CE INSTITUTE LLC BLOG

Avoiding, eliminating and reducing the amount of germs at work or anywhere could help prevent illness and disease. Pictured above are protozoa.  Protozoa are one of the four common groups of germs that include:  Bacteria, Virus, Fungus and Protozoa.

 

The following are some of the most common methods of how germs are transmitted from one individual to another.

 

1. Direct Contact: when body fluids are directly transferred from one person to another. Examples of direct contact consist of providing massage, spa or cosmetology services with an infected individual. 

 

2. Droplets: when secretions fly out of noses and mouths (when we sneeze, cough, spit, drool, slobber, or vomit) into the air and then land on a hard surface or are inhaled by another person.

• Droplets can fly only a short distance (such as a sneeze). If these human droplets land on another’s eye, nose, or mouth they can spread disease.
• Germs can also be spread when we touch droplets (from another person) that land on a surface like a table and then touch our own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands.
• Most of the germs that can be spread by direct contact can also be spread by droplets.
• Germs that can spread by droplets are more contagious than germs that require direct contact. When an infection can spread between people that are only near each other, the infection is more contagious. Diseases caused by viruses and bacteria can be spread this way.
• Fungi and parasites are not transmitted by droplets.
• Germs live longer on stainless steel, plastic, and similar hard surfaces than they do on fabric and other soft surfaces. Germs also live longer when the surface is wet and dirty. Food and water on a surface provide germs with all they need to survive and multiply! When droplets land on a hard surface like a table or a doorknob, the viruses in those droplets can live several hours or more. Bacteria can live for even longer.

 

3. Airborne Transmission: when germs float suspended in the air attached to small droplets or dust particles and travel more than 3 feet.

• Airborne germs can travel across a room, down a hall, into a ventilation system, to another floor, or even from one building to another where another person can breathe in the germ.
• Germs that spread by airborne transmission are the most contagious of all. We can inhale them deep into our lungs where they can cause more serious illness. Disinfecting doesn’t help with the spread of these kinds of illness.
• Luckily, not very many germs can travel this way. Those that do are difficult to control. For example, the viruses that cause chicken pox and measles are spread by airborne routes. Nine out of ten unvaccinated people who breathe the air of a person infected with chicken pox or measles will get sick. Cleaning and disinfecting will not prevent air-borne illnesses. This is why vaccination is so important. It is the one of the few ways we have available today to protect ourselves from these extremely contagious diseases.

 

4. Fecal-oral Transmission: when germs in stool from one infected person make their way into the mouth of another person. These germs usually cause vomiting and diarrhea.

• This happens most commonly when infected people don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom.
  • When dirty hands touch food, the germs from that person’s stool are transferred to the food. When that food is eaten by someone else, the germs enter their body and they can get sick.
  • When dirty hands touch surfaces or objects, the germs are transferred there. When another person touches those same surfaces, he gets the germs on his hands. If he eats or puts his hands in his eyes, nose, or mouth without washing them, the germs get into his body and can make him sick.
• Infections from animals can also be spread this way. For example, reptiles and rodents have caused Salmonella outbreaks. They also carry germs on their skin which can cause illness through direct contact.
• Some common viruses, including Hepatitis A, Norovirus, and Rotavirus, are spread through fecal-oral routes. They may also be spread by droplets that are produced when a person vomits – this makes them very hard to prevent!
• Handwashing is our best defense against germs spread by the fecal-oral route!

 

5. Blood: when an infected person's blood enters another person's body through a break in the 2^nd person’s skin. Many of the germs that can be found in blood can cause life-threatening disease. However, most blood-borne infections come from infected needles, not from nonmedical workplace hazards.

 

6. Insect Bites: when an insect transmits bacteria and viruses to humans through their bites. West Nile virus is a disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes, which are insects.

