UIP1

UIP1

Prevention

LO1 Understand the causes, transmission and effects of COVID-19

- Infection

(COVID-19) for Hairdressing and Barbering Services

How infection can spread

An infection occurs when a pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria or virus enters the body and multiplies, disrupting normal body functions and damaging body tissues.

Micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses require certain conditions to grow and spread such as temperature, moisture, nutrients and time and can be passed on via bodily fluids such as saliva and mucus.

In the case of COVID-19, poor hand hygiene or standing too close to an infected person can provide the perfect conditions for the spread of the virus via respiratory droplets.

How infection can spread

Common causes of the spread of infections are:

• Poor or lack of hand hygiene

• Poor or lack of cleaning procedures

• Lack or incorrect use of PPE

• Use of contaminated equipment, tools, linen

How infection can spread

Routes of transmission can be:

• Direct, for example from person to person through contact

• Indirect, for example in the air, from contaminated objects (fomites) or via the blood

General infection can pass into the body through:

• The respiratory tract – inhalation of airborne pathogens

• Skin – open wounds or broken skin

• Digestive tract – ingestion

• Urinary/reproductive tract – passage of bacteria into the tract(s )

• COVID-19 – through the respiratory tract, the eyes, mouth and nose

Chain of infection

Infection occurs when microorganisms enter the body, increase in number and damage body tissues.

Stages in the chain of infection:

• Microorganism/infectious agent – the pathogen which causes the disease

• Reservoir – environment where microorganism survives, for example, self, clients, equipment, work surfaces

• Portal of exit – way for microorganism to get out of the reservoir for example, coughing, sneezing

• Mode of transmission/transfer – how the microorganism is passed on, for example, direct contact, inhalation

• Portal of entry – the way the microorganism enters a new host for example, respiratory tract, mucous membranes

• Suitable/susceptible host – individual at risk of infection

Chain of infection

Disease Organism (AGENT)

Susceptible Host

Mode of Entry

Mode of Transfer

Reservoir

Mode of Escape

COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness in animals and humans. In humans, they can cause diseases which have mild effects such as the common cold through to those which are severe/lifethreatening such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

The term ‘Corona’ is derived from the Latin word for Crown, as the virus has spike-like projections on its surface which resemble the appearance of a crown.

COVID-19

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS-CoV) – first occurred in Guangdong province, China in November 2002. Believed to be an animal virus which crossed the species barrier to humans, it spread internationally and caused significant local social and economic disruption and disruption to international travel. The epidemic lasted until July 2003.

MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or MERS-CoV) – was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and 80% of human cases have been reported there. It is transmitted primarily from dromedary camels to humans, but human to human transmission is also possible.

In December 2019, a new virus was detected in Wuhan, China – Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which causes the disease Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This quickly spread around the world and a global pandemic (an epidemic which occurs worldwide) was declared in March 2020 by the World Health Organisation.

COVID-19 – Signs and symptoms

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• High temperature

• New, continuous cough

• Loss or change to sense of smell or taste

COVID-19 – Signs and symptoms

Less common symptoms:

• Sore throat

• Nasal congestion

• Headache

• Conjunctivitis

• Skin rashes

• Diarrhoea

• Aches and pains

COVID-19

• COVID-19 is spread through close contact with an infected person

• It is spread primarily from person to person through droplets from the nose or mouth, usually when a person coughs, sneezes or speaks; the uninfected person breathes in droplets from the infected person

• The droplets can also land on objects and surfaces around the infected person or be passed on when the infected person coughs/sneezes into their hand and then touches an object or surface such as a door handle or light switch. An inanimate object contaminated with an infectious agent is known as a fomite and can be porous such as clothes or paper or non-porous such as metal or plastic. The infection may be passed on when the object is touched and the person then touches their own face, in particular the eyes, nose or mouth

UIP1 - Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Hairdressing and Barbering Services

LO2 Understand social responsibility for the hair and barbering sector in relation to COVID-19

Social responsibility

The practice of producing/supplying goods or services in a way that is not harmful to society or the environment; socially responsible businesses operate in a way which is in the best interests of their staff, clients, community, the society at large and the environment.

There are benefits for the local and national communities, staff and clients when a business practises social responsibility.

The effects and benefits of social responsibility are far-reaching and everyone has a part to play in relation to COVID-19.

Transparency

Accountability

Social Responsibility

Ethical behavior

Human rights

Compliance with legislation/law

Social responsibility

Socially responsible businesses demonstrate:

• Ethical behavior

• Accountability

• Transparency

• Respect for all stakeholders

• Consider societal norms of behaviour

• Respect for human rights

• Compliance with legislation/law

• Promotion of sustainable working practices

Social responsibility in own role

The stylist/barber needs to be socially responsible through adhering to the advice provided in Government guidelines which affects both working and personal life.

