The human swine flu outbreak continues to be a hot-topic across the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Internationally, the situation is more serious too, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu. In response to the intensifying outbreak, salon sanitation has never been more important.
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
According to health officials, when it comes to the swine flu and other drug-resistant infections, the best defense is Basic Hygiene & Proper Sanitation.
How does the swine flu spread?
Spread of this flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Swine flu can be dangerous because conventional antibiotics aren't effective. The good news is routine salon sanitation procedures using EPA approved sanitation products like those found through most industry distributors will help insure clients and staff stay safe and worry free while in the salon.
Additionally and even more important:
Wash Your Hands! Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Also, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Here are some additional things you should review with your staff...
Salon Sanitation Procedures
1. After each use, ALL tanning equipment must be properly cleaned with an EPA approved sanitizer and must be cleaned by a salon employee. The sanitizer must be intended for use on tanning equipment and should be mixed according to the directions stated on the container. Areas such as pillows, handles, acrylic surfaces and other areas that come in contact with consumers must be properly sanitized.
2. Protective eyewear must be sanitized prior to use (unless disposable) by a salon employee. The sanitizer used must be appropriate for use on eyewear and mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Prior to sanitation, eyewear should be cleaned to remove buildup of mascara, etc. Straps must also be sanitized. The eyewear should be soaked if indicated by the sanitizer instructions.
3. After cleaning tanning rooms and equipment, staff should always wash hands with an EPA approved hand sanitizer. Frequent hand washing is the best way to avoid the flu as well as MRSA skin infections.
Tanning salon owners and staff have a responsibility to operate their tanning facility under the structure of well-developed, up to date and principled procedures. Sanitation is just one-more Controlled Factor we offer our indoor tanning clients. After all, when was the last time you saw a swimming pool attendant clean & sanitize a poolside lounge chair?
For more information about these and other procedures for salon operations, please contact your local Tanning or Health Agency.
Rick Mattoon
Rick@TanningProgram.com
Staff Sanitation Review: Swine Flu
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