 

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician  #salon #spa #business #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

 

 

Some germs can be extremely harmful and contribute to life threatening illness when they are not properly treated. But not all microbes aka germs cause disease. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are part of the ecosystems of our bodies. We’re made up of ten times as many microbial cells as human cells!

All of the microbes in our body together weigh three pounds – as much as our brains! This collection of microbes is called our biome. We need our biome to survive.

Microbes help maintain the health of our bodies. For example, they:

• make vitamins;
• break down tough plants so we can digest them;
• help to form our immune system and control inflammation. 

Exposure to germs in early childhood teaches our immune system how to tell the difference between what is harmful and what is not. Allergies occur when the body sees ordinary, harmless things like pollen as harmful. Some research even suggests that bacteria may help us maintain a healthy weight and protect us from asthma.

When we kill microbes with antibiotics, we kill the good with the bad, which is why we should only take antibiotics when we really need them. And we shouldn’t think of all microbes as bad germs that need to be wiped out. Some illnesses are even treated using microbes.

Probiotics or microbe-containing yogurt are sometimes used to replace some of our “good” microbes that are destroyed by antibiotics.

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician  #salon #spa #business #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

 

 

A spill kit is used to clean and decontaminate areas where blood spills have occurred. Having a spill kit prepared makes it less stressful to clean up a spill.

Spill kits can be purchased or you can make one yourself. These are standard items included in a spill kit:

1. Personal protective clothing that is disposable, including gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. A paper gown should be included to protect your clothing from cross-contamination when there is a large spill.
2. Paper towels and an absorbent material.
3. Commercially available absorbent material for spill kits can be purchased. Cat litter or vermiculite can also be used. They are relatively inexpensive and work well, although they are messy.
4. Tongs and a dustpan
5. An EPA-registered disinfectant
6. Plastic bags (red will help identify the contaminated contents)

 

Responding to Body Fluid Spills (BFSs) on Porous and Nonporous Surface

This is the OSHA standard for anywhere establishment workers or customers may be exposed to hazardous agents:

1. Secure area and notify coworkers and other required responders.
2. Prepare to clean up:

• Bring prepared spill kit to spill site if there is a BFS.
• Select a disinfectant that is registered by the U.S. EPA to disinfect blood spills. Look for this information on the label. Select a cleaner for carpets and a disinfectant for hard surfaces.
• Put on personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, eye protection, and mask).

3. Remove contaminated objects, spill, and spill waste

• Cover all spills with absorbent powder and/or disposable paper or cloth towels, use the kit dustpan to remove these materials.
• Soak up any liquid absorbed into porous surfaces (like carpeting) with disposable rags. Then wash surface thoroughly and rinse.
• Use nonporous equipment such as a dustpan or tongs (not hands or vacuum) to pick up contaminated sharp items such as needles and broken glass.

4. Disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces

• Apply disinfectant and leave the disinfectant visibly wet on the surface for the required dwell time.
• For horizontal surfaces, pour disinfectant directly on to spill area.
• For vertical surfaces, spray the disinfectant onto a cloth and wipe on surface.

5. Dispose of spill waste

• Place all materials used in the cleaning process, including PPE, sharp objects, etc., in the bucket with a double-lined plastic bag. Dispose of this waste in the dumpster.

6. Follow-up

• Remove your contaminated clothing, double-bag it in 2 milli-meter thick. bags, label, wash separately in a washing machine in hot water, and dry on high setting.
• Wash your hands and other areas of your body that come into contact with the disinfectant or body fluid spill immediately after spill clean-up for at least 20 seconds with liquid soap under hot running water.
• If soap and water are unavailable, use waterless hand sanitizer right away, and then wash hands as soon as possible. Keep in mind: hand sanitizer will not work effectively in the presence of blood.
• If you have had an unprotected exposure, immediately contact your doctor for medical treatment advice.

Allow re-entry to area of spill when:

• all materials are removed;
• area is clean, properly disinfected, and dry.