For example – it is important to maintain the specified social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to comply with legislation around workplace operations:

• Adherence to Government guidelines of the country therein

• Adherence to workplace policies and procedures in relation to COVID-19

Health and wellbeing – staff

and clients

• In order to maintain the health and wellbeing of staff and clients, it is important to follow current government guidelines of the country therein

• Establish protocols and procedures in relation to COVID-19 for the salon/barbershop

UIP1 -

for Hairdressing and Barbering Services

LO3 Understand the controls necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Infection Prevention (COVID-19)

Breaking the chain of infection

To stop the chain of infection it is essential to break at least one link in the chain.

Disease Organism (AGENT)

Susceptible Host

Mode of Entry

Mode of Transfer

Reservoir

Mode of Escape

Breaking the chain of infection

Standard infection control precautions (SICPs):

• Risk assessment

• Regular hand washing

• Use of hand sanitisers

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – face coverings, gloves, aprons, etc.

• Safe management of linen

Breaking the chain of infection

Standard infection control precautions (SICPs):

• Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

• Safe management of equipment

• Safe management of service environment

• Safe management of blood and body fluids

• Safe disposal of waste (including sharps)

• Occupational safety/managing the prevention of exposure (including sharps)

Breaking the chain of infection

Additional precautions:

• Social distancing measures

• Immunisation/vaccination (where possible)

• Temperature checking

• Anyone entering the premises is required to undergo temperature checks in accordance with local and national guidelines of the country therein

Workplace standard infection control procedures

• Risk assessment

• Infection prevention and control (IPC)

• Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hand hygiene

• Promotion of safe work spacing

• Provision of clean environment

• Waste management

• Education

The role of risk assessment in the prevention of COVID-19

• A risk assessment is a careful examination of what in the workplace could cause harm to people so that you can assess whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm

• It is a legal requirement to assess the risks in the workplace so that plans can be put in place to control and minimise those risks. The law does not require all risks to be eliminated, but that people are protected as far as is ‘reasonably practicable’

• Processes involved in risk assessment

- Identify the hazard

- Decide who might be harmed, and how

- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions

- Record the findings and implement them

- Review the assessment and update if necessary

- Risk assessment notification – signage, publication on website

Social distancing

• Individuals maintaining distance whilst interacting

• Social distancing is enforced to limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19

• It is important to follow social distancing guidance of the country therein

• Social distancing will affect the workplace layout, including communal staff and client areas, the number of staff, clients and visitors such as suppliers able to visit the premises at any one time

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

It is important to maintain the correct respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

To reduce the spread of microorganisms:

• Turn head – sneeze/cough away from others

• Cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose

• Discard used tissues immediately in an enclosed, foot pedal controlled waste bin

• Cough/sneeze into elbow if no tissues available

• Wash hands/use hand sanitiser immediately after coughing or sneezing

• Tissues, hand hygiene facilities and waste bins must be available at appropriate points throughout the salon/barbershop for staff, clients and visitors

• Posters used throughout the salon/barbershop can help to reinforce the correct respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette methods

https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/wpcontent/uploads/sites/6/2017/09/catch-bin-kill.pdf

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

UIP1 - Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Hairdressing and Barbering Services

LO4 Understand the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Hand Hygiene and Personal Hygiene in the prevention of COVID-19

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The Health and Safety Executive states:

‘PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE)’.

PPE can be used to control or limit the spread of infection if used correctly. Government guidelines concerning PPE requirements should be followed by employers, staff and clients.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Types of PPE:

• Single use/disposable

• Multiple/re-useable – requiring decontamination between uses

• Use in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and local/national policies/procedures relating to the use of PPE of the country therein

• Risks associated with incorrect use of PPE

The use of PPE

• Select appropriate PPE according to risk of the service

• Select appropriate size PPE to ensure correct fit

• Sequence and importance of putting on PPE correctly

• Sequence and importance of removing PPE correctly

Hand Hygiene

• Hand hygiene – washing and/or use of hand sanitiser

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water using the correct techniques helps in the prevention of COVID-19

• If hand washing is not possible, then use an alcohol based sanitiser

Hand washing

• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PmVJQUCm4E

Hand sanitiser/rub

• https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/HandHygienePoster.pdf

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnSjFr6J9HI

Personal Hygiene

• Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways of protecting ourselves and others from illness

• Personal hygiene ‘the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. Good personal hygiene is important for physical and mental health’

• Examples of the risks of poor personal hygiene – spread of infection, loss of business reputation

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene requirements for staff:

