heat or remove the item. Avoid arranging the instruments and other items together the autoclave from the heat source after 20 minutes if items are tightly because this prevents steam from reaching all surfaces. unwrapped. Wait until the pressure gauge reads “zero” to open the ●● Step 3: autoclave. Open the lid or door to allow the remaining steam to If instruments and other items are to be wrapped before steam escape. Leave instruments or items in the autoclave until they dry. sterilization, use two layers of paper, newsprint, cotton, or muslin ●● Step 7: fabric (do not use canvas). Instruments and other items should not Remove the instruments, trays, or unwrapped items from the be placed in a closed container. autoclave using sterile pickups. To prevent condensation after ●● Step 4: removing the items from the autoclave, place them on a surface Arrange your instruments according to operator so they do not get padded with sterile paper or fabric until they are cool. Wait until mixed up. If you have multiple sets of instruments and operators in the instruments, trays, or items reach room temperature (which your salon, you may want to invest in an autoclave that has trays. may take up to several hours) before storing. This way each tray can be assigned to an operator, and instruments If using autoclave bags, check the indicator color on the bag to be will be easily identified. You could also invest in autoclave bags sure the items in the bag have been sterilized long enough. Store so that each set of instruments belonging to an individual operator the sealed dry autoclave bag in a clean, dry, protected area. Mark can have its own bag. This will reduce arguments over whose the bag with the date of autoclaving for future reference. instruments belong to whom. ●● Step 8: ●● Step 5: If you are not using autoclave bags, store items in a clean, closed Because there are many types of autoclaves in use around the container. world, it is difficult to provide guidance on the specific instructions on operation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions whenever While the autoclave is extremely efficient in sterilizing instruments, possible. In general, sterilize items for 20 minutes at 121 degrees the process requires much more time than chemical disinfection. C (270 degrees F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) pressure (Do not begin Therefore, it is highly recommended that you have several sets of timing until the autoclave reaches the desired temperature and instruments. Never shorten the length of time instruments are in the pressure). Note: The units of pressure marked on an autoclave’s autoclave or open the autoclave before it has completed sterilizing. pressure gauge may vary from one autoclave to another. The Opening an autoclave in the middle of a cleaning can result in severe following amounts of pressure (which are approximately burns. equivalent) are the desired pressures for autoclaving: ○○ 15 lb/in2 (15 pounds per square inch).
Page 50 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Cleaning your autoclave Experts believe about 25 to 35 percent of repairs could be avoided if manufacturer’s cleaning solution to maintain a warranty, by all autoclaves were cleaned on a regular basis. means do so). These cleaning tips are for a chamber autoclave, but no matter what 6. Let the cleaning solution soak in for a few minutes. type of autoclave you purchase, follow the manufacturer’s instructions 7. Scrub with a scouring pad. on cleaning. 8. Pour out the solution. 1. Unplug your autoclave. 9. Rinse with water. 2. Move your autoclave to a sink. 10. Now, pour a small amount of solution in the reservoir with water, 3. Remove trays or racks. Sometimes trays can be somewhat difficult run two to three cycles, and cancel drying cycles. to remove, so call your service representative or manufacturer if 11. After completion, drain the reservoir and refill with distilled water you need help. TIP: It may help to have a slightly warm chamber and run another cycle. for the cleaning process. 12. Drain one more time and refill. 4. Pick up the unit and empty the sterilizer chamber. 13. Wipe the door gasket weekly with a wet damp towel and clean the 5. Replace the unit back on the counter top and pour some cabinet gasket as well. cleaner into the chamber (you may purchase a cleaner from the 14. Your autoclave is now ready for use. manufacturer or from your hardware store. If you must use a Repeat this cleaning about every 10 days or so.
