Breathe a Little Easier

Keeping salon air breathable is not all about your ventilation equipment; some of it comes down to your work habits. Once your ventilation system is in place, the Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) advises taking these easy steps to further minimize your exposure to potentially irritating or harmful substances.

>   Dispose of all product-contaminated materials (e.g., paper towels, gauze, cotton, or other absorbent material) in a sealed container or bag.
>   Use trash cans with self-closing lids and place one at every worktable.
>   Empty trash cans several times per day and change liners daily.
>   Dispose of waste products according to manufacturer’s instructions or MSDS.
>   Properly ventilate storage areas where professional products are kept.
>   Keep top exhaust vents on worktables clear of any obstruction (such as
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 a dappen dish with a small opening and cover it when not in use.
>   Wear properly fitted N95-rated dust masks to prevent inhaling dust particles.
>   Do not smoke in the salon and post “no smoking” signs in the shop’s work area.
>   Never use fans or open windows in place of proper ventilation.
>   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.

For more information on ventilation, see “Doesn’t This Smell Bother You?” in the May 2009 issue or go to www.nailsmag.com/resources/handouts.aspx and check out “Guidelines for Controlling and Minimizing Inhalation Exposure to Nail Products.”