healthy nails, healthy life… guidelines for nail salon ...€¦ · habia is the government...

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Healthy Nails, Healthy Life… Guidelines for Nail Salon Professionals

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Contents Page Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for 3 the use of Methyl Methacrylate Monomor (MMA) Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting Manicuring and Enhancement Equipment 6

Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for Controlling and Minimising Inhalation Exposure to Nail Products 11 Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for Controlling and Minimising Skin Exposure to Nail Products 14

©Copyright Habia 2008 – All rights reserved Page 1 of 1

Legal Notice This document is intended to provide interested persons with helpful information. This document is not intended to be a substitute for comprehensive training requirements, or to prescribe rules or standards, or to define or create legal rights or obligations.

All persons involved in providing manicuring and enhancement services have the responsibility to determine that the procedures they practise comply with any current legislation, regulations and local by-laws that may be applicable. Neither Habia, the NMC, their individual member companies, nor any of their employees, subcontractors, consultants, or other assigns, makes any warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to the accuracy or completeness of this document, nor does any of the foregoing assume any liability for any use of anything in this document. Although the guidelines for use of methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) are based on US law and not UK or EU law, Habia nevertheless approves its content and does not approve of the use of MMA monomer in the application of artificial nails. Copyright Published by Habia 2008. The copyright in the typesetting, design and layout is owned by Habia. The publisher authorises the copying, reproduction, or electronic forwarding of single copies of this document in its entirety and strictly for non-commercial purposes only. No extract of this publication may be copied, reproduced or directly quoted, whether in print or electronically, without the prior authority of Habia, which will not be unreasonably withheld. Please telephone Habia on 0845 2 306080 or email [email protected] and identify the extract(s) of the document you wish to copy, reproduce or quote and the purpose(s) for which the extract(s) will be used. If such authority is granted, Habia is to be identified as the source with every copy of every extract.



Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for the use of Methyl Methacrylate Monomor (MMA) Introduction Periodically, the Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) publishes educational updates for nail professionals to keep them informed about current trends. This particular update focuses on the issues related to use of artificial nail enhancement products based on methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA). Methyl Methacrylate Liquid Monomers In the infancy of the professional nail industry, nail enhancement products depended largely on methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer as their main ingredient. These products were often referred to as "dental acrylics" or "porcelain nails". By the mid-1970s, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) had received enough complaints related to the use of MMA that it was forced to take action against several manufacturers of these products. The chief complaints ranged from skin allergy to loss of sensation in the fingertips to permanent loss of the nail plate, usually the result of repeatedly exposing the client’s soft tissue to the monomer liquid. Since MMA products have poor adhesion to the natural nail plate1, nail technicians were forced to vigorously "rough up the nail” surface with coarse grit abrasive files and heavy-handed pressure in order to ensure acceptable adhesion. This irresponsible practice thins, weakens and damages the natural nail plate. The FDA warned manufacturers that further use of MMA monomer liquid in artificial nail enhancement products was "inappropriate" and continues to threaten legal action to this day. Presently thirty U.S. states, Health Canada, the Australia National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS), and the Environment Risk Management Authority (ERMA) of New Zealand have all prohibited the use of MMA monomer in nail enhancement products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel (CIR) was asked to review MMA for safety, but would not do so because the monomer was prohibited by FDA and it is not listed or categorized as a cosmetic ingredient2. MMA monomer is used widely around the world in many applications ranging from dental prosthetics to contact lenses to bone cements. Therefore the effect of exposure to humans is well understood. MMA is not considered to be a cancer-causing agent nor does it damage unborn foetuses. These are myths and not the real reasons to avoid MMA. What are the reasons? Other than the FDA's stated position to avoid using MMA monomer in artificial nail products:

1 Data provided to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), October 2001 by Doug Schoon, CND, Inc. 2 Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel Announcement June 10, 2003.


a) MMA nail products do not adhere well to the nail plate. To make these products adhere, nail technicians must shred the surface of the nail plate with

a coarse grit abrasive file, causing thinning and weakening. This is not the case with traditional products which are designed to adhere to the natural nail plate.