Common areas and threats Cleaning the salon computers and reception areas Almost all modern salons now work with computers and computer a sanitizing cloth. Once you put it back together, spray the entire appointment books. These computer appointment books are generally keyboard with a disinfectant spray. Do this lightly so as not to ruin the at the reception desk and are also found in break areas for salon electronics. You can also use sanitation wipes commonly found in drug workers to view their schedules. Few people think about the germ stores. havens these areas have become. Yes, experts say the computer Staff should clean phones daily with a disinfectant spray and keyboard, phone, and desk areas of salons are major germ areas that more often when someone is known to be sick or feels sick. Also, must be sanitized. remember to disinfect your workstation daily. Often stylists forget to To combat the problem, salons should assign cleaning duties to staff. perform this important step, yet they routinely place combs, scissors, First, you should remove the screws on the underside of the keyboard and other items on top of the workstation. and separate the two parts. Brush the debris away and then wipe with
Disease and infestation Salons and schools should never knowingly permit a person afflicted ●● Pertussis (“whooping cough”), until five days of antibiotic with an infection or parasitic infestation capable of being transmitted therapy has been completed. to a patron to serve patrons or train in the establishment or school. In ●● Varicella (“chicken pox”), until the sixth day after onset of rash, addition, salons and schools should not knowingly require or permit a or sooner if all lesions have dried and crusted. licensee or student to work upon a person with an infection or parasitic ●● Mumps, until nine days after onset of parotid gland swelling. infestation capable of being transmitted to the licensee or student. ●● Tuberculosis, until a physician or local health department Infections or parasitic infestation capable of being transmitted authority states that the individual is noninfectious. between licensee or student and patron include, but are not limited ●● Impetigo (bacterial skin infection), until 24 hours after treatment to, the following: has begun. ●● Cold, influenza or other respiratory illness accompanied by a ●● Pediculosis (head lice), until the morning after first treatment. fever, until 24 hours after resolution of the fever. ●● Scabies, until after treatment has been completed. No person ●● Streptococcal pharyngitis (“strep throat”), until 24 hours after working or training in an establishment or school should massage treatment has been initiated, and 24 hours after resolution of any person upon a surface of the skin or scalp where such skin is symptoms. inflamed, broken (e.g., abraded, cut), or where a skin infection or ●● Purulent conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), until examined by a eruption is present. physician and approved for return to work. Conclusion The cosmetology industry is booming, and safety of clients is one of the main factors that has a chance to harm your industry. Therefore, making safe sanitation techniques a part of your daily routine and encouraging co-workers to do the same is essential. Sanitation issues have a direct impact on the health and welfare of clients and the livelihood of the salon professional. Following proper sanitation guidelines will greatly reduce the potential risks to you, your clients, and co-workers. The importance of maintaining proper sanitation procedures cannot be overstated; it can literally be a matter of life or death.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 51 Chapter 9: Sensitivity in the Workplace
2 CE Hours
By Staff Writer
Learning objectives Define the meaning of respect. Discuss diversity and strategies for demonstrating sensitivity Define the meaning of equality. within the cosmetology industry. Identify eight key points of good communication. Introduction Every ethnic group, culture, belief, religion, individual, dignitary or According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of respect (as a commoner; every child, every adult, every human, not only wants it, noun) is a “feeling of deep admiration for someone or something but deserves it. Countries have gone to war over it, Aretha Franklin elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.” Used as a sang a song demanding it, and elementary schools around the world verb, respect means, “to admire deeply, as a result of one’s abilities, spend weeks every year celebrating it. qualities, or achievements. What is it that each of us long for? What is it that makes us feel Oftentimes, we sit back, staring in admiration at the talents of understood and that we belong? It is called “respect.” Respect is the celebrities or the abilities of athletes. We applaud the achievements of common thread that creates peace and unity in most places, including people who overcome disabilities. We admire the skills and expertise the workplace. of our teachers and other professionals. We try to mimic qualities in others that we ourselves would like to possess. These are all examples of respect.
Respect: At home and in the workplace The way we live our everyday, personal lives spills over into our Demonstrating respect and sensitivity in the workplace requires a team workplace. People who exhibit positivity at home with their family player mentality, and it is important to self-assess your behaviors and and friends likely have a positive effect on their co-workers too. Those actions in this regard. In order to assess your current position as a team who are negative, for example the angry parent yelling at their child’s player, ask yourself questions in the following Team Player Self- baseball coach and other team parents at every game, will likely carry Assessment. Whether positive or negative responses, answer honestly negativity into their workplace. The same can be said for respect. If in order to develop more self-awareness and assess your strengths and we are disrespectful to others in our home life, chances are we will be weaknesses as a team player. disrespectful to our colleagues and clients in the workplace.
Team player self-assessment ●● Do I focus on other’s needs? After answering these questions consider the answers you gave. It ●● Do I communicate well? is also beneficial to reflect on how your boss, co-workers, or clients ●● Do I use an appropriate tone of voice? might answer the same questions about you. These insights can lend ●● Do I appreciate diverse opinions? a new perspective as to how you behave and operate within the ●● Do I take responsibility for my own actions? workplace and whether or not you are demonstrating respect and ●● Do I oftentimes complain? sensitivity towards others. This type of self-assessment is the first ●● Do I speak highly of the company or brand that employs me? step in developing the attributes you would like to have. Remember ●● Do I speak negatively about others or start/spread gossip? that in order to grow and mature within your profession, you will need to devote time to developing and maturing good qualities and attributes.
