Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1) All multi-use tools, implements, and equipment used for cosmetology services that come in contact with a client must be cleaned of all visible debris after each use and disinfected after each use by complete saturation or immersion for at least 10 minutes in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant according to the manufacturer's directions. Autoclave is an acceptable method of sterilization. Each salon or shop shall provide correct wet disinfection and dry storage standards at all times.
(a) Multi-use items constructed of nonporous materials such as metal, glass, or plastic for use on more than one client include, but are not limited to the following items: nail clippers, cuticle nippers, cuticle pushers, scissors, shears, reusable nail forms, manicure and pedicure bowls, foot files, glass, metal and fiberglass files, metal drill bits, tweezers, comedone extractors, brushes, combs, clips, reusable pencil sharpeners, reusable gloves, and any other metal tools/non-porous implements not listed above.
(b) Single use items shall be discarded after being used one time. These items include: buffers, emery boards, nail files, sleeves and sanders for electric files, orangewood/birchwood sticks, wooden applicator sticks or spatulas, porous foot files, pedicure slippers and toe separators, disposable gloves, paraffin liners, cotton balls, cotton strips or swabs, neck strips and muslin strips or any items that cannot be disinfected.
(2) Wet disinfection standards for tools, implements, or equipment:
(a) After cleaning, all tools, implements and equipment must be disinfected by complete saturation or immersion (enough solution to cover all surfaces of the item) for 10 minutes in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant that is bactericidal, viruscidal, fungicidal, and pseudomonacidal. The disinfecting solution must be changed daily and/or prepared according to manufacturer's directions.
(b) All tools, implements, or equipment that come in contact with blood or body fluids must be disinfected by complete immersion for a minimum of 10 minutes in an EPA-registered disinfectant that is effective against HIV-1 and Human Hepatitis B Virus, or tuberculocidal that is prepared and used according to the manufacturer's directions. Autoclave is an acceptable method of sterilization.
(3) Dry storage standards for tools, implements, or equipment:
(a) All disinfected tools and implements shall be stored in a sanitary manner in a covered container. The container must be labeled to show that it contains disinfected tools and implements.
(b) Soiled and dirty tools and implements must be stored in a separate and properly labeled covered container. Soiled and dirty tools and implements shall not be used again until properly cleaned and disinfected according to the procedures stated in this rule.
(4) Hand washing is required before and between providing services to each client. An anti-bacterial soap is recommended to sanitize the hands and the exposed portions of arms before providing services and after smoking, drinking, eating, and using restrooms.
(5) Pedicure equipment cleaning and disinfection procedures to be used for all pedicure equipment that holds water including sinks, bowls, basins, pipe-less, and whirlpool spas are as follows:
(a) After each client, all pedicure units must be cleaned with a chelating soap or detergent with water to remove all visible debris, then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade bactericidal, fungicidal, virucida l, and pseudomonacidal disinfectant used according to manufacturer's instructions for at least ten (10) minutes. If the pedicure unit has a foot plate, it should be removed and the area beneath it cleaned, rinsed, and wiped dry.
(b) At the end of each day of use, the following procedures shall be used:
1. All filter screens in whirlpool pedicure spas or basins for all types of foot spas must be sanitized. All visible debris in the screen and the inlet must be removed and cleaned with a chelating soap or detergent and water. For all pedicure units, the jet components and/or foot plate must be removed and any debris removed and cleaned. The screen, jet, and/or foot plate must be completely immersed in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal, and pseudomonacidal disinfectant that is used according to manufacturer's instructions. The screen, jet, and/or foot plate should be replaced after disinfection is completed and the system flushed with warm water and lowsudsing soap for 5 minutes, rinsed, and drained.
2. After the above procedures are completed, the basin should be filled with clean water and the correct amount of EPA-registered disinfectant. The solution must be circulated through foot spa system for 10 minutes and the unit then turned off. The solution should remain in the basin for at least 6 to 10 hours. Before using the equipment again, the basin system must be drained and flushed with clean water.
(c) Once each week, additional procedures should be performed. After completing the required cleaning procedures for the end of the day, the basin should be filled with water that contains one teaspoon of 5.25% bleach for each gallon of water.
The solution should be circulated through the spa system for 5 to 10 minutes and then the solution should sit overnight in the basin, or for at least 6 to 10 hours. Before being used again, the system should be drained and flushed.
(d) A record or log book containing the dates and times of all pedicure equipment cleaning and disinfection procedures must be documented and kept in the pedicure area by the salon or shop and made available for review upon request by a consumer and/or an inspector from the Board.
(6) Signs shall be posted in clear view in the reception area of the salon/shop as follows:
(a) Cosmetology laws, rules, and regulations are available upon request.
(b) All cosmetology services shall only be performed on intact, healthy scalp, skin, and nails.
(c) Customers should not shave their legs the same day as receiving pedicure services to reduce the risk of infection.
(d) Any razor-like implement, such as a credo blade, shall not be used to reduce the chance of injury or infection.
(e) Pumice stones shall not be reused from one customer to another to prevent the spread of bacteria.
O.C.G.A. Sections 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-10-2, and 43-10-6.
