Infection control for nail technicians

The risks

Cuticle work and filing can cause small cuts, and tools move between clients all day. Bacterial and fungal infections spread easily if tools and foot spas aren't cleaned properly.

The essentials

• Clean your hands before and after every client.
• Clean, then disinfect or sterilise reusable metal tools as your procedures and local rules require.
• Files, buffers and orange sticks are single-use unless designed to be cleaned and disinfected.
• Clean and disinfect foot spas between clients, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Don't treat over broken, infected or inflamed skin or nails.
• Treat any blood as infectious and dispose of contaminated items safely.

Local rules

Many councils register and inspect nail and beauty businesses. Check what your council requires.