| As the popularity of personal services, like tattooing and pedicures, increases so does the need to highlight the risk of infection that can occur during any of these services.
Infections can spread even when the skin is not broken or pierced. Each type of personal service must be provided in a way that prevents infections from spreading.
To address the important public health issue of preventing the spread of infections, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care released a new best practices document for personal service settings in January of 2009. |
Click on the links below to learn more.
What is a personal service setting?
A personal service setting includes any business that offers aesthetic services that can include, but is not limited to, body piercing, tattooing, electrolysis manicures, pedicures and hairdressing.
TOP
What is the owner/operator’s responsibility for infection prevention and control?
The owner/operator is responsible for making sure that all their personal service workers (PSWs) know and use the infection control requirements found in the best practices document. The goal is to reduce the risk of blood borne and other types of infection for both clients and PSWs.
TOP
What role does the Health Unit play in protecting the public?
Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are required to visit and inspect each personal service setting at least once a year. This also includes any“special events” like trade shows, conventions, fairs or exhibitions.
The PHIs are a valuable and knowledgeable resource. They can provide important information as well as feedback that the owners/operators and their staff can use in order to provide a safe environment for their clients.
TOP
What information is included in the best practices document for personal service settings?
The best practice document guidelines include general recommendations for all personal service settings and equipment as well as more specific requirements.
The section on “Routine Practices” describes strategies used with all clients. The strategy used will depend on the service delivered, but could include one or all of the following:
- hand hygiene (e.g. hand washing)
- gloves
- face protection
- gowns
- equipment and environment
The remaining sections of the best practice document include:
- General Guidelines for equipment, instruments and supplies
- Operational requirements for personal service settings
- Cleaning, disinfection and sterilization
- Health and personal hygiene
- Blood and body fluid exposure response procedures
- Additional guidelines for specific personal services (e.g. manicures, pedicures and nail treatments electrolysis and laser hair removal, tattooing and micropigmentation, body piercing, ear lobe piercing, acupuncture, hairdressing/barbering)
TOP
Where can I get a copy of the best practices document for personal service settings?
A copy of the best practices document can be downloaded by clicking here
TOP
Where can I get more information?
For more information, call a Public Health Inspector at 625-8318 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630, extension 8318.
TOP