Hazards Associated With Cosmetic Procedures On Nails

Contracting bacterial, viral and fungal infections (includes potential exposure to diseases such as Hepatitis B/C and HIV). 

Skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of harmful chemicals and nail dust (artificial and natural). 

Control the hazards by – 

• Prohibiting smoking, eating and drinking in the salon. 
• Treat the natural nail, cuticle and skin around the nail with respect any damage could lead to infection. 
• Ask for the chemical safety data sheets from your supplier (they are obliged to provide these on request) and carry out a COSHH assessment. The Health & Safety Executive website will guide you through the process 
  or refer to one of the leaflets listed at the end of this advice.
• Use ventilated tables that exhaust to the outside. Ventilated tables should have close fitting filters, which must be replaced according to the manufacturers instructions. Ventilated tables reduce dust and chemicals in the air.  
• Ensure your salon is well ventilated. General ventilation is best if you have through ventilation from the front to the back of the premises this reduces the amount of chemicals in the air. 
• Reduce the amount of chemicals in the air by keeping them in closed, marked containers and use dispenser bottles with narrow throats or ideally pressure sensitive bottle stops. 
• Technicians and clients should wash and dry their hands before and after cosmetic treatment to reduce the risk of infection. 
• Manufacturers instructions for using protective clothing such as paper masks, vinyl gloves etc should be followed. 

Wearing gloves is not a replacement for washing hands.  

Sensitisation can occur, if a member of staff experiences allergic symptoms (dermal or respiratory) they should inform the employer 

Equipment that is in direct contact with the skin or natural nail such as files, boards, etc. should be either single use and disposable or properly cleaned/sterilized between clients – including the treatment table. Following Manufacturers guidance for cleaning will reduce the risk of infection. 

Metal rubbish bins with foot-operated lids should be used and emptied each day. Acrylic contaminated materials should be sealed in a bag before disposal in the bin reducing the amount of chemicals in the air. 

Gauze pads, cotton wool etc that have been soaked in chemical should be disposed of in a sealed bag