Everyone plays a part in workplace sensitivity In a salon and spa work environment, many staff members perform maintenance staff have been doing a thorough job; and hopefully they different roles to create a successful team. The greeter welcomes each have been treated with respect and sensitivity throughout the entire guest walking through the door. After relaxing in the waiting area, the experience. guest is placed in the hands of the service provider: Designer, skin care With such a long list of different roles in a salon, when proper training professional, massage therapist, nail technician, colorist, barber, or isn’t given at every level, the number of encounters in which a guest nutritionist, to name a few. . The guest may be introduced to the intern could be offended or “turned off,” are many. If a client were to feel who gently removes the color foils and shampoos and conditions their ignored or disrespected at any point during the appointment, it could hair. Then, back to the hydraulic styling chair to be finished. Upon cost the salon: The client could choose not to return and may speak completion of the desired service, the guest now makes her way to negatively about their experience to others. Because of this, respect is the front desk receptionist to pay and hopefully rebook. As the guest looks around the salon, hopefully they find the cleaning staff and
Page 52 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com the foundation and key to operating a successful and peaceful salon Another way to enhance respect and sensitivity in the workplace is to and spa (and all other types of businesses). model these types of behaviors when interacting with others. Team At the same time, respect and sensitivity play a large part in retaining leaders, managers, and salon and spa owners should treat the staff quality individuals to work within the salon/spa. According to in a positive and fair manner. By using uplifting and encouraging BULLYBUSTERS.COM, 80 percent of people polled about words and understanding and offering constructive criticism, a leader the workplace said, “Lack of respect is a serious problem.” can instill positive behavior. Using an appropriate tone of voice and Accordingly, business owners should seek out ways to improve treating everyone equally can increase productivity. This can help working relations and ensure proper respect and sensitivity is shown ensure the staff will, in turn, do the same and respect each other to their staff. The first step in doing so is to identify which areas need and treat each guest in an appropriate manner. As a leader, it is also attention. Business owners could start by speaking with employees and important to set specific boundaries and communicate expectations. carefully consider any suggestions they may offer. Beginning in team meetings, each staff member should be made aware of and given a clear definition of his or her role, and the expectations “Lead by example, an old adage that speaks volumes.” placed on them to guarantee good guest reviews.
Creating a culture of sensitivity and diversity Aside from a runway-worthy hairstyle, designer nails, or other messaging. Staff members should be kind and professional to quality salon service, clients are seeking a comfortable, pleasant everyone regardless of skin color, height, weight, income status, atmosphere. Every client is different, and therefore their definition of religious preference, or sexual orientation, etc. and the same is true a comfortable, pleasant atmosphere will greatly vary. For this reason, for clients. In the salon/spa setting, you will meet and interact with all it is important to treat everyone equally while also having respect types of people. Some will have difficult personalities to mesh with, for their differences. Your salon’s doors should be open to everyone, while others are friendly, charismatic, and appear to be well liked despite any other factor that makes them different or unique. It is okay by everyone around them. All of these people deserve respect and to acknowledge that one salon may not satisfy or please everyone; but sensitivity. Salon workers should also take the time to reflect on what every guest should always be welcome and able to determine on their type of person they are: Difficult, likeable, or somewhere in between. own if your salon is right for them. Again, knowing yourself can help you understand where you might The most successful salons create a culture or acceptance and need to change in order to be more successful in your profession. sensitivity and are consistent in exuding these behaviors and
A lesson in diversity and sensitivity: Amy’s story Consider the following scenario: was facing. Amy smiled, spoke kindly, and assured her throughout While growing up, Amy’s mom owned a small-town “Steel Magnolia- the process of selecting the wig. They talked briefly about the client’s type” beauty shop. It was on a quiet street in a quaint neighborhood. diagnosis and treatment plan, but then Amy smoothly shifted the There were six chairs, and she rented out five booths to other stylists. conversation to a more light and upbeat topic. Amy treated the client Each stylist had their own dress code. Each stylist scheduled their own with respect and sensitivity and helped her feel as satisfied and happy appointments and collected their own money from clients. as possible. As a result, she chose not only a wig, but a cloth turban Amy spent her afternoons as a teenager helping in the salon removing with bangs connected, and all the shampoo and conditioner for her paper from perm rods, sorting magazines, sweeping, mopping, and type of hairpieces. laundering the capes and towels. She helped the five beauticians, Mrs. Kim was very appreciative of the add-on sales and thanked Amy as well as her mom. However, there was only one of the five, named for demonstrating such kindness and sensitivity. As a result, Amy felt Dana, who showed appreciation for Amy’s help. Sometimes, Dana appreciated and respected by the store owner. She now wanted to work would give Amy a thank you note or buy her lunch or even just say harder to make each person feel cared for. She wanted to make them kind words. She treated her clients in the same manner. It was no feel the best they could, and maybe give them a self-esteem boost. Most coincidence that she had the busiest schedule and made the most of all, she wanted her customers to know that she respected them. income and largest tips. Dana didn’t grumble and complain with each After high school, Amy enrolled in a local beauty academy. Having new client about how tough her life was, and she easily changed the over a year experience in the mall, she experienced a little less culture subject if someone would speak in a negative manner. Amy admired shock and was prepared to meet many new people during her new Dana’s work ethic and tried to learn from her. adventure. Amy’s class was made up of a diversity of students: Several