• Tie hair back/up if necessary

• Remove or wear minimal jewellery

• Short, clean nails

• Nail varnish or nail extensions, if worn should be short and unchipped

• No breath or body odour

• Wash/sanitise hands before, during and after service as appropriate

• Disposable/single-use shoe coverings (as appropriate if outdoor shoes not changed/disinfected)

• Staff must not work barefoot

• It is recommended that stylists /barbers do not carry out services in the clothing worn when travelling to work in close proximity to other people, for example, a coat or jacket worn on the commute to work/public transport

• Change into uniform or ‘work wear’ on arrival and place outdoor clothing into bag, then into a sealed locker or box

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene requirements for clients:

• Clients to wash hands

• Clients must not be barefoot

• Client coats and bags to be stored in a secure and well-ventilated storage area or placed in a sanitised, sealed container

UIP1

LO5 Understand potential hazards and risks and the workplace procedures necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the salon/barbershop

- Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Hairdressing and Barbering Services

The potential hazards and possible risks in relation to COVID-19

Hazards

• Anything that has the potential to cause harm, for example inadequately maintained toilet facilities

Risks

• A chance, high or low, that harm caused by the hazard may occur, for example, cross-infection from poor hygiene controls

Hazards and risks

For example:

• Staff and client levels

• Client booking/re-booking

• Salon/barbershop layout

• Client consultation

• Salon/barbershop testers

• Suitability of service and appropriate PPE

• Hand hygiene

• Cleanliness of working environment

Hazards and risks

• Working safely throughout the service

• Management of client throughout the service

• Ventilation

• Correct handling and storage of all products, tools and equipment

• Correct decontamination processes appropriate to products, tools, equipment and working areas

• Storage of clean and dirty tools and equipment

• Disposal of waste

• The handling of cash

Safe and hygienic working practices

• Creation of a COVID-19 safe checklist

• Display of risk assessment notification in accordance with COVID-19 secure guidance of the country therein

• Table of services available

• Prevent or limit walk-in clients

• Signage

• Separate entry and exit doors

• Temperature checks in accordance with the local and national guidelines of the country therein

• Restrict the number of staff and clients dependent on the size of the premises and social distancing guidelines of the country therein

• Adequate ventilation

Safe and hygienic working practices

• Indicate social distancing requirements

• Removal of waiting/reception area seating or allocate seating in accordance with social distancing guidelines of the country therein

• Request that clients do not arrive until allotted appointment time

• Request that clients attend the appointment alone where possible (except in the case of a minor and/or disabled person requiring a support worker)

• Request that clients bring minimal personal items into the salon/barbershop

• Introduce ‘no touch’ greeting policy

Safe and hygienic working practices

• Pre-service

• Client arrival

• During service

• Post service

• Safe working practices

UIP1 - Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Hairdressing and Barbering Services

LO6 Understand decontamination and waste management processes relevant to hairdressing and barbering services

Decontamination of the hair salon/barbershop

Decontamination

• The removal of pathogens and other substances from tools and surfaces

Contamination

• The process of making something impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance such as a microorganism

Decontamination of the hair salon/barbershop

The three stages of environmental decontamination:

• Cleaning/sanitising – the physical removal of foreign material including dust, soil and organic material such as blood, excretions, secretions and microorganisms. It physically removes rather than kills microorganisms with water, detergent and mechanical action. Cleaning is always essential prior to disinfection or sterilisation (WHO)

• Disinfection – is the inactivation or killing of most microorganisms on surfaces and items. It usually involves chemicals, heat or ultraviolet light (WHO)

• Sterilisation – A validated process used to render an object free from viable microorganisms including viruses and bacterial spores (WHO)

Decontamination of the hair salon/barbershop

• Management of contamination

• Types of chemicals, equipment and processes to meet relevant national standards of the country therein

• Manufacturers’ instructions/Safety Data Sheets

• Cleaning schedules

• Appropriate PPE for staff

Management of salon/barbershop linen

• Single-use

• Labelling

• Re-usable

• Handling

• Washing temperatures

• Drying

• Appropriate PPE

• Storage

• Transport

• Processing

Waste management procedures

• The importance of waste management

• Disposal of waste materials to meet legal requirements

• Waste management procedures

• Types of waste, for example, non-hazardous, hazardous, sharps

• Colour coding for waste in accordance with the regulations of the country therein

• Storage, removal and destruction of waste

• The risks associated with waste management

Waste management procedures

Disposal of contaminated/hazardous waste:

• In accordance with local and national regulations of the country therein

• Use of enclosed, foot pedal controlled waste bins

• Double-bag

• Colour-coding/labelling

• Professional removal/destruction