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#spillkit #bodilyfluid #BFS #bodilyfluidspill #cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi #sds #sdssheet #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment #disinfection

 

 

It is important to keep your nail salone and cosmetology establishment clean when providing manicure and pedicure services to the public. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can be transferred between customers through dirty nail implements and other supplies and equipment.  Follow some of these tips for shop cleanliness:

• Use a new towel for each customer.
• Wash your hands and your customer’s hands and/or feet before each service.
• Perform services only on healthy nails and intact skin. Refuse service to clients that show any signs of infection, unhealthy appearing conditions, or broken/irritated skin.
• Clean any residue from all reusable supplies and equipment after each use and before disinfection.
• Disinfect all reusable supplies and equipment with an appropriate disinfectant after each customer.
• It is best to use an EPA-registered, hospital disinfectant labeled as viricidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal or a disinfectant as prescribed by your state cosmetology board. Follow usage instructions exactly. You may also choose to sterilize these disinfected items in an autoclave, if desired, or if required by your state’s regulations.
• Do not put clients’ feet into water that contains an EPA-registered disinfectant and avoid skin contact with the disinfectant.
• Use disposable implements on only one customer.
• If gloves are worn, replace them after each customer.
• Do not use razor-type shavers to remove calluses. These devices can cause injuries requiring medical attention. Most states have licensing laws for nail salon workers and manicurists that do not allow the use of cutting tools to remove living or callused skin.
• Using nail implements owned by customers is not recommended. Problems can arise because clients may not properly clean and disinfect the implements. All implements must be properly cleaned and disinfected by the salon worker before use on a client.

When working in a nail salon or cosmetology establishment, be sure to protect yourself and others.  To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi 

 

 

Here is some common language that could be used for sanitation in massage therapy, spa and salon work establishments - this list was provided by the OSHA:

 

Acute Effects: nearly immediate signs and symptoms of illness as a result of exposure to harmful agents (this could include salon products such as hair dye or chemical cleaners).

 

Acute Toxicity: harmful health effects from a single dose or exposure to a toxic chemical or other toxic substance.

 

Aerosol: a term that in common use refers to a spray can that emits solid or liquid particles into the air.

 

Air Freshener: products used to mask unpleasant smells. They can contain formaldehyde, phthalates, and other chemicals harmful to health. They are highly flammable, strong irritants to eyes, skin, and throat. Solid fresheners can cause death if eaten by people or pets.

 

Ammonia: a general-purpose cleaner used on many household surfaces including glass, porcelain, and other areas meant to be streak-free.

Ammonia-based products are also used for cleaning ovens and soaking items to loosen baked-on grime. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in ambient air or in an unventilated area can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and burning of the nose, throat, and lower airway. Ammonia can seriously impact asthma.

 

Antibiotic Resistance: when many bacteria are no longer killed by the antibiotics that are usually used to kill them. The bacteria are now "resistant" to these antibiotics and continue to multiply even if you are taking antibiotics. This is a major problem leading to the development of more severe diseases, and in some cases death, when in the past the problem might have been easy to cure.

 

Antimicrobial Pesticides: see disinfecting agents.

 

Asthma: chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in the lungs that results in one or several of the following signs/symptoms: wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and/or trouble breathing.

 

Bioaccumulate: when more of a chemical is absorbed and stored by the body than is broken down by or eliminated from the body.

 

Biodegradable: the ability of a product to break down in the environment once it enters wastewater treatment plants, rivers and streams or landfills. Unfortunately, the term biodegradable is unregulated. As a result, most cleaning supply manufacturers state that their product is biodegradable. It is important to assume that a product with the label is no better without the label.

 

Biofilms: thin armored fortresses that microbes build to live, breed, and hide in. Biofilms form when a “community” of germs (bacterial, fungal, algal) attaches to a moist surface by secreting a slimy, glue-like substance.

