Promoting Disinfection & Sanitation in the Salon
Here are a couple of tips for salon owners to promote sanitation to their staff.
Universal sanitation in the salon has always been important; however with the increase in bad press regarding infections stemming from nail services, salon owners and their staff have an obligation to the entire industry to ensure the proper steps are taken. The reputation of our industry needs to be repaired and it starts in the salon. Here are a couple of tips for salon owners to promote sanitation to their staff.
Sanitize / Disinfect – Understanding the Difference
First, it’s important to understand the difference between sanitation and disinfection:
Sanitation is the promotion of hygiene, prevention of disease and reduction of pathogens or bacteria on a surface. You can easily sanitize your hands and other hard surfaces. Soap and water is an effective method, as well as hand sanitizers (however, these should not replace hand-washing completely). Sani-Pure is one example of a fast-acting antiseptic spray for sanitation that can be used on hands, work areas and files prior to a nail service. Not only is sanitation good for the client, it can increase productivity by reducing absenteeism due to illness!
Disinfection goes a step goes a step further and destroys harmful microorganisms and more significantly reducing the amount of pathogens and bacteria on hard surfaces. Disinfection is required for all implements used in a manicure pedicure service, as well as bowls & foot tubs. The best way to disinfect is to use an EPA-registered hospital grade disinfectant. It is important to check with local and state regulatory agengies.
Setting an Example in the Salon
As a salon owner, what can you do to ensure everyone on your staff is on board with universal sanitation? Here are a couple of tips from salon business experts, Robin Gibbons and Erin Snyder Dixon from their book, “Salon Success: Tweaks & Tips.”
Tip #1
“Salons and spas don’t have janitors or housekeepers! Give the staff the respect they deserve. Sanitation staff members work to keep the spa clean and safe. Give them credit. Instead of thinking of them as janitors, recognize them for what they are – sanitation experts. They should be trained in state laws, relevant diseases, processes of disinfection and sanitation, product knowledge and MSDS information.
Even the smallest salon can make use of the tweaks the larger salons/spas use. A sanitation specialist can be proud of the impact they have on the whole experience. In smaller salons, new technicians or stylists can double as sanitation specialists. Job titles have a direct impact on job satisfaction. Take every opportunity to let staff know how important they are to the total experience of each client, even if they have no direct contact with the person.”
Tip #2
“The State Boards set guidelines for sanitation. Know them well. These guidelines are usually minimums. Exceed the State Boards requirements and gain points with your clients. Monitor your adherence through self inspection on a regular basis. Offer staff members rewards for total compliance. Don’t announce when you will inspect. After all, the State Board doesn’t usually schedule inspections.”
To purchase Salon Success: Tweaks and Tips, go to http://bit.ly/iAWGr