b) MMA creates the hardest and most rigid nail enhancements, which makes them very difficult to break. When jammed or caught, the overly filed and thinned natural nail plate often breaks before the MMA enhancement, leading to serious nail damage and possible subsequent bacterial infection.

c) MMA is extremely difficult to remove once adhered to the nail plate. Since it does not dissolve in product removers, it is usually pried from the nail plate, creating still more damage to the overly thinned nail plate.

d) Nail professionals who use these low-cost, gray market products are often uneducated in the proper procedures of correct nail plate preparation, controlled product application, proper maintenance and safe removal. They often use unsafe practices, work in unsanitary conditions, and receive no continuing education in their profession.

Serious adverse skin reactions and permanent nail deformities are only part of the risk of using MMA. Nail technicians may be found legally liable if they knowingly use products containing MMA monomer liquid. In many states they may lose their professional licenses, be subject to criminal penalties and fines, and/or be sued by injured clients. Methyl Methacrylate Polymer Powders Nail technicians who are aware of the dangers of MMA monomer are often confused because many acrylic powders contain "methyl methacrylate". The solid form of MMA is called PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate) and has a completely different chemical structure, as well as very different properties. It is not extremely difficult to remove, it does not make an overly hard and rigid nail, and it does not require roughing up of the nail plate. PMMA is also safely used to create common products such as PlexiglasTM and LuciteTM. Ethyl Methacrylate Liquid Monomer Responsible manufacturers formulate their liquid monomers with ethyl methacrylate (EMA). The nail industry has had considerable experience with EMA and the CIR has twice declared it "safe as used” by trained nail professionals, with their only expressed concern being for nail professionals to be taught to prevent skin exposure, the major cause of adverse skin reactions. The CIR cited three consumer studies pertaining to adverse reactions to finished products in their safety assessment. These results are:3

• 2.9 adverse reactions per 1,000,000 units sold (Retail sales/RNA) •

2.07 " " (FDA data) • 3.2 " " (Professional sales/NMC)

3 Ethyl Methacrylate Amended Final Report, International Journal of Toxicology, 21 (Suppl. 1) 2002

The first value was submitted to the CIR by the Retail Nail Association (RNA), the second value is from the FDA database and the third was compiled by the NMC, based on information provided by manufacturers. Each was considered low by cosmetic standards, but the CIR felt the values could be further minimized through education related to correct product usage. How Can I Tell? Since MMA is prohibited, you are unlikely to find it on the ingredient label. Still it is usually not difficult to tell if a product contains MMA. Here are three simple things to watch for: a) Unusually strong or strange odour that doesn't smell like other acrylic liquids. Nail enhancements that are extremely hard and difficult to file. b) Acrylic nail enhancements that require more than an hour to soak off in solvents designed to remove artificial nails in 30 minutes or less.

Discount pricing may also be an indicator of MMA usage since MMA cost several times less than EMA. The NMC's Recommendation The Nail Manufacturers Council agrees with the FDA that the use of liquid nail enhancement products containing MMA is unsafe and unwise. Anyone who manufactures sells or distributes these potentially dangerous substances is breaking the law, endangering the health and safety of your clients and endangering the entire nail profession, because clients who are injured by MMA may be lost to the industry forever. For all of the reasons listed in this update, the NMC recommends to nail professionals everywhere to avoid the use of MMA-containing artificial nail enhancement monomers.


Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting Manicuring and Enhancement Equipment These guidelines outline procedures for cleaning (sanitising) and disinfecting all types of equipment used during manicuring and enhancement services including items such as manicuring bowls, pushers, nippers, clippers, abrasive files and buffers. In the salon, all tools, implements, devices or other pieces of equipment must be properly cleaned and disinfected before they come into direct contact with a client. Proper Cleaning and Disinfection Everything in the salon has a hard or soft surface of some type. Some examples are manicuring tabletops and arm cushions, finger bowls, towels, files/buffers, implements, etc. Any of these surfaces coming into direct contact with a client’s skin is considered "contaminated". All contaminated surfaces must be thoroughly and properly: 1) cleaned and then 2) disinfected. To be considered properly clean, a surface must first be thoroughly scrubbed free of all visible signs of debris or residue (contamination). Proper cleaning is the total removal of all visible residue from every surface of tables, tools and equipment, followed by a complete and thorough rinsing with clean water, (see below, Methods of Proper Cleaning). Proper cleaning (also called sanitising) must be performed before continuing with the disinfection step. Proper disinfection is the destruction of potentially harmful or infection-causing microorganisms (pathogens) on a pre-cleaned surface, (see below, Methods of Proper Disinfection). Disposable (Single Use) Items Items that the manufacturer designs to be disposed of after one use are called “disposable” or "single-use”. These items must be properly disposed of after one use on a single client. Reusing these items is considered an unsanitary, improper and unprofessional practice. Some examples of disposable items are: cotton balls, gauze pads, wooden implements, disposable towels, toe separators, tissues, wooden sticks, arbour bands/sleeves for electric files and certain abrasive files and buffers. Items damaged during the cleaning and disinfecting process are considered single-use and must be discarded after every client. Proper Product Application Some types of products can become contaminated if improperly used. Some examples are: creams, lotions, scrubs, paraffin wax, masks, and oils. These products must always be used in a sanitary manner that prevents contamination. For example, paraffin and nail oils should not be applied with a brush (or spatula) that has touched the skin. These practices may introduce bacteria into the product and cause contamination that can render products unsafe for use. To avoid product contamination always:


a) Dispose of used or remaining product between clients. b) Use single-use disposable implements to remove products from containers for application or remove product with a clean and disinfected spatula and

put product to be used into a disposable or disinfectable service cup.

c) Use an applicator bottle or dropper to apply the product. Proper Disinfection of Multi-Use Tools and Equipment Some items are designed to be used more than once and are considered to be “multi-use”. Multi-use items are sometimes referred to as “disinfectable”, which means that the implement can be properly cleaned and disinfected while retaining its usefulness and quality. Multi-use items are designed for use on more than one client, but require proper cleaning and disinfection between each use. Examples of multi-use items include cloth towels, manicure bowls, nippers, pushers and certain abrasive files and buffers. Multi-use items come in three varieties; a) Hard and non-absorbent items constructed of hard materials that do not absorb liquid, i.e. Metal, glass, fibreglass or plastic. These should be cleaned

and disinfected as described below. b) Porous and/or absorbent items constructed of materials such as cloth or wood with surfaces that may absorb or are penetrated by liquids, i.e. scrub

brushes for nails, cushioned abrasive buffers, cloth towels and chamois. They should be cleaned and disinfected as described below. c) Self-disinfecting items that will not support the growth of bacteria, viruses or fungi. Examples are application brushes used for nail polish, primers

along with artificial enhancement application brushes. Due to the nature of these products, the brushes do not require disinfection and should be cleaned, used and stored only as recommended by the product manufacturer.

Individual Client Packs Tools/instruments kept in individual packs must be properly cleaned and disinfected after each use. If a client provides their own implements/tools, they must be properly cleaned and disinfected before use. Rules require all tools and equipment to be disinfected before being reused, even if used by the same client! Improperly cleaned and disinfected implements may grow infection/disease-causing organisms before the client returns for their next visit, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Never use air-tight bags or containers for storage as these can promote bacterial growth. Methods of Proper Cleaning Proper cleaning requires liquid soap/detergent, water and the use of a clean and disinfected scrub brush to remove all visible debris and residue. All items should be scrubbed with a clean and disinfected scrub brush under running water. Cleaning is not disinfection; disinfection is an entirely separate step. Different items are cleaned in different ways. This often depends on what the item is made of and how it was used. NOTE: the cleaning step must be