 

Body Fluid Spill (BFS): spill of bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or feces as a result of an illness or injury. Special precautions need to be taken when cleaning a BFS.

 

Bleach Alternatives (usually referred to as chlorine-free bleach): products that contain a bleach alternative such as oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Oxygen bleach and hydrogen peroxide are less hazardous than chlorine bleach. If a bleach product must be used, avoid chlorine bleach and use chlorine-free alternatives.

 

Chronic Toxicity: adverse health effects from repeated doses of a toxic chemical or other toxic substance over a relatively prolonged period of time, generally greater than one year.

 

Cleaning: helps reduce the number of infectious diseases that are passed around by removing and washing some germs down the drain. This is a safer way to eliminate germs when less hazardous cleaning agents are used. Cleaning also removes dirt and organic matter that can reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers and disinfectants.

 

Corrosive: a chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Chemicals can also be corrosive to inanimate surfaces. For example, bleach is corrosive to stainless steel.

 

Detergents: agents that remove soil and organic material from surfaces. This allows for a disinfectant to reach and destroy germs within or beneath the dirt.

 

Direct Contact: when body fluids are directly transferred from one person to another and result in spread of infectious disease. Examples of direct contact are touching, kissing, and sex. An animal bite is also an example of the spread of germs by direct contact.

 

Disinfecting: a process needed if the surface or item must be free and clear of all visible and microscopic organisms. Disinfecting a surface will “kill” up to 99.999% of microscopic organisms within 10 minutes, or as claimed on the label of a particular product.

 

Disinfecting Agents: products registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “antimicrobial pesticides” that are used to control, prevent, or destroy harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) on inanimate objects and surfaces. Antimicrobial products include sanitizers, disinfectants, and sterilants (which completely eliminate or destroy all forms of microbial life, including spores). They must be certified by the EPA before they can be labeled a disinfectant.

 

Dwell Time (AKA contact time): the amount of time that a sanitizer or disinfectant must be in contact with the surface, and remain wet, in order to achieve the product’s advertised kill rate.

 

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): compounds that in very small amounts cause illnesses by interfering with or mimicking the natural hormonal functions of the body. Many chemicals used in fragrances and fragranced cleaning supplies, pesticides, plastics, and personal care products are EDCs. Exposure to EDCs not only poses a health risk during exposure, but also increases risk of developing diseases later in life. They can be especially harmful to the developing fetus.

 

Formaldehyde: a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and to produce many household products. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to cancer and decreased brain activity. Exposure may also result in watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, nausea, skin irritation, and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat.

 

Fragrance: any substance, either natural or manmade, which conveys an odor or scent. More than 3,000 chemicals are used in fragrances.

 

Indoor Air Pollution/Indoor Air Quality: the level of pollution in and around the buildings and structures that we live, work, and play in. Poor indoor air quality can lead to illness.

 

Infectious Disease: diseases that are spread from one person (or animal) to another. Sometimes called communicable or contagious diseases. These may be caused by virus, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, or other microbes.

 

Microfiber: very effective cleaning material made of tiny wedge-shaped fibers that pick up and hold much more dirt, dust, bacteria, and other microbes than a traditional cotton-based cleaning product.

 

Nonporous Surface: a smooth, solid surface without pores or holes that limit penetration of liquid below the immediate surface.

 

Neurotoxin: toxic substances from chemicals, microorganisms, plants, or animals that interfere with the development and functioning of the nervous system.

 

Parabens: a class of chemicals used extensively by both the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as a preservative. Parabens can disrupt the hormone (endocrine) system and have been linked to breast cancer.

 

Porous Surface: untreated woods, fabrics, and other surfaces that allow absorption of liquids through the top surface.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): clothing worn to protect workers from hazards such as chemicals and germs.

