Heading to the spa, dropping by the nail salon, stopping in at a tattoo studio, or visiting the barber or hairdresser? Be sure to look for signs that the businesses providing these services are safe and clean.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit regularly inspects personal beauty service businesses (like tattoo studios, barber shops, nail/hair salons and body piercing studios) in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. During National Infection Control Week (October 14-18), area residents are encouraged to look up the Health Unit inspection results online – or on signs at the business – to ensure the premise is safe.
There are two ways to do this:
1. Visit the HKPR CheckINspection website (www.hkprcheckINspection.ca) to view Health Unit inspection results for hundreds of businesses and services in the area. The HKPR CheckINspection website is searchable by business name, location and type of operation, and lists the dates and results of Health Unit inspections going back two years.
2. Look for a green ‘Pass’ sign that must be displayed at local businesses. Signs show the date and result of the most recent Health Unit inspection visit for that business. People accessing the service should also be watchful for good infection control practices when frequenting the business. For up-to-date results, visit the HKPR CheckINspection website.
“It’s very important to be informed when getting body piercings, tattoos, microblading, or similar services,” says Carol Chan, a Public Health Inspector with the HKPR District Health Unit. “These types of procedures involve breaking the skin, which is the body’s first line of defence against illness and infection. Proper care and cleanliness – especially on the provider’s part – are very important to prevent infection.”
The Health Unit inspects beauty and body art businesses to ensure operators and facilities follow proper infection control practices to help reduce the risks to clients. Exposure to blood or body fluids from these procedures can lead to bloodborne infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
According to Chan, there are specific requirements that the Health Unit looks for during inspections. For example, businesses that provide personal beauty services must: use supplies for cleaning and disinfecting; have a basic setup (including separate reprocessing sink and handwashing sink with hot and cold running water, soap dispenser, and single-use paper towel or air dryer); follow proper infection and prevention control practices; use appropriate waste disposal; and keep accurate records.
Chan says most local businesses are good at following the rules for safety, cleanliness and proper infection control practices. “The real concern lies with individuals and operations that are not inspected by the Health Unit,” she says. “These operations may be doing piercings, tattoos and other procedures ‘undercover’ in private homes. People should avoid visiting these private providers and report them to the Health Unit.”
For more information, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
