It is fun to decorate your workspace. Clients appreciate an inviting and pretty studio. Decorative items are a great way to show your personality and create a unique ambiance in your space.
However, when it comes to your treatment area, hygiene needs to be your number one priority. This is NOT the area to decorate with fibrous, porous elements that can harbour airborne pathogens. The treatment area needs to be clinically clean at all times!
The client treatment area must be clear of anything fluffy, furry, soft and velvety. Save these types of props for your reception/waiting area.
Here is the list of requirements for your workspace to be up to industry standards and to ensure you will pass a health inspection:
1. The personal services area must be separated from any pets and from any area used for sleeping, dining, food storage/preparation, bathing and washroom purposes.
2. A sink that is not accessible by clients and not in a washroom or kitchen that is dedicated for the purpose of hand washing and instrument processing. The sink must be: - readily accessible to each service area - equipped with suitable counter space or similar surface nearby for soaking/drying equipment - supplied with liquid soap and single use towels in a suitable dispenser or a hot air dryer - constructed of stainless steel and of suitable size - have permanent hot and cold running water
3. A washroom must be provided with a toilet and a hand wash basin, equipped with liquid soap and single use towels in a suitable dispenser or a hot air dryer.
4. All work surfaces shall be constructed of smooth, non-porous and cleanable materials (ie. painted drywall, vinyl composite tiles, linoleum or sealed concrete, etc.) and these must be in good repair.
5. Work areas must be adequately lit and ventilated.
6. Client contact surfaces (treatment tables, chairs, headrests, etc.) must have smooth, non-porous and easy to clean finish, and these must be in good repair.
7. If linens are used, they must be changed between each client.
8. Adequate storage space must be available for equipment, instruments and supplies.
9. Suitable garbage containers must be readily available, maintained and emptied regularly.
10. Approved disinfectants (Such as PreEmpt, Cavicide, or CS20) for disinfecting equipment, surfaces and reusable instruments must be available.
11. An acceptable skin antiseptic shall be provided for skin preparation and post treatment.
12. Products such as regular-strength Barbicide, glass bead sterilizers, and steam sterilizers are not acceptable. Rather, tools must be completely submerged in a disinfectant solution, for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer, and rinsed clean before use.
13. Items, that cannot be properly disinfected or are intended for single use, must be discarded after each client use.
14. A puncture resistant container shall be provided for the disposal of sharp objects.
15. Pigment, cosmetics, and other supplies must be labeled and handled in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
16. Chemicals, detergents and cleaners must be stored, maintained and prepared in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Operating your lash studio is both fun and rewarding. Remember that health is good for business. Clients notice and appreciate your efforts! By adhering to these requirements you will ensure the success of your operation and be confident in the quality of your daily practices.
Psst... if you're seriously this dedicated to wanting to do things the right way, props to you!! You're exactly the type of lash artist that we want to become Accredited Members. Check it out here: NALA Membership | NALA (nala-lashassociation.com)
This list was created by combining the existing legislation in a variety of states and provinces across North America with the NALA Industry Standards. Please review your local state/country guidelines for “Personal Service Regulations” to ensure you are compliant with your local requirements.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes and is not intended to replace formal business advice, financial advice, government regulations, or any other form of legal advice.
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