 

Phthalates: chemicals used to make plastics softer and/or more flexible and more durable. Some are endocrine disruptors. For example, they have been found to mimic female hormones, resulting in feminization of boys. They are found in air fresheners, in fragrances in cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products, as well as in toys, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, lubricants, adhesives, laundry detergents, nail polish, hair spray, and shampoo. In many instances phthalates are not identified on product labels. Exposure can occur through direct contact with products containing phthalates, through leaching of phthalates into other products, or through general environmental contamination. Phthalates do not remain in the body long, but most people have measurable levels of phthalates in their urine because we are exposed to them constantly.

 

Reproductive Toxic Chemical (toxicant): a chemical that causes damage to or disease in male or female reproductive systems or organs, or that harms unborn fetuses.

 

Respiratory Irritant: any substance which can cause inflammation or other harmful reactions in the respiratory system (lungs, nose, mouth, larynx and trachea). Examples of respiratory irritants include tobacco smoke, ozone, bleach and some other inhaled household cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants.

 

Respiratory Sensitizer: a substance that causes an allergic reaction in the respiratory system. Once a person is “sensitized” to this substance, further exposure to even tiny amounts will produce symptoms. Sensitization generally happens after several months or even years of breathing in the sensitizer. Can cause symptoms ranging from those that are like a mild cold or flu to severe asthma symptoms including wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and/or coughing.

 

Routine Disinfection: the elimination of 99.999% of germs from hard surfaces on a regular basis, as required by regulation.

 

Safety Data Sheet (SDS): formerly called Material Safety Data Sheet or SDS. Contains information on the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals or dangerous substances. The SDS contains information on how to safely use and manage a hazardous product, appropriate personal protective equipment to use, and emergency procedures to follow. The SDS also provides information on how to recognize symptoms of overexposure and what to do if such incidents occur.

 

Sanitary: the conditions that protect the health of the people in a building, especially cleanliness and reduced exposure to disease-causing germs.

 

Sanitize: to reduce to a safe level, but not totally eliminate, microorganisms on a treated surface.

 

Sensitizer: material that can cause severe skin responses such as dermatitis and/or respiratory responses such as asthma in a sensitized person after exposure to a very small amount of the material. Sensitization develops over time. When a person is first exposed to a sensitizer, there may be no obvious reaction. However, future exposures can lead to increasingly severe reactions in sensitized individuals. Not all exposed persons will react to sensitizing materials.

 

Surfactant: chemical used in certain cleaning products that help to loosen dirt and grease from surfaces so that they can be washed away. Some are safer than others. See the Design for the Environment website for information on which surfactants are healthier for both you and the environment.

 

Terpenes: chemicals found in pine, lemon, and orange oils that are used in many cleaning and disinfecting products as well as in fragrances. Terpenes vary in toxicity and can react with ozone to produce a number of compounds, including formaldehyde, which causes asthma and cancer.

 

Third-party Certified Products: cleaning products that have been reviewed by one of the following agencies:

• EcoLogo^TM
• Green Seal™
• Design for the Environment

 

Triclosan: an antibacterial chemical used in various soaps and household cleaners. volatile organic compounds (VOCs): hazardous chemicals that easily evaporate and get into the air. VOCs are released from cleaning products such as aerosol sprays, liquid cleaners, dry cleaners, solvents, glues, and adhesives.

 

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

 

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi #sds #sdssheet #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

 

 

The EPA has created a “Best Practices” List for Salon Owners and Managers.  These include:

• Post “No Smoking”, “No Eating”, and “No Drinking” signs in shop’s work area.

• Post a sign near the shop’s sink to remind workers to wash their hands before and after each customer, after handling chemicals, and before eating.

• Require all customers to wash their hands before receiving service.

• Perform services only on healthy nails and intact skin.

• Post step-by-step procedures near the shop’s sink and in the shop’s work area on how to clean and disinfect nail instruments and other equipment that comes in contact with clients’ skin.

• Properly ventilate each work station. Preferably, install an effective exhaust system with individual exhaust vents for each work table. If possible, the exhaust should be vented outdoors in a manner that meets local building code requirements.

• Keep the general ventilation system (HVAC) on during work hours.

• Place a metal trash can with a self-closing lid at every work station.

• Label all product containers clearly and properly.

• Purchase appropriate masks and gloves recommended in the SDS for staff.

• Do not buy or use any nail product containing liquid methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer.

• Designate a chemical storage area far away from the dining area and equipped with local exhaust ventilation.

• Provide an adequately ventilated dining area for nail salon workers, partitioned from the shop’s work area.

• Designate a storage place for a binder of SDSs for all nail salon products.
• Ask for the most up-to-date SDS for each product at least once a year.
• Inform employees where SDSs are kept.

• Provide training required for reading and understanding SDSs.

• Provide worker training on hazard communication and proper storage and handling of flammable liquids as required by OSHA.

• Maintain the latest copy of the state cosmetology board’s rules and regulations.

When working in a cosmetology establishment, be sure to protect yourself and others.  To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi #sds #sdssheet #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

 

 

The following is a list of questions and answers provided by the EPA for nail technicians and glove use:

 

Why would nail salon workers wear gloves with select services?

• To prevent damage to workers’ nails and skin.
• To prevent skin from absorbing potentially harmful ingredients which may cause skin allergies, irritation, or other related problems.

 

Why do solvents cause more concerns than other nail salon products?

• Skin can easily and quickly absorb certain solvents.
• Solvents may damage skin by removing natural oils from the skin (defatting), which can lead to skin dryness and/or irritation, making it easier for other ingredients to enter the body.

 

What kind of gloves should nail salon workers wear?

• Nitrile gloves provide the best protection – latex and vinyl gloves are permeable to many nail product ingredients and should not be used.
• Always refer to the SDS for recommendations on the kind of gloves to wear.

 

How do nail salon owners and workers find more information about the type of gloves to wear?

• Call the glove manufacturers and personal protective equipment distributors. Their phone numbers are listed in the phone book, on the box, and on glove manufacturers’ websites. These companies often offer technical advice and free samples.
• Ask your shop’s nail care product distributor and personal protective equipment vendors.

 

If you do wear gloves, you should learn more about latex sensitivities and allergies at:  https://ceinstitute.com/blogs/news/gloves-latex

To learn more, you can also register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #cleaning #mani #pedi

Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and stones for hot stone massage can be achieved in a few easy steps.  Because it does take time to sanitize in-between clients, we recommend scheduling extra time in-between hot stone massage appointments for these sanitation processes.

The warm, moist, dark treatment room setting of a hot stone massage service creates a perfect breeding ground for germs — a category that viruses, along with fungi, protozoa and bacteria, belongs to — so the massage therapist who offers stone massage must know how to sanitize massage stones. As such, stone massage therapists should already be well-versed in sanitation measures.

Massage stones that are composed of black volcanic basalt lava are porous in nature. That makes thoroughly cleaning or disinfecting them quite difficult; in fact, it is impossible to eliminate all viruses and bacteria while cleaning and disinfecting a porous stone.

These basalt stones born out of volcanic eruption and then tumbled in oceans or riverbeds for thousands of years are believed by some to have energetic qualities. It is our job to find a way to safely use these natural marvels without decreasing their healing value.

This includes sanitizing in a manner that does not deplete the stone’s iron-rich metallic properties. The metallic agents within a massage stone are what allow the stones to retain their temperature for longer periods of time more so than the average rock.

Here are 6 steps that recognize the special needs required to clean, disinfect and provide overall care for massage stones:

1. Unplug the stone warmer and remove all contents, including stones, thermometer, slotted spoons and oil bottles from the hot stone bath, to be individually cleaned.

2. The entire stone bath liner should be removed from the stone warmer. Any towels inside the stone liner should be discarded for laundering. After emptying the liner, the liner should be cleaned with soap and water (grease-cutting dish detergent works best and antibacterial hand soap is also an option.)