In her senior year of high school, Amy picked up a job in a local mall African-American women, several Caucasian women, a mother and at a wig store, owned by a very nice Asian family. This was her first daughter from the Middle East, and one Caucasian, gay man. Because taste of “cultural diversity” and exposed her to experiences much Amy was raised somewhat sheltered, she had never met someone different than her small town upbringing and previous work in the who identified themselves as gay. Nevertheless, she treated him as salon. The manager, Mrs. Kim, liked the fact that Amy had acquired she would anyone else in the class and was always sure to show him customer service skills in a salon and had an early understanding of respect and sensitivity. Amy was careful in the manner that she treated how people cared about not only their looks, but also the way that they those that were different from herself. She worked at learning about were treated. Amy like learning about the Asian culture from Mrs. Kim. and understanding these differences, and one day realized that even Within the first month, Amy was given a key to the store and allowed to the people that she originally thought to be like her were all different work alone. in their own way. She took all of these lessons with her to her career as Within a few days of operating the store alone, Amy had her first a cosmetologist, and become very successful in her trade. encounter with a customer purchasing a wig because she was Amy’s story brings up many different instances in which she beginning chemotherapy. At the time, Amy was seventeen. She had encountered diversity within the workplace: from personalities and never before been faced with the “C-Word.” The client indicated her behaviors, to impacts of health and personal challenges, to differences concerns about being unattractive without hair. Amy could sense that in race, cultures, and sexual preferences. Amy was successful in all of she was not comfortable coming in for this reason, but was determined her pursuits because she treated everyone in with which she interacted to help the client look and feel her very best, despite the situation she with respect and sensitivity. These are just a few examples of the
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 53 differences in people that you will encounter within the workplace always treat others the way in which we ourselves would like to be and cosmetology profession that highlight the need for sensitivity and treated: with sensitivity and respect. diversity awareness. It is important that we learn from Amy’s story and
Tips for displaying sensitivity “Equality,” according to dictionary.com, means, “the state or quality of in which the differences in people are not readily apparent. Therefore, being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank or ability.” we must always be sensitive to subtleties in communication and even Equality in the salon would be easier to obtain if a standard “set body language and always treat everyone as equals. of rules and guidelines” was available to follow. But, how do you The team player self-assessment asked eight self-evaluation questions, set standard rules and guidelines when the environment of people to help you identify areas of personal improvement. Whether it’s is ever changing? Every person is different from the next and in the becoming better at communicating thoughts, feelings, and ideas, salon, the mix of clients typically changes every fifteen minutes! It is improving on the tone of voice, or developing leadership skills, important that we are conscious of others’ differences only so that we etc., the following pointers will help you to improve in the areas can ensure we are treating them respectfully. Yet, there will be times you identified as needing development.
Communication Cosmetologists must be very sensitive in our conversations with an unwanted debate or create unwanted rifts between people that anyone that we encounter. All of our conversations within the otherwise work well together. In the twenty-first century, however, the salon should focus on topics that cannot be easily misinterpreted or list has grown to include many, many topics that are not “politically unnecessarily offensive. Unlike hanging around a water cooler in an correct” or that are considered potentially offensive to others. office setting, employees must be aware that a “one-time statement” When we think about communication in the workplace, many of the could be heard by multiple people, and not just their immediate basic principles children are taught, such as saying “please” “thank coworkers. Using appropriate conversation at all times, on all levels, you,” are overlooked by adults. These are simple yet impactful words and treating everyone with the same amount of respect is a good that can make a big difference and set the tone for a conversation. foundation for standards of equality. Other ways to set the tone are looking directly into the other person’s Disagreements typically stem from a difference in opinions or eyes and not interrupting. Speak with self-confidence and use proper miscommunication about a subject or an idea. It is easy to get heated body language. No folded arms! No eye-rolling! And remember to when someone blatantly disrespects something you feel passionate always listen actively. about. However, in a professional environment, employees must Some beauty academies incorporate basic skills of communication into maintain an even temper and continue to be kind, despite what is said their curriculum, but neglect to include skills practice for application to them. Sometimes it can help to take a few moments to cool down in of propoer communication techniques. One helpful exercise that you these situations, because it is best to talk through issues when you are can do either inside or outside of the classroom is to role play a stylist/ calm. You might excuse yourself to get some supplies out of the supply client conversation and talk about appropriate responses with your room or take a quick restroom break. If the conflict must be addressed, colleagues or supervisors. This helps to prepare yourself and your give the other person an opportunity to tell his or her side and try to fellow staff face challenging clients or coworkers. In addition to this resolve problems as quickly as possible, rather than focusing on blame type of practice, there is a wealth of learning material available on the and pointing fingers. internet. Cosmetologists can read blogs and articles pertaining to the Throughout history, two big “no-no” topics that people are taught beauty industry to stay current and also seek out personal development to steer away from are politics and religion. These two subjects information and training. In addition, identifying a mentor who has are considered to be dangerous and unprofessional and could spark experience in the industry is an invaluable form of development.
