How to Keep Clean with PPE

Well, I’m sure we’ve all heard of personal protective equipment, better known as PPE. But did you know that Chefs, Nail Technicians, Baggage Handlers, and even Window Cleaners put PPE at the top of their agenda? It’s an interesting fact, and yet goes to show how important this is even in the unlikeliest of careers.

Having the proper personal protective equipment really comes down to Bloodborne Pathogens. When we think about Bloodborne Pathogens, I’m sure most of us just think, well, Blood right? But Bloodborne Pathogens are actually microscopic organisms that live IN blood. They contain infectious diseases in humans such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and a plethora of other diseases which are transmitted through the blood. Being in the Permanent Makeup Industry, we are at a severe risk of encountering Bloodborne Pathogens, simply because blood is just part of the job!

Infections from Bloodborne Pathogen can happen due to contaminated needles, broken or damaged skin, and infected body fluids. Accidental puncture from contaminated needles and other sharps can result in the transmission of the Bloodborne Pathogens. Therefore, we should be practicing proper PPE at all times. To get started, all Permanent Makeup Artists should be obtaining the BBP training and follow up. You can complete a proper BBP course online or in person, and you should do this once every year.

Proper Personal Protective Equipment Needed: 

     1. Gloves.

• Your gloves must be single use and made of nitril. There are some artists using latex gloves, however petroleum-based products can actually break down latex. Plus, there are so many latex allergies out there. Ensure that your gloves fit properly. (If it doesn’t fit, it’s not PPE!) If your gloves become torn throughout the procedure, make sure to change the gloves immediately. Also, if the gloves become too soiled or overly dirty during the procedure, make sure to change them. It’s not uncommon for artists to change their gloves multiple times during one procedure. Once you remove your gloves at the end of your procedure, proceed to a proper hand washing station and clean your hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds).

     2. Masks.

• Wearing a proper, medical-grade mask that covers your mouth and nose can prevent bodily fluids from coming near your nose or mouth.

     3. Aprons.

• You will want an apron that is durable and waterproof, to keep yourself and your clothing clean and dry. This will also protect against cross contamination. Some Bloodborne Pathogens can live on surfaces for 4 hours. If any fluid or blood were to get on your clothing without you realizing it, a bad case of cross contamination could occur.

     4. Wash Bottle Bags.

• This is for all the bottles you use during your procedure. For example, your alcohol, dilution products, and cleanser. This is important to keep your bottled products clean and safe from cross-contamination. You should never place your bottles on your actual work tray. Remember that bottle bags only cover the top portion of your bottle. Putting the bottles on your work tray can surely cause cross contamination and in reality would defeat the purpose of using the wash bottle bags.
• Cross contamination is the inadvertent transfer of bacteria or other contaminants from one surface to another.

     5. Disposable Arm Sleeves.

• These are an extra precaution to protect against fluids and debris.

     6. Machine Bags or Grip Tape. 

• Aside from the needle, your machine is one of the closest things to come in contact with Bloodborne Pathogens. Properly covering your machine will keep it safe from blood, fluid, and contamination.

     7. Power Cord Sleeve Covers.

• These go over your power cord that connects to your machine. Make sure you’re using something with a thick and durable material.

     8. Disposable Tray Trash Bags.

• You always want something safe and durable to use to keep all disposables that come in contact with the client body fluids. This helps to keep these items properly contained and not have it accumulate on your work tray, providing a much cleaner and safer work area.

     9. Bed Coverings.

• Make sure both your tray and your bed are covered with plastic. This will ensure cleanliness if any blood, lymph, or fluid comes in contact with the bed or tray.
• When your procedure is finished, clean all surface areas with a medical grade disinfectant such as Cavicide. This will ensure everything is sterilized and disinfected from possible Bloodborne Pathogens.

In additional to these PPE products, make sure to be using disposable grips, needles, and micro blades. This one of the easiest ways to ensure safety against Bloodborne Pathogens. At the end of your procedure, always dispose of your blades in a proper sharps’ container.

With the possibility of Bloodborne Pathogens and Cross Contamination in our industry, it’s safe to say we need to keep it clean with PPE. By following these guidelines, you are not only protecting yourself, but you are also protecting each and every one of your clients. Love what you do, and just be safe doing it!

To purchase some of the above PPE products, please visit: https://store.girlzink.com/collections/barrier-products

©Ashley Rose