As more stories arise from problems associated with unsafe sanitation practices in day spa's and nail businesses, the public is becoming very aware of the dangers. It is very important for mobile spa operaters to observe the highest degrees of sanitation and always line your foot spa with a fresh liner between clients.

Commission Adopts New Rules For Barbers And Cosmetologists Sanitation/Inspection Revisions will Provide More Protection for Consumers

February 2, 2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Patrick Shaughnessy
512-463-3208

AUSTIN - The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation today adopted new rules for the cosmetology and barbering professions that will better protect the health of the consumers who use their services.

The rules mandate a risk-based inspection schedule for beauty salons and barbers shops and, for the first time, require sterilization of the implements used by manicurists and pedicurists. The new rules also make it a violation for cosmetologists and barbers to possess as well as utilize implements and substances that are prohibited for use on customers. Under current rules it is a violation only if a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) inspector observes the substances or implements being used.

“Our primary consideration is the health and welfare of the consumers,” said Gina Parker Chairman of the Commission. “During the last legislative session, when these programs were transferred to our agency, lawmakers expressed great concern about sanitation issues at these establishments that could result in the transmission of disease, particularly with foot spas. These rules address those concerns.”

The new rules developed in consultation with the State Barbering Advisory Board and the State Cosmetology Advisory Board, which represent the interests of the industries. Both boards recommended that the rules be approved. TDLR also conducted a series of public meetings on the rules, gathering comments more than 1,000 cosmetologists and barbers.

Currently, salons and shops are subject to annual inspections. Under the new rules, shops and salons need only be inspected every other year, but new emphasis will be placed on establishments in which sanitation issues are discovered. If sanitation problems are found during an inspection, the shops will be subject to a much more rigorous inspection schedule, up to four times a year.

Also under the new rules, the implements manicurists and pedicurists use must be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized by use of an autoclave, ultraviolet light or dry heat to minimize the risk of the transmission of communicable disease. Current rules require only that the implements be cleaned and disinfected.

In addition, the newly adopted rules prohibit the use of certain substances or implements on customers. These include razor blades to remove calluses or MMA-based adhesives to attach acrylic nails. Under current rules, only the use of banned substances or implements is a violation. The new rules also will make possession of prohibited substances and implements a violation.

To read the complete cosmetology rules revisions, go to http://www.license.state.tx.us/cosmet/cosmet.htm#justification. To read the complete barbering rules revisions, go to http://www.license.state.tx.us/barbers/barbers.htm#justification.

This article is reprinted without permission from the The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in the interest of public safety and awareness.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is a state regulatory agency that currently oversees over twenty types of businesses, industries, trades and occupations. The agency is responsible for issuing licenses, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, assessing penalties, setting rules and standards and holding hearings.