properly performed before an item can be disinfected. All items must be thoroughly rinsed and dried with clean cotton or paper towels prior to putting them into a disinfectant. Cleaning (sanitation) Method Examples Scrub Brush Abrasive files, buffers, paddles Ultrasonic Cleaner Metal pushers, nippers, Acetone Soak Metal electric file bits used on enhancements Washing machine Cloth towels, linens, chamois Towelette/Wipe Electrical equipment, table tops Methods of Proper Disinfecting After proper cleaning, all reusable implements/tools must be disinfected by complete immersion in an appropriate disinfecting solution (see below, Appropriate Disinfectants). The item must be completely immersed so that all surfaces, including handles, are soaked for the time required on the disinfectant manufacturer’s label. In general, always follow manufacturer’s instructions, disinfectants require ten minute immersion; isopropyl and ethyl alcohol require five minutes. Remove items after the required time, using clean and disinfected tongs or gloves to avoid skin contact with the disinfectant solution and recontamination of the equipment. If required by the instruction label, rinse thoroughly in running water. Allow items to air dry completely by placing them on top of a clean towel and covering them with another clean towel. Thick foam cushioned buffers should have the moisture pressed out while in between clean towels to ensure the buffer is dry before storing in a sanitary manner. It is recommended to spray 60-90% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol on clean, porous abrasives and buffers to disinfect them. A contact time of five minutes is sufficient for proper disinfection. Methods for Proper Storage of Tools and Equipment All properly cleaned, disinfected and dried implements/tools must be stored in a sanitary manner. A lined drawer is usually adequate, provided it is clean, contains only clean items and is properly labelled. Ideally, equipment should be disinfected immediately prior to use to prevent recontamination during storage. Store soiled or used items in a properly labelled, covered container separate from clean items. Never use airtight containers or zipper bags – these may promote bacterial growth! Abrasive Files, Buffers and Electric File Bits After each use abrasive files, buffers, blocks or bits must be thoroughly cleaned by manually brushing with a clean and disinfected brush or by other adequate methods to remove all visible debris. The sides of foam cushioned buffers, blocks or other abrasives should also be brushed after each use. After proper cleaning abrasives files, buffers and blocks are best disinfected by immersing in (or saturating with) 70-90% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol for five minutes. Once electric bits have been thoroughly cleaned, they must be disinfected by complete immersion in a product recommended by a manufacturer. Any porous (absorbent) abrasive file, buffer, block, band, etc. that comes in contact with broken, damaged, infected or unhealthy skin or nails must be properly disposed of immediately, as described below.


Appropriate Disinfectants How do you know if a disinfectant product is suitable for professional salon use? Standards and requirements vary from country to country, but in general disinfectants with bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal claims on the label are best for use in salons. Some disinfectants are designed for use on hard-surfaces while others are best used on porous or absorbent items. Hospital disinfectants are good examples of a type that is suitable for hard surfaces. Isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol (70 – 90%) are suitable for porous/absorbent items. Disinfectant products are designed to destroy disease-causing microorganisms (pathogens) on non-living surfaces, such as those described in this document. They are not appropriate for use on living skin and contact with skin should be avoided. Appropriate salon disinfectants include the following: a) Disinfectants with bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal claims on the label b) 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) c) Isopropyl alcohol, 70%-90% solution d) Ethyl alcohol, 70%-90% solution Contact with Blood, Body Fluid or Unhealthy Conditions If blood or body fluid comes in contact with any salon surface, the nail professional should put on a pair of clean protective, disposable gloves and use liquid disinfectant or a 10% bleach solution to clean up all visible blood or body fluid. In case of an accidental cut, clean with an antiseptic and bandage the cut. Disposable items, such as a cotton-tipped wood stick must be immediately double-bagged and discarded after use, as described at the end of this section. Any non-porous instrument or implement that comes in contact with an unhealthy condition of the nail or skin, blood or body fluid, must be disposed of following clinical waste guidelines. Any porous/absorbent instrument that comes in contact with an unhealthy condition of the nail or skin, blood or body fluid must be immediately double-bagged and discarded in a closed trash container or biohazard box. Additional Information about Disinfectants and Cleaners a) Disinfectants must be mixed, used, stored and disposed of according to manufacturer’s label instructions (proper mixing ratio is of the utmost

importance to be an effective disinfectant). Some are ready to use and do not require mixing. b) Disinfectants must be prepared fresh every day (including spray bottles). Further, they must be replaced immediately if the solution becomes visibly

contaminated. Disinfectant solutions will lose their strength upon standing and become ineffective within twenty four hours. Use a logbook to record when fresh disinfectant is made.


