Blood exposure in a salon: what to do

Treat all blood as infectious

Small cuts happen in salons — from cuticle nippers, razors, scissors or waxing. You can't tell who carries hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV, so standard precautions apply to every client, every time.

If a client bleeds

1. Stop the procedure and put on single-use gloves.
2. Give the client clean gauze or a tissue to press on the area, then a dressing.
3. Throw away single-use items with blood on them. Sharps go straight into a sharps container.
4. Take reusable tools out of use until they're cleaned and sterilised, or replaced.
5. Clean up any blood on surfaces (see below), remove your gloves and clean your hands.

If you are exposed

An exposure is a cut or needlestick from a used instrument, or blood getting into your eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

1. Wash the area with soap and water. Don't scrub or squeeze.
2. For splashes to the eyes, nose or mouth, rinse thoroughly with water or saline.
3. Tell your manager straight away.
4. See a doctor or go to an emergency department promptly. Some follow-up treatment works best when started quickly, and the doctor will decide what testing is needed.

Cleaning up blood

• Wear gloves, and eye protection if there's a splash risk.
• Wipe up the blood with paper towel, then clean the area with detergent and water.
• Disinfect if your procedures require it, following the product label.
• Dispose of contaminated waste as your procedures and local rules require. NSW Health, for example, says waste containing blood goes into a clinical waste bin collected by a licensed contractor.

Record and review

Record the incident as your workplace requires, and look at what caused it — a blunt tool, rushing or poor lighting. Employers have work health and safety duties to manage the risks of exposure to blood.

Prevention

• Cover cuts on your hands with waterproof dressings.
• Keep sharps containers within reach and never leave blades on the bench.
• Ask your doctor about hepatitis B vaccination.