Appropriate tone of voice Stylists should also consider how others, both clients and that her tone was not appropriate and she hoped that they could coworkers, perceive them. Body language and tone of voice continue in their business relationship. The client decided to accept contribute to how others play an important role in a person’s Sarah’s apology, but it was already too late. The damage had been interaction with someone else. Tone does not simply mean how loud or done. She never returned as Sarah’s client, nor did she return to the how soft a person speaks, but it also refers to the attitude behind what salon. someone says. Sarah learned many lessons that day. First, the wet versus dry hair Consider the following example. length difference. Second, she realized that the old saying, “sticks In all her years of experience behind the chair, Sarah was yelled at and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” only one time. Miscommunication had led to shorter bangs than her was a highly inaccurate phrase. Words can leave a lasting scar that client wanted (As most stylists know, wet hair is longer than dry hair. once remembered, can hurt as much as the moment they were first When a client asks for a certain length, be sure you know if they are inflicted. Even when we rectify our mistakes, approaching someone referring to wet or dry hair length)! When the client yelled at Sarah, with disrespect can leave a lasting impression. The third lesson Sarah she immediately snapped back in a disrespectful tone saying, “Well it’s learned was to always treat others with the same respect with which not my fault! That is what you asked for!” She then stormed out of the you would like to be treated. Sarah learned to accept responsibility for room, feeling mad and embarrassed. After a time of cooling off and her mistakes and hold her head high to complete a job duty. wiping away her tears, Amy returned to finish the client’s haircut. Once she returned, the client apologized for yelling. This time, Sarah offered a sincer apology rather than becoming defensive. She admitted
Page 54 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Working with personalities & focusing on the needs of others While no one can completely relate to everyone all the time, management, yet leadership can actually be demonstrated from any everyone has a responsibility as a human being, and especially staff member. Within any position in the salon, it is possible to display those in the service industry, to be pleasant, kind, and helpful to leadership. Everyone within the salon should work on improving their others. Though it’s inevitable to like some people more than others, leadership skills. As leadership skills improve, staff interactions and it is never okay to be disrespectful or to intentionally treat someone communication will improve, and team unity will be strengthened. unfairly. Stylists should aim to find ways to mesh with coworkers and This can also create a domino effect. The clients will take notice of guests. Seek out the positive attributes in the different personalities the staff working as a team and the team will develop a good public with which you interact. reputation. “One of the most fundamental lessons of leadership is that if If in a supervisory role, it is also important to demonstrate leadership you’re a leader, it’s not about you. It’s about the people following by focusing on the needs of your support staff. As a leader in the salon you. The best leaders devote almost all of their energy to inspiring industry, demonstrating care and concern for a team ensures better and enabling others. Taking care of them is a big part of this.” results than micro-management. Therefore, leaders should focus more -George Bradt, writer, Forbes.com. on what a stylist needs to help them perform their job duties, rather than focusing on their mistakes or shortfalls. They can encourage them Discovering helpful ways to best interact with different personalities in building their skills through hands-on, observation, and/or attending and improve the salon workplace begins with leadership skills. trade shows. Typically, leadership within a salon is thought to be the ownership or
Appreciating diverse opinions A key reason to appreciate diversity in the workplace and to compromise their own beliefs, customs, traditions, or fashion; they embrace the differences of others is to “see them as potential simply can watch, learn, listen, respect, and appreciate the differences. drivers of change. The more opinions, the more variety, and the more As people become more aware of other cultures, religions, races and diversity we bring to the table, the more we can unchain our creativity, other personal preferences and identifiers, they become more capable which is hidden in every one of us.” (Anka Wittenberg, Sr. VP and of showing compassion and respect to others. Friends, neighbors, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at SAP and author of 4 Ways to teams, organizations, schools, congregations, and co-workers deserve Embrace Diversity for Workplace Success.) all deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. Cosmetologists who We all can learn important lessons from the differences we see in keep in mind the definitions of respect and equality are more equipped others, whether it be a different religious belief, holiday custom, to move forward to better themselves, better their place of work, better family tradition, style of clothing, etc. Individuals do not have to the community, and better their world!