c) Disinfectants are ineffective if implement/tools are not properly cleaned prior to use. d) Just spraying disinfectants on tools and equipment is inadequate. Pre-cleaning is required before spraying the disinfectant and most types require ten

minute contact to be effective. e) Disinfectants can damage or rust some metal tools if improperly used. f) All disinfectant containers must be properly labelled. Disinfectant solutions prepared in the salon must list on the container: the contents and

percentage solution (concentration), and use a logbook to record the date and time of mixing. Check the label for the product’s expiration date. g) All brushes used for cleaning purposes, i.e., nail brushes and electric-file bit cleaning brushes, must be properly cleaned and disinfected between each

use. h) Ultra-violet light cabinets are not suitable replacements for liquid disinfectant solutions. These can be used for storage after properly cleaning and

disinfecting implements/tools with a liquid solution. i) Read all warning labels and precisely follow manufacturer's instructions. j) These guidelines are believed to be highly effective and are designed to help avoid unforeseen pitfalls, problems and complications. These guidelines

are not a replacement for local government standards, rules or regulations. Always consult local byelaws and regulations, which may vary somewhat from these recommendations.


Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for Controlling and Minimising Inhalation Exposure to Nail Products These guidelines outline steps that nail professionals can take to improve workplace safety by minimising inhalation exposure to potentially irritating or harmful substances. It is important for salon professionals to utilise techniques that ensure the nail services given are performed in the safest manner possible. Fortunately, when the proper steps are taken, it is easy to safely perform professional nail services and avoid excessive inhalation of dusts or vapours. Minimising inhalation exposure is an important way to ensure that nail salon products are properly and safely handled. What is Inhalation Overexposure? Nearly every substance on Earth has both a safe and potentially unsafe level of exposure. Injury may result if these safe levels are exceeded repeatedly or for prolonged periods. For example, inhaling excessive levels of certain vapours or dusts found in salons for prolonged periods may result in overexposure to these substances. In general, the vapours found in salon air are well below the established Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA, an agency enforcing health & safety legislation in the USA) safe limits. Even so, ventilation is an important way of improving the salon environment for customers and can also create a more pleasant workplace for salon professionals. Proper ventilation can help sensitive individuals avoid symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose or throat, headaches, difficulty breathing, nervousness or drowsiness. The best way to prevent inhalation overexposure is by controlling the amount of vapours and dust in salon air. One of the very best ways to ensure safe working conditions is to use these guidelines to improve salon air quality. Improving Salon Air Quality Some salon professionals mistakenly believe that ventilation systems are solely for controlling strong odours, when in fact, odours are not the reason for ventilating. Just because a substance smells strange or unpleasant does not mean it is risky to breathe. The odour of a substance does not indicate whether it is safe or harmful. Dirty socks and burnt popcorn are good examples. Neither smells good and neither are harmful to breathe. Don’t ventilate to control odours; ventilate to control vapours and dusts. Avoid using fans, which only circulate vapours and dust around the salon and do nothing to improve air quality. The most effective type of salon ventilation captures vapours and dusts at their source and removes them from the salon air. These are called "local exhaust” systems and when used together with general room ventilation they can provide high-quality breathing air for salon workers. Local exhaust protects the “breathing zone”, an invisible sphere in front of the mouth from which our breathing air is drawn. Local exhaust systems which are vented to the outdoors provide the best protection to nail professionals and do not require special filters that must be changed regularly. Ventilated tables are examples of local exhaust systems, but these should be vented to the outdoors since the filters in these tables do not contain enough activated charcoal to remove product vapours from the air. Depending on their design, local exhaust systems can also be wall mounted or ceiling mounted, preferably as close to the source of emissions as possible. Some use flexible hoses that can be placed near the breathing zone to increase usefulness. Any such systems must be professionally designed and installed to ensure they are effective.


