It is important to ensure that the working area is properly ventilated to minimise the escape and spread of substances that are hazardous to health. Fresh air must be allowed to circulate, using as much natural ventilation as possible, such as open windows and doors.

You may also require some form of artificial ventilation, depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of nail technicians working in the same area. When this is used, you should ensure that filters are changed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Vapours from nail chemicals are heavier than air, and so any artificial ventilation should be placed low down. You can limit the vapours in the air by keeping chemicals in containers and always remember to keep lids on when they are not in use.

Use lined metal rubbish bins with lids to keep vapours contained. Always clean up any spillages as soon as possible, and only keep small containers of products at the workstation.

Filing can lead to a certain amount of dust which may irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Make sure that you wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth and change paper towels regularly during the treatment.

Before beginning the treatment, make sure that your tools and working area are properly prepared. The average pedicure treatment should take between 45 minutes and 1 hour depending on any specialist work the client may require.

Good levels of hygiene and sanitation are vitally important in any salon business. This will help to protect both staff and clients from cross-infection, as well as making sure you adhere to the law.

Disinfection is the reduction of micro-organisms by chemical or physical means. The process reduces the population to safe numbers and does not eradicate spores.

Sterilisation is the total removal of these micro-organisms, and the most reliable method is steam under pressure, such as with an autoclave.

You should always ensure that your treatment space and equipment is clean. Begin by always washing your hands before and after every treatment. This should involve a thorough 20 to 30 second wash of the hands and wrists using water and a liquid soap, followed by a thorough drying with paper towels. Certain areas of the hands are more prone to harbouring micro-organisms. These are between the fingers, the finger tips, the thumb, the back of the hand and the wrists.

Ensure that all surfaces, including taps, door handles, light switches and general equipment are regularly disinfected. Always use clean towels and bedding, and add disposable paper covers to your couch for each client. An area for eating and drinking should be provided well away from the treatment area.

All of your tools should be clean and sterile before use, and any metal tools should be kept in a disinfecting solution until they are used to maintain sterility. They should be re-sterilised after every treatment. Any creams or lotions should be dispensed from their containers with a disposable spatula. All surfaces should be disinfected after each client.

Do not let this preparation eat in to your client’s appointment time. Check that the working area has been thoroughly cleaned, and cover it to protect the surface that you are working on. If you are working mobile, remember to adequately protect your client’s furniture, as you do not want to be faced with a huge bill to replace or repair items. You can buy a variety of protective coverings to prevent damage occurring.

You will also need to clean, sterilise and lay out your equipment before the treatment. The items you will need are:
• Client record card
• Towels
• Paper roll to place over the towels and to dry the feet.
• Disinfectant solution
• Antiseptic
• Cotton wool
• Files
• Nail clippers
• Orange sticks
• Nail brush
• Magnifying lamp
• Foot bath
• Cuticle nippers
• Cuticle cream – can contain emollients such as lanolin or glycerine
• Cuticle knife
• Cuticle remover – can contain potassium hydroxide and glycerine
• Foot powder
• Hoof stick
• Callous file
• Spatula
• Toe separators
• Base coat
• Nail varnishes – can contain formaldehyde, solvent, resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and nitrocellulose
• Top coat
• Nail varnish remover – can contain acetone or ethyl acetate
• Nail glue
• Pedicure lotion – can contain vegetable oils, emulsifying agents and emollients
• Storage

Make sure that your varnishes are close to hand, so that your client can make their choice without leaving the pedicure station.

Effects Of Incorrect Use Of Pedicure Tools

Nail clippers – can cut the skin if not used with care.

Emery board – when using an emery board remember that the darker side (coarse side) is used to file toenails and the paler side (finer side) is used for fingernails.

Always file at a 45-degree angle from the outside in on both sides. Never use the seesaw movement as this could damage the matrix causing deformed nails to grow.

Hoof stick – used to push back the cuticles. Your hoof stick should always be wet so as not to scratch or damage your nail plate in any way. Work from the outer side of the cuticle in circular movements to the centre, and the same with the other side. Do not push too hard on the cuticles, they are there to protect from invading bacteria getting into your matrix and physical damage.

Cuticle knife – the cuticle knife is very sharp and you can easily damage your nail plate if not used correctly. Always use wet and at a 45-degree angle, as flat as possible against the nail plate. Be very careful not to cut or damage your cuticle or nail plate. Use gentle circular movements from the outer side of the cuticle to the centre and the same the other side. The cuticle knife is for loosening any cuticle from the nail plate. Do not use in a backward/forward movement.

Cuticle nippers – used to trim the excess cuticle, not the skin. They are very sharp and it could be very easy to cut too much cuticle off, which would leave the cuticle open for infection from bacteria. If you cut into the live cuticle, it will bleed profusely and will also be very uncomfortable.

You should always be fully aware of the ingredients of your products in case of a reaction from a client. Your supplier should be able to give you a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which lists the ingredients of their products and the proper procedures for handling the product. It should also contain any possible effects on health and first aid. If a reaction occurs, the client should be given a copy to show to their doctor. If you are worried about particular ingredients, you may be able to find alternatives, for example, some nail varnishes are now what is known as ‘3-Free’. This means that they do not contain formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate.