Nail Technicians Guide to Ventilation

1. Nail Technicians A guide to nail salon ventilation and how to provide a safe working environment for client services.

2. Contents 1. Duty of Care: the legal requirements for nail service providers 2. Hazardous Substances: chemicals, fumes and odours found in nail care & beauty products 3. Ventilation: what it is and why it’s important 4. Ventilated Nail Desks: why these are proven to be 99% effective 5. Guidelines: for nail bar owners and nail technicians

3. 1. Duty of Care 1. Identify the hazardous products in use. 2. Take appropriate precautions before using nail products. 3. Prevent people being exposed to hazardous substances. 4. Make sure that safety procedures are followed. 5. Ensure areas are safely sanitised. 6. Safe disposal of waste. 7. Good aftercare advice.

4. 2. Hazardous Substances Acetone (nail polish remover): headaches; dizziness; and irritated eyes, skin, and throat. Acetonitrile (fingernail glue remover): irritated nose and throat; breathing problems; nausea; vomiting; weakness; and exhaustion. Butyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover): headaches and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), (nail polish): nausea and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. Ethyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover, fingernail glue): irritated eyes, stomach, skin, nose, mouth, and throat; high levels can cause fainting. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA), (artificial nail liquid): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating. Formaldehyde (nail polish, nail hardener): difficulty breathing, including coughing, asthma-like attacks, and wheezing; allergic reactions Isopropyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover): sleepiness, and irritated eyes, nose, and throat. Methacrylic acid (nail primer): skin burns and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. Methyl methacrylate (MMA): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating; loss of smell. Quaternary ammonium compounds (disinfectants): irritated skin and nose and may cause asthma. Toluene (nail polish, fingernail glue): dry or cracked skin; headaches, dizziness, and numbness; irritated eyes, nose, throat, and lungs

5. 3. Ventilation Attractive packaging, bright colours and catchy names for nail products can easily distract from the dangers that lie within. General ventilation systems designed for offices, classrooms, waiting areas and other non-industrial settings are not adequate for keeping toxic substances at safe concentrations. Such ventilation dilutes, but does not completely remove, contaminants from the air. Taking into account that harm can be caused through skin contact, absorption, ingestion and inhalation through the nose and mouth.

6. 4. Ventilated Nail Desks Downdraught grille to force nail dust down into the units filter system Ventilated drawer to remove fumes and odours of products while in storage Integrated lamp to provide optimal lighting conditions for dimly lit rooms Power unit that’s accessible and available in left & right hand operation Available in 3 stylish finishes; white, black & light oak

7. 5. Guidelines for Nail Bar Owners 1. Prepare a Risk Assessment 2. Provide Employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 3. Ensure Adequate Ventilation 4. Use Appropriate Dispenser Bottles 5. Cleaning & Disinfection 6. Discard Waste Properly 7. Enforce Good Hygiene 8. Dress Code