General room ventilation and air-conditioning systems are classified as Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. HVAC systems are designed to exchange air inside the salon with fresh air from the outside and while these systems are important, they cannot alone (without local exhaust) ensure high-quality breathing air in the salon. Remember that to be effective, all ventilation systems must be properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. A local HVAC specialist who can advise salons on installing, repairing, cleaning and maintaining salon ventilation systems can be found in the phone directory under “Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning”. These skilled professionals can diagnose the salon’s air quality and ventilation systems and provide useful solutions and advice. They can ensure the system is adequate for the salon and keeps it working at its peak capacity. Ventilation systems that return filtered air into the salon are not nearly as effective as those designed to vent to the outdoors and are more costly to maintain. In the unlikely event no outside access is available; these systems can be useful if properly maintained. These types of systems rely on thick beds of absorbent materials, e.g. activated charcoal, to remove vapours from salon air. High quality systems use absorbent beds, preferably four inches thick or more, to ensure greater absorption. Absorbent beds eventually become saturated, making them ineffective, and, therefore, must be replaced on a regular basis, e.g. twice per year. It is best to use a professional quality ventilation system and avoid air cleaners designed for "home use". Home air cleaners are designed to remove pollen, cigarette smoke, etc. and are not effective for salon use. Dusts are best removed from salon air by filtering them through a separate “HEPA (high efficiency particulate air in the USA and trademarked in the UK) filter”, which is designed to remove particles as small as 100th the diameter of a human hair. However, HEPA filters cannot filter out vapours, only dust particles. Vapour molecules are thousands of times smaller than the tiniest dust particle. An efficient local exhaust system often includes an additional HEPA filter to control dusts. Ventilation systems claiming to remove "odours" may not be effective and some can actually create hazardous air quality conditions in the salon. Air cleaners which produce tiny amounts of ozone may neutralize some odours, but they do not remove the vapours or dusts. Ozone is a hazardous air contaminant, even at very low concentrations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned all consumers against using air cleaners which release ozone due to the health risks they create. These devices sometimes claim to use "activated or energized oxygen” or “pure air” or “triatomic air”, which erroneously suggests that ozone is a healthy or safe form of oxygen. Even extremely low levels of ozone may cause symptoms such as headaches, irritation of the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, chest tightness, metallic tastes in the mouth, shortness of breath, and blurred vision. Selecting and Properly Using Dust Masks Certain services, such as filing or shaping artificial nail enhancements, can generate large amounts of dusts. While performing nail services, disposable dust masks can be used to control and minimise inhalation of dusts. Dust masks prevent the breathing of dust particles, but cannot prevent the inhalation of vapours. Dust masks should never be used in place of proper ventilation. Even so, when properly used, the correct mask can be an important way to prevent inhalation of excessive amounts of dust particles and is especially useful if you have pre-existing asthma, allergies, or other breathing related conditions. Surgical masks may help prevent the spread of germs, but will not protect you from dusts. To be effective, dust masks must fit well, be used properly and also disposed of regularly. Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions when using these important tools.


Important Tips to Remember • An effective exhaust system provides individual ventilation to each separate work table or station. • The most effective and easy to maintain systems will vent to the outdoors, preferably to the roof and away from any intake vents for the salon and

neighboring businesses. • Salons should have their own ventilation systems and avoid sharing with adjacent businesses. • The minimum recommended amount of fresh air per occupant for salons is 25 ft.³ per minute • Use professional quality systems and avoid devices designed for home use. • Never use fans or open windows in place of proper ventilation. • Odour does not indicate whether a vapour is safe or potentially hazardous. • Don’t ventilate to control odours, ventilate to control vapours and dust. • Turn on all general ventilation systems (HVAC) during work hours and use local exhaust systems while performing services. • Replace all filters regularly and according to the manufacturer’s directions. If filters are not replaced, these systems may become ineffective. • Avoid using ozone generating air cleaning devices. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing problems

