WAC 308-20-110:

308-20-107 << 308-20-110 >> 308-20-115

PDFWAC 308-20-110

Minimum safety and sanitation standards for schools, cosmetologists, hair designers, manicurists, estheticians, master estheticians, barbers, instructors, salons/shops, mobile units and personal services.

Every licensee shall maintain the following safety and sanitation standards. In addition, school instructors and apprentice trainers must assure persons training in a school or apprentice salon/shop will adhere to the following safety, sanitation and disinfection standards:

(1) Requirements and standards.

(a) All locations where chemical services are provided to clients must have a dispensing sink with hot and cold running water. Dispensing sinks are used for mixing chemicals, and disinfecting supplies, tools, equipment, and other materials. Dispensing sinks must be labeled "not for public use."

(b) On-site laundry facilities must be maintained in clean condition.

(d) Use of bar soap or a common towel is prohibited.

(e) A licensee must not perform or continue services on a client with visible open sores, inflamed skin, rash, or parasitic infestations.

(f) No licensee who knowingly has open sores, or who is exhibiting symptoms of an infectious or contagious disease or a disorder of the skin or a parasitic infestation shall provide services in cosmetology, hair design, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, or master esthetics while the licensee has the above mentioned symptoms.

If a licensee or a client has exhibited the symptoms mentioned in (e) and (f) of this subsection, the area in which the affected individual received or provided services, and all equipment and implements that could have possibly been touched by that individual shall be cleaned and disinfected, including the work and waiting areas.

(g) All liquids, creams, and other cosmetic preparations including paraffin wax and depilatory wax must be kept in clean and closed containers.

(h) All bottles and containers must be distinctly and correctly labeled to disclose their contents. All bottles and containers containing poisonous substances must be additionally and distinctly marked as such.

(i) Items subject to possible cross contamination such as liquids, creams and lotions, cosmetic preparations and chemicals including paraffin wax and depilatory wax must be dispensed in a way that does not contaminate the remaining portion by using a disposable, or cleaned and disinfected applicator. Applicators shall not be redipped in product. Liquids must be dispensed with a squeeze bottle, pump, or spray. Any product that cannot be disinfected that comes in contact with the client shall be discarded after use on that particular client.

(j) Pencil cosmetics must be sharpened before each use. Clean and disinfect or dispose of the sharpener after service on each client.

(k) A licensee must thoroughly wash his or her hands with soap and warm water or any equally effective cleansing agent immediately before providing services to each client, before checking a student's work on a client, or after smoking, eating, or using the restroom.

(l) A client's skin upon which services will be performed must be washed with soap and warm water or wiped and/or sprayed with antiseptic or waterless hand cleanser approved for use on skin before a service.

(m) After service on each client, hair and nail clippings must immediately be placed in a closed covered waste container.

(2) Articles in contact with a client.

(a) A neck strip or towel must be placed around the client's neck to prevent direct contact between a multiple use haircloth or cape and the client's skin, and must be in place during entire service.

(b) All items, which come in direct contact with the client's skin that do not require disinfecting, must be discarded after each use.

(3) Materials in contact with a client.

(a) Paraffin wax and depilatory wax must be covered in a manner to prevent contamination except during the waxing service, and maintained at a temperature specified by the manufacturer's directions.

(b) Paraffin wax and depilatory wax must be dispensed in a way that does not contaminate the remaining portion by using one of the following methods:

(i) Use a new spatula each time wax is removed from the pot;

(ii) Apply wax directly onto a disposable strip;

(iii) Use one dedicated spatula to remove wax from the pot, and then spread the wax with a second spatula. The first spatula should never come in contact with either the client's skin or the second spatula; or

(iv) Separate a quantity of wax from the main wax pot to use on a single client; this quantity should be placed in a small single-use container. Double-dipping is allowed from a single client-use container.

(c) All used wax that has been in contact with a client's skin shall not be reused under any circumstances and shall be disposed of immediately after each use.

(d) All wax pots shall be cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer's directions. No applicators shall be left standing in wax at any time.

(4) Chemical use and storage.

(a) When administering services to a client that involve the use of chemicals or chemical compounds, all licensees must follow safety procedures according to manufacturer's directions or safety data sheets (SDSs), to prevent injury to the client's person or clothing.

(b) Salon shops, personal service, mobile units and schools shall have in the immediate working area access to all safety data sheets (SDSs) provided by manufacturers for any chemical products used.

(d) Chemicals which could interact in a hazardous manner such as oxidizers, catalysts, and solvents, must be stored per manufacturer's instruction.

(e) Licensees using chemicals or chemical compounds when providing services to clients must store the chemicals so as to prevent fire, explosion, or bodily harm. All chemicals must be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.

(5) Refuse and waste material.

(a) All waste must be deposited in a covered waste disposal container. Containers located in the reception or office area, which do not contain waste relating to the performance of services, are exempt from having covers.

