Sterilisation and Hygiene & Methods
of Sterilisation, Disinfection and
Sanitisation
Healthy and hygienic working conditions are very important and
should always be of the highest standard to ensure a safe
environment for everyone involved.
Lack of cleanliness can lead to cross contamination and cross
infection which is the spread of infectious or non infectious
organic matter from one person to another.
This can include :
Bacterial Infection
Minute, single-celled organisms found nearly everywhere. There
are two general types of bacteria:
• Non-pathogenic, which are harmless to humans.
• Pathogenic, which are harmful and cause disease such as
respiratory diseases and skin infections like impetigo.
Virus Infections
Organisms smaller than bacteria. Viruses can
only live and reproduce within living cells. They
are able to cause disease, e.g. hepatitis,
influenza, herpes simplex (cold sores).
Fungal Infections
Spongy, yeast growth, very contagious, e.g. tinea (ringworm)
Insect Infestations
Head lice are the most common, also scabies, caused by female itch mire
burrowing under the epidermis and laying her eggs.
Bacteria and viruses enter the body in the following ways:
• Inhalation (airborne)
• Ingestion (via the mouth)
• By direct contact ( via cross-contamination, from another person or object)
• In the blood stream (via contaminated sharps material)
In the make-up studio, infection may occur when dirty equipment is used or a makeup artist works unhygienically.
Ways to avoid cross-infection
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Sterilisation – To make free from all living micro-organisms, to make sterile. It is an
absolute term; an object is either sterile or not.
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Sanitisation – To inhibit growth of micro-organisms, to maintain or improve
conditions with regard to dirt and infection.
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Disinfection – An agent , such as heat, radiation or a chemical that destroys,
neutralizes or inhibits the growth of disease-carrying micro-organisms.
Methods of sterilisation, disinfection
or sanitation
Whatever method of sterilisation, disinfection or sanitation is being used, it is
important to physically clean contaminated equipment first to remove any residual
material that may prevent the penetration or steam or chemicals to the contaminated
surface.
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Steam or wet heat (Autoclave) – This method uses steam or wet heat to sterilise. It
requires temperatures of between 121 and 134°C. A container known as an
autoclave sterilises using this method. It is particularly suitable for small pieces of
metal equipment such as tweezers and scissors.
Chemicals and Alcohols – Many of these products are based on two alcohols –
ethyl and isopropyl, which are diluted to varying strengths. Surgical spirit is the
most common from of ethyl alcohol. Barbicide is a registered hospital disinfectant
what is bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal and kills HIV, herpes, tinea and
numerous other pathogenic organisms.
UV Radiation – UV radiation is classed as a sanitiser, as it is only effective against a
limited range of organisms. Objects must be turned to ensure UV rays penetrate
the entire surface
Brush Cleaners – Brush cleaners remove cosmetic residue, grease and oil from
brushes. Many products will also disinfect at the same time whilst conditioning the
brushes to keep them supple.
Personal Hygiene
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Hair should be clean. Long hair should be worn off the face so it does not dangle in
the clients face.
Clean clothes should be worn. Strong perfumes or aftershave should be avoided.
Nails should be short and clean, polish should be intact.
Jewellery, particularly rings and bracelets should not be worn as they may scratch
or irritate the clients.
The make-up artist’s hands should be cleansed before each client with a suitable
hand wash, for example hibiscrub.
Wounds and open sores on the make up artists hands should be covered with a
suitable waterproof dressing.
Good oral hygiene is important, particularly if you are a smoker or have eaten
strongly flavoured food the night before. Chewing gum whilst working should be
avoided.
Low or flat heels should be worn for safety and to encourage good posture.
Always follow legislative and workplace rules and regulations.