when exposed to even relatively low levels of ozone. • Dispose of all product-contaminated materials, e.g. paper towels, gauze, cotton, or other absorbent material, in a sealed container or bag. • Use bins with a self-closing lid and place one at every work table. • Empty bins several times per day and change liners daily. • Dispose of waste products according to manufacturer’s instructions or MSDS. • Properly ventilate storage area where professional products are kept. • Keep top exhaust vents on work tables clear of any obstruction, e.g., cloth towels. • Keep all product containers tightly closed when not in use. • Avoid using bulk size containers when performing services. Instead, transfer products from large containers to smaller, properly labeled containers.

Perform this task in a well ventilated area. • Use dappen dish with small opening and cover it when not in use. • Wear properly fitted dust mask to prevent inhaling dust particles. • Do not smoke in the salon and post “No Smoking” signs in the shop’s work area. • Read and understand the product’s MSDS before use and know where the MSDS can be quickly located. • Always read, understand and follow all manufacturers’ directions and heed all product warning labels. You can get much more useful and important information on improving salon air quality and choosing the best ventilation by referring to, “Nail Structure and Product Chemistry”, Second Edition, Douglas Schoon, Thomson/Delmar Learning, ISBN 1-4018-6709-X.


Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and Habia Guidelines for Controlling and Minimising Skin Exposure to Nail Products These guidelines outline steps that nail professionals can use to minimise exposure to potentially irritating substances and avoid allergic reactions. It is important for salon professionals to utilise techniques that ensure the nail services they perform are done in the safest manner possible. Fortunately, when the proper steps are taken it is easy to safely perform professional nail services, while keeping skin healthy. Minimising skin exposure is an important way to ensure that nail salon products are properly and safely handled. What is Product Overexposure? When redness or other signs of skin irritation develop, it may be a result of overexposing the skin to certain ingredients found in some professional nail care products. Overexposure is often caused by prolonged (lingering) and/or repeated skin contact to such ingredients. Typically nail salon products are used in small amounts and often are designed for application to the nail plate only, making it much easier to avoid skin overexposure. Also, healthy nail plates are made of dense keratin and therefore not very likely to absorb these ingredients, making it much easier to avoid skin overexposure. Conscientious nail professionals should understand and follow the recommendations in this brochure to help avoid overexposing their skin and the skin of their clients. Some examples of nail cosmetic products which may be potentially irritating include nail hardeners, adhesives, nail treatments, polishes, artificial nail primers, as well as all types of UV gels, liquid/powder artificial nail products, polymers and wrap resins. These are all designed to be applied just to the natural nail. For these types of products, skin contact should be avoided, since they may potentially irritate living skin. Each of these can be safely applied to the natural nail plate during professional services, but they may also cause skin irritation or allergy if repeatedly exposed to the skin. Allergic Skin Reactions Some individuals’ skin may become red, swollen, dry, itchy, cracked or develop tiny water blisters when overexposed to certain types of ingredients found in nail salon products. These ingredients are classified as potential "allergens" because they are capable of causing allergic reactions in people who have a sensitivity to them and include fragrances, preservatives and certain ingredients used in artificial nail products. Allergic skin reactions result when such ingredients (allergens) interact with the skin’s immune system to create the skin symptoms described above. Usually allergic skin reactions are caused by prolonged and repeated contact to an allergen. For example, latex gloves can cause skin allergies. Prolonged and repeated contact for several months or even years can cause previously unaffected people to develop a persistent rash on the hands and wrists. In this case, sensitisation is caused by naturally occurring proteins found in latex rubber that are acting as allergens. Skin Protection is Important Washing hands is one of the most important ways to avoid skin overexposure. Hands should be washed before and after performing each service and after handling any product not specifically designed for skin application. Properly wash hands by scrubbing for at least 20 seconds with a soft bristle scrub brush and mild liquid soap, thoroughly rinsing with warm water, then drying hands thoroughly. Harsh soap, hot water and hands that are often wet can also be the cause of irritation. Proper hand washing is an especially good way to prevent prolonged skin exposure. Allowing dusts, filings, sticky or oily substances, etc. to remain on the skin for prolonged periods can increase the risk of developing skin irritation or allergy. Once hands, wrist or arms become contaminated


with product dusts or other residues, they should be properly cleaned and thoroughly dried. Product that splashes or spills onto clothing should be promptly removed and the clothing should be immediately changed to avoid prolonged contact with the underlying skin. The use of lotions can restore protective oils lost from hand washing, especially when hands are washed many times per day. Wearing the proper glove is another important way to protect the skin. Disposable nitrile gloves are the best choice for nail salon professionals. Latex and vinyl gloves are highly permeable to many product ingredients and should be avoided. Some individuals develop sensitivities to latex and cannot wear gloves made from this material. Those allergic to cornstarch (allergen) should avoid powdered gloves. For most salon uses, disposable gloves are best and should be discarded after a single use or if they become damaged or contaminated. The product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) contains important information regarding safe use, and usually describes the best glove to use. MSDS are available through your distributor or from the manufacturer. Other Methods for Lowering Exposure Controlling and lowering exposure to safe levels is the best way to protect the skin and keep it healthy. Avoid exposing hands to harsh cleaners, solvents or disinfectants. These may damage skin by removing natural oils (defatting), which may lead to skin dryness. Skin that is dry or irritated becomes more susceptible to penetration of ingredients that would normally be unable to pass through the natural barrier of the skin's surface. Keeping containers, tabletops, clothing, tools and implements clean is equally important. A leaky container or one contaminated with product on the outside can cause repeated skin exposure with each handing. Arms or wrists exposed to product residues/dusts on contaminated tabletops or towels are also a potential source of overexposure. Handles of brushes and other implements should be kept clean and free from product residues. Avoid allowing any type of artificial nail product to come in contact with living skin. Contact may cause clients to develop irritation and/or allergic skin reactions, which could worsen with each additional incident where direct skin exposure occurs. These types of skin reactions commonly occur on the finger, especially the cuticle area, as well as the wrists or arms, since these areas are often overexposed from incorrect application of artificial nail products. Important Tips to Remember • Wash hands thoroughly before and after performing each service, before eating, and after handling products or if accidental skin exposure occurs. • Wear disposable nitrile gloves or the glove type recommended in the product MSDS. • Replace gloves immediately if there are signs of cuts, tears, holes or contamination. • Appropriate clothing can help prevent skin overexposure to products while performing professional services. For example, fitted long sleeved

blouses or smocks for arms/wrist protection and knee length pants or skirts to help protect the lap. • Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent accidental spills or

product leakage. • Keep products in small-sized containers at the worktable to reduce the risk of spills and minimise skin exposure. • When transferring products to smaller containers, wear the safety equipment recommended by the product MSDS, i.e. eye protection, gloves, etc. • Always use a funnel or dropper to prevent spills and accidental skin contact while transferring products from their original containers. • Avoid skin contact with disinfectants and never put them into the water with client’s feet or hands.



• If there are visible signs of sensitivity or allergic reaction to a product, discontinue use immediately; if symptoms persist, consult with a physician. Where dermatitis is diagnosed, you are legally required to report the incidence to the Incident Contact Centre under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).

• Exactly follow the manufacturers’ product instructions and heed warnings, precautions, etc. • Read and understand the MSDS for each product you use to perform your services.

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Healthy Nails, Healthy Life… Guidelines for Nail Salon Professionals

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Habia is the government appointed standards setting body for hair, beauty, nails, spa therapy, barbering and African type hair and creates the standards that form the basis of all qualifications including NVQs, SVQs, Apprenticeships, Diplomas and Foundation degrees, as well as industry codes of practice.

A central point of contact for information, Habia provides guidance on careers, business development, legislation, salon safety and equal opportunities and is responsible to government on industry issues such as training and skills.

Habia raises the profile of its industries through the press and media and is the first port of call for news organisations and broadcasters on news items and background information.

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