Taking personal responsibility With an estimated net worth of over $3 billion, it may be safe to a staff member who makes a mistake but is eager to admit the take the advice of billionaire Oprah Winfrey on the subject of taking mistake, accept constructive criticism, make the change, and move responsibility for your own actions. Ms. Winfrey states, “You are forward; and good leaders should avoid “reminding” someone of responsible for your life. You can’t keep blaming somebody else for past mistakes, as it belittles them. They should also consider what your dysfunction. Life is really about moving on.” This is great advice role, if any, they played in the mistake being made. Did they provide to incorporate into our own personal and professional lives. clear instructions and expectations? Did they provide proper training? Once individuals accept personal responsibility, it is easier to make Do others need training to prevent the mistake from being repeated? necessary changes. In the workplace, leaders should appreciate We must all take responsibility and share the lessons we learn from mistakes with others.
Stop complaining Complaints can become toxic in the workplace, and one bad apple Eventually, negativity and complaints become contagious and truly can spoil the whole bunch. There is often a “Negative Nelly” wear down others throughout the day and week. Instead of just on the team that has a tendency to stifle the good mood or attitude of one person, now two, three, four, or more have jumped on board with others, be it in the Monday morning staff meeting, in passing, or in Negative Nelly and an out-of-control army forms, trying to gang up on daily interactions with staff and clients. their leader. “Why did we have to show up so early?” Negative Nelly nags. Leaders should take action to nip situations like this in the bud, take “Are we getting paid extra for this?” “Why would the boss try to control of the situation, and regain focus on the current topic. If after change that policy?” “I like it the way it is.” “What do you mean talking to Negative Nelly and attempting to correct the negativity, a we have to clean our own stations at the end of our shift?” “I leader cannot find a resolution or there is no change, it might be best to thought there is a cleaning company that handles that.” relieve them of their duties within the salon. Negative Nelly huffs and puffs through the salon if the client is late. The environment of the workplace is crucial and leaders should aim Negative Nelly groans and moans through the salon if the client is for high standards. The well-being of the staff and their productivity too early. Many cosmetologists may be able to think of someone they is dependent on a good atmosphere. No one wants to walk in to a work with that fits this description. If not, one should consider if they “lion’s den,” feeling as if they may be devoured. Therefore, leaders might be that person! and staff should try to eliminate negativity whenever possible. This does not mean that concerns should not be raised, but it does mean that problems should be addressed and discussed professionally, in the right place and at the right time.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 55 Speaking positively about the workplace Negativity, especially on social media, about the workplace, a boss, how much they are appreciated, and says complimentary things to a coworker, or a client may land an employee in hot water. If an them in front of clients, as well. employee has nothing nice to say about the salon that employs them During an interview, a young, very charismatic stylist was explaining and they want to stay employed, they should not say anything publicly. her resume to Nico, and Nico really liked her. He would have loved An employee should ask to speak privately with their boss to discuss to hire her based on her high-fashion hairstyle, wardrobe, and her any problems or issues they may be experiencing. If nothing comes portfolio. However, as she ran through the list of negatives of all from the meeting or the issue has no resolve, the employee has the the previous salons she was employed by, it sent up a red flag. In option to leave and pursue work elsewhere. salon number one, she had received no training and made negative Consider the following example: comments about the management. In salon number two, she had to Employees at Posh Salon pride themselves on schedule flexibility to share a station because she was only part-time and did not get along promote a strong work-life balance. Upon hiring, each stylist creates with her coworker. Salon number three was dirty. Nico asked her if their own schedule to fit their family life or lifestyle. The majority she tried to help with cleaning the salon. He asked specifics about the of the staff attend events or sports, etc. on Saturdays. As the leader, stylist’s station, her equipment, color bowls, and towels. Her answer: Nico takes the responsibility of hiring enough team members to cover “I don’t have time. I didn’t have time to clean up after myself, let alone Saturdays. He does not demand any certain day or time of the week the entire salon.” Nico’s immediate thought was, “Nor do I have time as mandatory. The set schedule does not change week to week, but to clean up after capable staff.” employees adhere to the schedule because they created it. This has Employees who say positive words about the salon they are also reduced call-outs in the salon. currently employed by, or even formerly employed by, can speak Posh offers the largest commission rate in the region. The staff is volumes about their character. It doesn’t matter if the glass is half completely aware of this, as are many other people, including their empty or half full. Be grateful that you have a glass, and there is competitors. Therefore, the salon has a very minimal turnover rate. something in it. Stylists who rent booths pay a fair weekly rental and certain supplies A good rule of thumb regarding posting on social media is if an are included, as well as a full-time receptionist for their benefit. employee is unsure about what is an acceptable workplace reference, As a result, the staff is happy. Not only do they express this during they should ask their manager or refer to the employee handbook. If meetings, but Nico hears the positivity from them in the things they still in doubt after that, the employee should refrain from posting. It is say to clients. He sees the nice posts on social media, and Nico always better to be safe than sorry. reciprocates the pats on the back. He makes the employees aware of