(b) All chemical, flammable, toxic or otherwise harmful waste material must be disposed of in the manner required by local hazardous waste management regulations.

(d) Any disposable sharp objects that come in contact with blood or other body fluids must be disposed of in a sealable rigid (puncture proof) labeled container that is strong enough to protect the licensee, client and others from accidental cuts or puncture wounds that could happen during the disposal process.

(e) Licensees must have sealable rigid containers available for use at all times services are being performed.

(6) Sanitation/disinfecting. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved disinfectants are indicated by their registration number on the product label. The product's manufacturer's directions for use shall always be followed.

(a) All tools and implements must be cleaned and disinfected or disposed of after service on each client. Tools and implements not approved for disinfection and reuse under manufacturers' specifications must be given to the client or discarded after service on each client. These tools and implements include, but are not limited to: Nail files, cosmetic make-up sponges, buffer blocks, sanding bands, toe separators or sleeves, orangewood sticks, and disposable nail bits. Presence of used articles in the work area will be considered prima facie evidence of reuse.

(b) When used according to the manufacturer's directions, each of the following is an approved method of disinfecting tools and implements after they are cleaned of debris:

(i) Complete immersion or spray with an EPA-registered disinfectant solution of the object(s) or portion(s) thereof to be disinfected; or

(ii) Steam sterilizer, registered and listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; or

(iii) Dry heat sterilizer, registered and listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or Canadian certification.

(c) All cleaned and disinfected tools and implements must be stored in a closed nonairtight container or UV sterilizer. UV sterilizers shall be used only for clean storage of already cleaned and disinfected tools and implements.

(d) All disinfecting solutions and/or agents must be kept at manufacturer recommended strengths to maintain effectiveness, be free from foreign material and be available for immediate use at all times the location is open for business and changed daily.

(e) All articles, which come in direct contact with the client's skin that cannot be cleaned and disinfected, must be disposed of in a waste receptacle immediately after service on each client. Presence of these articles in the work area will be considered prima facie evidence of reuse.

(f) Disposable protective gloves must be disposed of after service on each client.

(7) Disinfecting nonelectrical tools and implements.

(a) All tools and implements used within a field of practice must be cleaned and disinfected after service on each client in the following order:

(i) Remove all hair and/or foreign material;

(ii) Clean thoroughly with soap or detergent and water;

(iii) Rinse thoroughly with clear, clean water; and

(iv) Disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant with demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity, used according to manufacturer's directions or in a steam sterilizer or dry heat sterilizer under subsection (6)(b)(ii) and (iii) of this section.

(b) Tools and implements without sharp edges or points, including but not limited to combs, brushes, rollers, rods, etc., must be totally immersed in an EPA registered disinfectant according to manufacturer's directions.

(d) A client's personal tools and instruments must not be used in the establishment except when prescribed by a physician.

(8) Disinfecting electrical tools and implements. Electrical tools and implements must be disinfected after service on each client in the following order:

(a) Remove hair and/or foreign matter;

(b) Disinfect with an EPA disinfectant specifically made for electrical tools and implements.

(9) Storage of tools and implements.

(a) New and/or cleaned and disinfected tools and implements must be stored separately from all other items.

(b) Used tools and implements must be stored in a labeled drawer or container at the work station.

(d) Storage cabinets, work stations and storage drawers for cleaned and disinfected tools and implements must be free of debris and used only for cleaned and disinfected tools and implements.

(10) Cleaning and disinfecting foot spas.

(a) As used in this section, "foot spa" or "spa" is defined as any basin using circulating water.

(b) After each client:

(i) Drain the water from the foot spa basin and remove any visible debris;

(ii) Clean the surfaces of the foot spa with soap or detergent, rinse with clean water and drain;

(iii) Disinfect the surface with an EPA registered disinfectant according to the manufacturer's directions on the label. Surfaces must remain wet with disinfectant for ten minutes or the time stated on the label.

(i) For whirlpool foot spas, air-jet basins, "pipeless" foot spas and other circulating spas:

(A) Drain the water from the foot spa basin or bowl and remove any visible debris.

(B) Clean the surfaces of the foot spa with soap or detergent, rinse with clean water and drain.

(C) Disinfect - Fill the basin with clean water, adding the appropriate amount of EPA registered disinfectant. Turn the unit on to circulate the disinfectant for the entire contact time according to the manufacturer's directions on the label.

(D) Drain and rinse the basin with clean water and allow to air dry.

(ii) For foot spas with filter screens, inlet jets and other removable parts that require special attention during the disinfecting process.

(A) Drain the water from the foot spa basin and remove any visible debris.

(B) Remove the filter screen, inlet jets and all other removable parts from the basin and clean out any debris trapped behind or in them.

(D) Rinse the removed parts with clean water and replace them in the basin.

(E) Clean the surfaces of the foot spa with soap or detergent, rinse with clean water and drain.