3. Each stone and implement should be individually washed with soap and water until each item feels clean and is visibly clean. I like to use a scrub brush or toothbrush to ensure a deeper cleaning on my stone massage service items. Cleaning will physically remove debris from a surface and most germs.

4. Newly cleaned stone massage items can either be dried with a towel or allowed to air dry. To restore some of a stone’s energetic properties after sanitizing, you can always lay the stones outside during a full moon or on some green healthy grass during a light rain. This energetical restoration process is usually practiced about once a month, depending on how often you use the stones.

5. For better sanitation effort, add stones and equipment (except for the stone warmer itself) to a disinfectant soak, or spray the stones and equipment with a disinfectant after cleaning. A list of disinfectants and their instructions to combat bacteria/viruses is listed on the EPA’s website.

Disinfectant use will help eliminate a greater number of germs than cleaning alone. Because disinfectants are not designed to remove physical debris from a surface, cleaning must be provided first or else the entire disinfection effort will be less effective, if not useless. Be sure to allow the disinfectant to sit for its prescribed dwell time (also known as contact time) for proper disinfection.

6. When starting a new hot stone massage service, the hot bath liner should be reinserted into the hot stone warmer and a fresh, clean towel should be placed inside the liner before adding clean water. I recommend adding five or more drops of tea tree essential oil to each stone massage bath for its antimicrobial properties; however, there is little scientific research to support this sanitary use.

In this video below, we will these review steps, and some additional efforts you could make during a pandemic as well..

For professional hot stone massage training, please visit and register at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/hot-stone 

 

 #sanitation #cleaning #hotstonemassage #bodywork #massage #massagetherapist #lmt #massagetherapy #stonemassage #bodywork #bodyworker

 

 

Aromatherapy uses a combination of art and science to blend therapeutic concoctions with natural essential oils. In these times of coronavirus (COVID-19), the expertise to make your own hand sanitizer, air deodorizers, cleaning supplies and antimicrobial massage agents through aromatherapy is a valuable skill. Aromatherapy practice allows a creative opportunity for any business with the added bonus of being able to make crucial products that are not always readily available for purchase during times of high demand.

Chemical Properties in Essential Oils
The theory behind aromatherapy practice is that the natural chemical properties that are found within a plant are the same natural chemical properties that will be found in that plant’s essential oil. Plants have many natural chemical properties within them to help pollinate, recreate and protect their natural survival from fungus, bacteria, insects and other environmental issues.

Essential oils are usually extracted via steam distillation from flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, tree bark and other plant-based organic material. Bottling up these natural protective plant properties with essential oil production is a magnificent use of nature itself.

Massage therapists can incorporate aromatherapy to create antimicrobial business-use products. (Antimicrobial is defined an agent that can kill or slow the spread of microorganisms which include bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi.) Tea tree, eucalyptus and rosemary are some of the most popular essential oils known for their antimicrobial properties.

Some essential oils have better scientific research to prove their efficacy than others. It is up to every practicing therapist who chooses to use aromatherapy to research each individual manufacturer’s essential oil for its various uses and practices.

Today’s current working theory of COVID-19 infection is that human respiratory aerosol and respiratory droplets can be spread through person-to-person contact, and this coronavirus can also linger in the air and on surfaces for unknown periods of time.

As such, it is up to us to create additional methods (such as the use of aromatherapy) to sanitize our work environment to help protect ourselves and others from harmful bacteria, virus and other germs. Keep in mind when using essential oils that some clients may have allergies or irritable responses to certain plants or aromas. Someone could have a negative reaction even when a product is derived from nature.

Antimicrobial Product Recipes
Here are some ways to promote antimicrobial sanitation in a massage therapy practice with aromatherapy via essential oils:

Hand sanitizer: Thoroughly mix one-third cup aloe vera gel with two-thirds cup rubbing alcohol and five to 15 drops of tea tree oil until well blended. Hands should be immersed with sanitizer solution, rubbed and remain wet for at least 20 seconds for efficacy.