Stopping the spread of gossip Gossip often runs rampant in salons and is perhaps one of the most instance, she shared private information about a client, and word got important topics on which cosmetologists could use improvement. back to the client from another stylist. Naturally, the client stopped Individuals should consider the following questions: Have you ever coming to Aisha for services and even filed a complaint with the been the topic of another person’s conversation? Has anyone ever told management. Aisha not only lost this client, but she ended up losing lies about you? Have you ever been confronted about a “truth” that her job. someone heard about you? Yes, even telling the truth about someone’s Gossip can lead to a high price to pay. Not only can it hurt feelings personal information or spreading something as a “put down” to get a and disrupt friendships, but it can also impact careers. There is laugh is wrong and unacceptable in a professional setting. an entire world of good topics for discussion; other people and their Consider the following example. Aisha has been involved in many personal information should never be one of them. conversations that took a wrong turn. As a matter of fact, she was Old Lady Gossip is a mean old gal; the driver of some of those conversations. Although she would not All kinds of trouble she causes. participate in any form of malicious conversation, she would tell what You’ll find her in homes; wherever she roams, she considered to be the facts. Aisha would tell these “facts” even if In her work she never pauses. the highlighted person would possibly be embarrassed or have hurt Nothing can give her more joy and more glee, feelings over her sharing the information. Than to start an untrue story Yet, Aisha did not feel it was classified as gossip if what she was That will smirch the name of a gent or dame, saying was true. That is, until she realized that what she perceived to For it covers her with glory. be harmless conversation was, in fact, damaging at times. She was a -Gertrude Tooley Buckingham, “Old Lady Gossip” (1940s) gossiper. This was hard for her to admit, but it was the truth. In one
Continuing the journey As individuals strive to better themselves and those around them, According to Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst, they should make it their mission to read articles on specific topics Beverly Flaxington, 99 percent of career success hinges on a and issues that pertain to themselves, their workplace, and their role person’s ability to communicate well; foster mutually beneficial in the workplace. Leadership conferences, webinars, self-help books, relationships at work; and earn the respect and loyalty of bosses, professional analysts, and even one-hour classes at local trade shows coworkers, clients, and customers. Each of these skills can be can offer pointers for cosmetologists to incorporate into their own life enhanced through continuing education and professional development. and workplace. As the author of five books, Flaxington shares thirteen powerful behaviors to practice in the workplace. She suggests that, “If you can master these over the course of the next year, your career will take a giant leap.”
Page 56 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com 13 powerful behaviors to practice in the workplace 1. Confront thoughtfully: Learn the best practice in giving 11. Identify your triggers: Think about the people who set you off. feedback. Reflect on why this “trigger” keeps popping up and what role you 2. Don’t assume: Assumptions are one of the leading culprits in are playing in perpetuating the pattern. misunderstanding. Learn to love the question, “Why?” 12. Don’t data dump: Do not unload your problems, ideas, or 3. Pay attention to culture: Pay attention to what is acceptable and experiences on someone else in a one-way conversation. If what is not at work. you want engagement, and not just an ear, then set your goal 4. Stop fixing others: It’s often easier to see others’ flaws and accordingly. missteps than our own. Focus on personal behavior and allow 13. Commit to change: In the coming year, vow to identify the others to make their own mistakes. communication pattern that cause the most problems in your career 5. Avoid difficult people: There may always difficult coworkers, but and workplace relationships. Then make a conscious effort to you don’t have to engage with them or get stressed out by them. correct them. You can stay away from them, but you can also use their behaviors Individuals who focus on themselves and their career will have little to learn more about yourself. time left over to concentrate on what others are doing or not doing. 6. Become a better communicator: Commit to working on your They can choose one area to work on at a time, or if they are highly communication skills. motivated to self-improve, they may choose to tackle several areas for 7. Don’t interrupt: Here’s an easy way to improve all your a complete overhaul. Either way, each step paves the way to a better interactions: let the other person finish his/her thought. This means life and makes for a more respectful and sensitive cosmetologist. not interrupting, adding commentary, or giving feedback until he/ she is finished talking or asking a question. Remember, self-assessment and continuous self-improvement is 8. Be an interested observer: Learn by watching others’ reactions. important. Along the way, individuals can journal their thoughts, 9. Explain the “what’s in it for me”: Make sure your sales pitch feelings, and actions or plans of action. Every month or so, they should always answers a listener’s “So what?” revisit the entries to assess what progress has been made and determine 10. Broaden your horizons: Open your mind and stop making the the amount of work that still needs to be done world all about you.