(F) Disinfect - Fill the basin with clean water, adding the appropriate amount of EPA registered disinfectant. Turn the unit on to circulate the disinfectant for the entire contact time according to the manufacturer's directions on the label.

(G) Drain and rinse the basin with clean water and allow to air dry.

(d) A record must be made of the date and time of each cleaning and disinfecting as required by (c) and (d) of this subsection. This record must be made at the time of cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning and disinfecting records must be made available upon request by either a client or a department representative.

(e) For simple basins and reusable liners (no circulation):

(i) Drain the basin and remove any visible debris.

(ii) Scrub the basin with a clean brush and soap or detergent following manufacturer's directions.

(iii) Rinse the basin with clean water and drain.

(iv) Disinfect basin surfaces with an EPA registered disinfectant following manufacturer's directions. Surfaces must remain wet with disinfectant for ten minutes or the contact time stated on the label.

(v) Drain and rinse the basin with clean water and allow to air dry.

(11) Headrests, shampoo bowls, and treatment tables.

(a) The headrest of chairs must be cleaned and disinfected after service on each client.

(b) Shampoo trays and bowls must be cleaned and disinfected after each shampoo, kept in good repair and in a clean condition at all times.

(c) All treatment tables must be cleaned, disinfected and covered with clean linens or examination paper, which must be changed after each service on a client.

(12) Walls, floors, and ceilings. Walls, floors, and ceilings must be cleaned and disinfected as necessary and kept clean and free of excessive spots, mildew, condensation, or peeling paint.

(13) Towels, linens, capes and robes. No towels, linens, or robes shall be used more than once without proper laundering as described in this section.

(14) All towels, linens, capes, robes, and similar items shall be laundered in a washing machine with laundry detergent and chlorine bleach used according to manufacturer's directions for disinfecting purposes. A closed dustproof cabinet with solid sides and a top shall be provided for cleaned towels, linens, capes and robes. A hamper with solid sides or a receptacle that is closed and ventilated shall be provided for all soiled cloth towels, linens, capes and robes and never left overnight.

(15) Prohibited hazardous substances - Use of products. No establishment or school may have on the premises cosmetic products containing hazardous substances which have been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetic products. Use of 100% liquid methyl methacrylate monomer and methylene chloride products are prohibited. No product must be used in a manner that is disapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

(16) Prohibited instruments or practices. Any razor-edged tool, which is designed to remove calluses.

(17) Blood spills. If there is a blood spill or exposure to other body fluids during a service, licensees and students must stop and proceed in the following order:

(a) Stop service;

(b) Put on gloves;

(d) Cover the wound with a sterile bandage;

(e) If the wound is on a licensee hand in an area that can be covered by a glove or finger cover, the licensee must wear a clean, fluid proof protective glove or finger cover. If the wound is on the client, the licensee providing service to the client must wear gloves on both hands;

(f) Discard all contaminated objects. Contaminated objects shall be placed in a sealed plastic bag and that bag must be placed inside another plastic bag and discarded;

(g) All equipment, tools and instruments that have come into contact with blood or other body fluids must be cleaned and disinfected or discarded;

(h) Remove gloves; and

(i) Wash hands with soap and water before returning to the service.

(18) First-aid kit. The establishment must have a first-aid kit that contains at a minimum:

• Small bandages;

• Gauze;

• Antiseptic; and

• A blood spill kit that contains:

- Disposable bags;

- Gloves.

(19) Restroom.

(a) All locations must have a restroom available. The restroom must be located on the premises or in adjoining premises, which is reasonably accessible.

(b) All restrooms located on the premises must be kept clean and in proper working order at all times.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.16.030 and 43.24.023. WSR 17-19-049, § 308-20-110, filed 9/12/17, effective 10/13/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.16.030, 43.24.023, 43.24.086. WSR 16-02-033, § 308-20-110, filed 12/29/15, effective 1/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.24.023 and 18.16.030. WSR 13-24-042, § 308-20-110, filed 11/26/13, effective 1/1/14; WSR 07-14-066, § 308-20-110, filed 6/29/07, effective 8/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.16.030, 18.16.280, 43.24.023. WSR 04-05-005, § 308-20-110, filed 2/6/04, effective 3/8/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.16.030 and 43.24.023. WSR 03-14-046, § 308-20-110, filed 6/24/03, effective 7/25/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.16.030(2). WSR 02-04-012, § 308-20-110, filed 1/24/02, effective 6/30/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.16 RCW and RCW 34.05.220. WSR 92-04-006, § 308-20-110, filed 1/23/92, effective 2/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.16.030. WSR 91-11-042, § 308-20-110, filed 5/10/91, effective 6/10/91; WSR 88-19-047 (Order PM 772), § 308-20-110, filed 9/14/88. Statutory Authority: 1984 c 208. WSR 84-19-020 (Order PL 480), § 308-20-110, filed 9/12/84.]