Antimicrobial massage agents: Mix two to three drops of eucalyptus or rosemary essential oil with two-plus ounces of unscented massage cream, gel or oil for a single client’s use. High concentrations of any essential oil can be irritating to human skin, so it is recommended to place a drop of this concoction on the client’s inside wrist and wait a few minutes for a possible reaction before spreading the mixture onto the client’s body. Immediately discontinue use with any signs of redness or skin irritation, whether experienced by the client or the therapist.

Air deodorizer: Mix eight ounces of distilled water, 1 teaspoon baking soda with five drops of lavender essential oil and five drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a spritz or misting bottle. Spray mist into the air on the highest mist dispersion setting possible to allow the deodorizer to linger in the air for the maximum time possible.

Cleaning supplies: Various antimicrobial essential oils can be added to distilled water, alcohol, vinegar, castile soap and other formulas in a variety of mixtures and concentrations. You can find an endless amount of aromatherapy essential oil cleaning formula recipes through a basic internet search. These formula mixtures can be poured into a spray bottle for cleaning. You can also create cleaning wipes by depositing your formula mixture into a gallon-size plastic Ziplock bag with napkins or paper towels.

When concocting your own aromatherapy products, each therapist must decide how much essential oil should be added. We have provided specific quantities of how much essential oil to use in these recipes; however, some may prefer a stronger or different aroma while others will not. Selecting essential oils plus the quantity that is used in each recipe is always a personal choice. However, a therapist should factor in manufacturer recommendations, science or research studies to determine how much essential oil is required when attempting to create an antimicrobial product.

There are many other uses for aromatherapy in a massage therapy or spa business to promote an antimicrobial environment. This includes the use of ambient bowls, room atomizers or diffusers, homemade soaps and carpet deodorizers—the possibilities are vast. You will find many more therapeutic uses and options if you choose to study aromatherapy and invest in essential oils. A National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork-approved aromatherapy CE class lab is a great way to start learning more by mixing your own formulations.

Essential Oils’ Limitations
Now, you may ask yourself, why don’t we make these easy-to-create, natural products all the time? That answer gets complicated, because essential oils, manufacturers, manufacturing processes, harvesting, extracting and other effects are inconsistent and sometimes unreliable.

Even the region or pH of the soil where a plant is grown can have a different natural chemical property from one year to the next, based upon the amount of fertilizers, acidic rainfall or drought for that year. And do not forget, aromatherapy is based upon the plant’s natural chemical properties. One year a plant could have satisfactory antimicrobial properties and the next year it could have less than satisfactory antimicrobial properties, which can be affected by human manufacturing processes and other factors .

Because essential oils can be inconsistent from year to year and brand to brand, their generic use is not always reliable for their intended purposes. As such, it is important to use proven products for sanitation and other safety measures whenever available.

However, due to today’s consistent sanitation supply shortages, the practice of aromatherapy is an acceptable backup option when regular sanitation supplies are not available. And in some perfect circumstances, these types of self-made aromatherapy products could be as good as, or better than ordinary store-bought items themselves.

It is always good business to have extra sanitation measures available, especially during a pandemic. To that end, consider adding antimicrobial aromatherapy practices, when necessary, to your existing sanitation habits to help protect yourself and others from contagious microbial agents.

For comprehensive aromatherapy training, please visit and register at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/aromatherapy

To review this MTS ASK: WHAT ROLE MIGHT ESSENTIAL OILS PLAY IN SUPPLEMENTAL SANITIZATION article in greater details please visit Massage Magazine at: https://www.massagemag.com/mts-ask-what-role-might-essential-oils-play-in-supplemental-sanitization-128808/

Below, we review this article in detail on video for your convenience:

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