Feb 2021, Guide

Spa Disinfection

February 1, 2021 | by Nicole Kenny

Are you keeping your spa safe?

WILL THINGS EVER GO BACK TO BEING NORMAL?

Yes and no. Viruses and bacteria that can lead to infections and illness have always been present in personal care facilities. Coronavirus has merely demonstrated the ability for germs to spread rapidly when left unchecked. If you were not diligent in your infection prevention practices prior to the outbreak, then life will not return to the way things were for you. In a post-pandemic world, your clients will be more vigilant and aware of the measures being taken to keep them safe. Not just from COVID, but other everyday germs that can spread influenza, C. difficile, Pseudomonas, and other skin-related infections. When it comes to keeping pathogens out of your spa, the new norm is no different than the old standard.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF GERMS IN A SPA?

Disinfectants do not kill on contact, and yet we find the practice of immediately wiping a surface down after disinfecting is still commonplace. It is all the more a bad habit given some disinfectants need to keep a surface wet for as long as 10 minutes to do their job! Anything short of that, and you’re not achieving the requisite time to eradicate pathogens and stop their potentially deadly spread.

“While disinfectants all share the common goal of killing pathogens, they are not all created equal.”

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You should also be aware that most disinfectants cannot stay wet for that length of time—suffering from what we call “premature evaporation,” in which case, re-application would be needed. Fortunately, there are fasteracting disinfectants on the market today that can kill viruses and bacteria in as little as one minute, so read the label and understand what you’re working with. If you’re electing to use a product with longer contact times, be sure to leave a sufficient amount of time between client appointments to facilitate proper disinfection.

DID YOU KNOW SOME DISINFECTANTS COME WITH HARSH WARNINGS?

While disinfectants all share the common goal of killing pathogens, they are not all created equal. Just like taking medicine can come with some significant side-effects, you should also be aware that daily exposure to your disinfectant may result in adverse health complications. This includes eye and skin irritation, respiratory issues, nausea, headaches, drowsiness, and even fertility concerns. All these precautions and warnings can be found on the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS), so you should familiarize yourself with them and take any necessary protective measures. Many beauty professionals resign themselves to working with harsh chemicals in their spa as a necessary evil to combat pathogens, but that is no longer the case. Next-generation disinfectants deliver decisive action against germs while being gentle on users and the planet—it is possible to have the best of both worlds.

WHY IS THE CHAIN OF CUSTODY IMPORTANT IN YOUR SPA?

Just like in episodes of CSI or Law & Order, surfaces, objects, and devices potentially coming in contact with pathogens need to be treated as if they were evidence in an important trial. Those items can stay contaminated for hours or up to days under the right conditions. So you must keep in mind that your workspaces, furniture, equipment, and other high touch areas like reception counters, handles, pay devices, etc., are possible sources of infection or cross-contamination. You should assume that everything you interact with during your service can be a source of exposure to yourself and others. To minimize the risk, be sure to disinfect surfaces after every appointment, have your clients sanitize their hands, and wash your hands frequently throughout the day.

IS YOUR SPA PLAYING LIKE A TEAM?

Preventing the spread of infection must be a group effort and a collective priority within your spa setting. From reception to guest services to estheticians and even custodial staff, all employees of your facility need to be playing from the same rule book. That’s why it’s crucial to have protocols or written processes in place that identify the cleaning and disinfecting procedures that are to take place at each of your facility’s stations—from the front of the house to treatment areas, washrooms, and employee break spaces. All staff must be educated, trained, and made aware of their responsibilities and duties while at work to ensure consistency before, during, and after every service. In turn, clients should be informed of your policies so that they know you have implemented the highest standards of care within your facility. You can do so not only through direct communication but also through tent cards, posted protocols, policy placards in your spa, on your website, social media channels, and other promotional literature.

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