Belava’s Marbled Jade Pedicure Tub accommodates the company’s sanitary disposable liners.

Belava’s Marbled Jade Pedicure Tub accommodates the company’s sanitary disposable liners.

As of July 1, California nail techs using disposable pedicure liners can skip the 10-minute disinfecting soak of their pedicure basin between clients. “It’s very exciting to have the new legislation in place in California,” says Alison Till-Harris of Belava, makers of pedicure liners and other foot care products. “We often heard complaints from technicians who were given citations during inspections for not completely cleaning and disinfecting the pedicure tub even though they were using a new disposable liner for each customer, creating a barrier between the tub and the pedicure soak.” Under the new legislation, once the pedicure liner has been disposed of, the tub must be scrubbed of visible debris with a brush and liquid soap, then rinsed and wiped with a dry paper towel. In addition the salon must maintain at least five liners per tub. “The most important rule to follow is to keep a current Pedicure Equipment Cleaning Log — which is available for download on our website,” says Till-Harris.

“It’s very important to understand that only approved liners can be used — a trash bag is not considered appropriate, as it can tear very easily,” notes safety and compliance expert Monika Herzog Butler, founder Salon Inspector, LLC (www.saloninspector.com). “Only liners specifically manufactured for disposable systems are permitted for use and the salon must stock a sufficient number of liners in order to ensure a new liner can be used for each client. In addition, the regulations specify that pedicure tubs must be stored in a clean and covered place. I recommended to my clients to free up space inside a cabinet —just covering the tubs might not be considered sufficient by an inspector.”

This spa chair from Contego Spa uses air jets that flow through plastic piping within a disposable tub liner that attaches directly to the pedicure tub.

This spa chair from Contego Spa uses air jets that flow through plastic piping within a disposable tub liner that attaches directly to the pedicure tub.

Below are highlights of some of the other changes to be aware of. Click here  to see a detailed explanation of the California Board’s revised health and safety regulations.

978. Minimum Equipment and Supplies:
> Requires that the containers in which shops disinfect their tools be labeled “disinfectant solution.”
> Requires that the empty manufacturer-labeled container that disinfectant comes in be kept in the establishment.

979. Disinfecting Non-Electrical Instruments and Equipment:
> Visible debris must be removed as a first step.
> Tools must be dried with a clean paper towel prior to disinfecting.
> Gloves or tongs must be used when removing tools from disinfectant.
> Licensees are now directed to change disinfectant according to manufacturer recommendations, unless it’s cloudy or contains debris.
> All tools that are used on a client or soiled must be placed in a container labeled “dirty,” “soiled,” or “contaminated.”
> Placing tools or shears in any kind of container or pouch that cannot be disinfected is prohibited.

980. Disinfecting Electrical Instruments:
> Allows electrical tools to be disinfected with sprays or wipes before each use.
> Disinfected electrical tools must be stored in a clean place. It no longer needs to be covered.
> Soiled electrical tools, except for hot styling tools, must be kept in a container labeled “dirty.”

980.1. Procedures for Cleaning and Disinfecting Whirlpool Footspas, and Air-Jet Basins:
> Changed the time the disinfectant must be left in the foot spa during the weekly cleaning process from 6-10 hours to a minimum of 6 hours.
> Requires that salons post “not in service” signs on foot spas that are not being used.
> Requires salons to note in their pedicure-equipment log if a foot spa is “not in service.”

980.2. Procedures for Cleaning and Disinfecting Pipe-Less Footspas:
> Changed the time the disinfectant must be left in the foot spa during the weekly cleaning process from 6-10 hours to a minimum of 6 hours.
> Requires that salons post “not in service” signs on foot spas that are not being used.
> Requires salons note in their pedicure-equipment log if a foot spa is “not in service.”

980.3. Procedures for Cleaning and Disinfecting Non-Whirlpool Foot Basins or Tubs:
> Licensees must store their pedicure tubs in a clean, covered place.

981. Tools and Supplies:
> Adds pumice stones, buffers, and gloves to the list of specific items that cannot be disinfected.
> Requires that new supplies and single-use, disposable tools be stored in a clean, covered place labeled “new.”
> Prohibits carrying of tools in pouches and holsters.

983. Personal Cleanliness:
> Specifies that hand-cleaning products should be alcohol-based [if not using soap and water].

984. Disease and Infestation:
> Clarifies that licensees or students cannot perform services on skin that is inflamed or broken.
> If the licensee or student’s hands are inflamed or cut, gloves must be worn when working on clients.

986. Neck Dusters and Brushes:
> Before use on a client, natural fiber, facial, acrylic, gel, nail-art, and makeup brushes used in an establishment or school, on a client, shall be cleaned in the following sequential manner:
(1) Remove all visible debris.
(2) Clean by using a cleansing agent(s) such as: monomer, makeup brush liquid/spray cleaner, alcohol.
(3) Dry brushes.
(4) Store all clean brushes in a clean, covered place which is labeled “clean.”
(5) All brushes used on a client or soiled in any manner shall be placed in a container labeled “dirty,” “soiled,” or “contaminated.”

987. Towels:
> Requires laundering to conform with Center for Disease Control recommendations.  Linens must be washed in water with a temperature of 160°F for 25 minutes.
> Allows option of laundering using chemicals rather than hot water.

989. Prohibited Hazardous Substances/Use of Products:
> Prohibits establishments from having methyl methacrylate monomer and/or methylene chloride on the premises.

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