Cosmetology Establishments that do Nails

Salt Lake Valley Health Department encourages patrons to ask about and observe how instruments, supplies, equipment, and technicians’ hands are cleaned and sanitized. It shows your manicurist/pedicurist that you are concerned about health and safety issues and appreciate their efforts.

* Ask how and how often the footbath units are cleaned and disinfected. They should be cleaned and disinfected after each and every use with a product that has an EPA number. An EPA number indicates that the product is safe and effective when used as directed on the label.

* Check to see if the salon's Salt Lake Valley Health Department permit is clearly posted in the reception area. The State Department of Professional Licensing requires each technician to post his or her individual cosmetology license at their workstation.

* Manicurists and pedicurists should wash their hands with soap and water before touching a client's hands or feet.

* The technician is expected to wash the instruments in hot soapy water, rinse them, and only then should they be disinfected. The clean and disinfected implements should be kept in a clean area until used. Soiled instruments must be stored separately from clean instruments.

* Instruments and supplies that cannot be disinfected, such as orange sticks, most nail files, and the sponges placed between the toes, should be discarded after just one use.

Leave the salon if you have any doubts about its cleanliness.

Manicures and pedicures should not be painful; they shouldn't make your cuticles bloody or swollen.

Shaving the legs with a razor before a pedicure has been shown to be a risk factor for infection. It is recommended that the legs not be shaved the day of the pedicure and waiting 24 hours after the last shave may be warranted.

Please call the SLVHD if you have concerns about the sanitation practices of any business regulated by the Department (313-6641).

Adapted from ProMED-mail(http://www.promedmail.org) Thursday, July 29, 2004 7:06 am PRO/EDR> Mycobacteriosis, pedicures - USA (TX)