Conclusion Cosmetologists have a career within an industry that is one of the most fun and multi-faceted in the world! They are known for embracing new trends and products, but it is time to also embrace every unique individual and their differences. Being sensitive to these diversities will not only help you learn and grown in your career, but will also help you to build relationships and become a more well-rounded cosmetologist and overall person. Furthermore, in doing this, the cosmetologist shows respect for their colleagues, their clients, and themselves.
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 57 continuing education update for salon professionals Final Examination Questions Select True or False for questions 1-35 and mark your answers on the Final Examination Answer Sheet found on page 61 or complete your test online at Cosmetology.EliteCME.com. There will be an additional $4.95 convenience fee added for all tests completed by phone. 1. Trendsetters face challenges such as advanced training, specialty 13. All findings point to the fact that starting treatment for HIV insurance coverage, proper facility licensing, research, and early (as soon as possible after diagnosis) significantly improves expiring trends. the patient’s health and reduces the risk of illness and death, ¨¨ True False decreasing the risk of onward transmission by 96%. ¨¨ True False 2. Designing a reasonable and suitable pricing structure for your beauty business is a process that requires serious evaluation of 14. AIDS is the fifth and most severe phase of HIV infection. your services and skills. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False 15. To prevent transmission of HIV in the workplace, cosmetologists 3. Communication, environment, and appearance are three and other health and human service providers must assume that components of professionalism that will have a profound effect on blood and other body fluids from all patients are potentially the success of your business. infectious. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False
4. Communication is just talking. 16. Service providers are required to disclose personal HIV status in ¨¨ True False the workplace. ¨¨ True False 5. The average hair, skin, and nails have a pH level of 5, generally falling between 4.5 and 6. 17. An applicant shall be eligible for licensure by examination to ¨¨ True False practice cosmetology if the applicant is at least 16 years of age or has received a high school diploma, pays the required application 6. Soaps typically make the skin more acidic than synthetic fee, and has received a minimum of 1,200 hours of training. detergents. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False 18. Any person whose occupation or practice is confined solely to 7. A person cannot develop serious allergies to hair dyes if they have hair braiding, hair wrapping, or body wrapping is exempt from the dyed their hair with no allergic reaction in the past. continuing education requirements. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False
8. As a woman’s body progresses through puberty, pregnancy, and 19. Undisinfected articles such as pens, pencils, money, paper, mail, menopause, there are fluctuations in her body’s chemistry that can etc. should be kept in the same container or cabinet as articles that affect the chemical composition of her hair, nails, and skin. have been cleaned and disinfected. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False
9. Employers are required by law to report a worker’s injury to the 20. When disinfecting pedicure equipment that holds water, once each insurance company within 10 days of when the accident or injury week, the basin must be filled with a solution of water containing was first reported. four cups of bleach for each gallon of water. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False
10. In Florida, any employer in an industry, other than construction, 21. It is impossible to control the level of chemical exposures for both and who has four (4) or more employees, full-time or part-time, is salon workers and their clients. required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False 22. Formalin and methanol are both synonymous with formaldehyde. 11. The law requires the worker to report the accident or knowledge of ¨¨ True False a job-related injury as soon as possible but within 30 days of their own knowledge of the accident or injury. 23. Toluene is rarely found in salons. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False
12. Employees are required to pay for medical treatment necessary 24. It is important to compile safety information about the chemicals to treat the condition related to the workplace injury or illness. and equipment used in your salon along with safe operating This includes doctors’ visits, physical therapy, hospital visits, procedures. prescription medication, and diagnostic tests. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False
Page 58 Cosmetology.EliteCME.com 25. The OSHA Act mandates that employers must maintain a 32. The definition of respect (as a noun), according to Webster’s workplace that is free of serious recognized hazards. Dictionary is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or ¨¨ True False something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. ¨¨ True False 26. OSHA has formulated a specific set of rules and regulations that deal with the cosmetology industry. 33. According to Bullybusters.com 50% of people polled about the ¨¨ True False workplace said, “Lack of respect is a serious problem.” ¨¨ True False 27. Ergonomic or musculoskeletal hazards impact the functioning and health of muscles and bones. 34. A key reason to appreciate diversity in the workplace and to ¨¨ True False embrace the differences of others is to see the potential drivers of change. 28. Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False 35. Ninety-nine percent of career success hinges on the ability to 29. Sanitation is the highest level of decontamination. Sanitation will communicate well, foster mutually beneficial relationships at completely eliminate all bacteria and will kill all organisms. work, and earn the respect and loyalty of bosses, coworkers, clients, and customers. ¨¨ True False ¨¨ True False 30. Microbes can also exist on seemingly unlikely products, like bars of soap, for example. ¨¨ True False
31. “Sterile” means free from all germs; sterilization is the most effective level of decontamination, involving the removal of all bacterial life from a surface. ¨¨ True False
CFL16E17
Cosmetology.EliteCME.com Page 59 2017 Continuing Education Course for Florida Salon Professionals
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