21 NCAC 06v .0106         ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND HOUSEKEEPING

(a)  Electrologists shall observe the following elements of environmental control:

(1)           Each treatment room shall be kept lighted, ventilated, and free from dirt, dust, and contamination;

(2)           Each treatment room shall be equipped with labeled containers, covered storage for supplies, a puncture-resistant sharps container labeled as a biohazard, and covered trash containers;

(3)           Treatment table surfaces shall be made of materials that can be washed with detergents and treated with disinfectants;

(4)           Treatment table surfaces shall be covered with newly laundered linens, new disposable paper drapes, or barrier before each client treatment;

(5)           Headrests shall be covered with newly laundered linens, new disposable paper drapes, or barrier before each client treatment;

(6)           Treatment table surfaces that may come in contact with bare skin during treatments shall be covered with newly laundered linens, new disposable paper drapes, or barrier;

(7)           Containers for dispensing products, such as soap, alcohol hand-rubs, and treatment supplies shall be labeled;

(8)           All treatment supplies shall be disposable or, if reusable, the supplies containers shall be cleaned and dried before being refilled with fresh products;

(9)           Aseptic techniques for dispensing creams, lotions, ointments and antiseptics during treatment shall be followed;               

(10)         Manufacturer's recommendations for the use and disposal of products and containers when contaminated, or when expiration date is reached, shall be followed;

(11)         Environmental surfaces that are touched during treatment, such as epilator needle holder and cords, epilator cart, magnification lamps, light devices and epilator controls shall be covered with a new protective disposable barrier before each treatment of a client or decontaminated after each treatment of a client, following manufacturer's instructions;

(12)         Disposable items such as cotton, paper drapes and protective disposal barriers shall be stored in covered containers, closed cabinets, or drawers before use;

(13)         Used disposable items shall be discarded into a covered trash container lined with a plastic bag that is tightly fastened when ready for disposal, and is disposed of daily into the trash, unless otherwise specified by State and local health regulations;

(14)         Reusable items such as sheets, pillowcases, and towels that are used to cover the treatment table or as a client drape shall be stored in covered containers, closed cabinets, or drawers before use; and

(15)         After use, reusable items shall be placed in a covered container labeled as "soiled laundry," laundered with detergent and water temperatures that will ensure cleaning and disinfection, and dried in a gas or electric clothes dryer.

(b)  Electrologists shall observe the following elements of housekeeping:

(1)           A low-level hospital-grade disinfectant registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall be used for cleaning non-critical environmental surfaces such as epilator surfaces, magnifying lamps, epilator carts, floors, walls, door knobs, tabletops, and window sills that will only contact intact skin;

(2)           All other environmental surfaces in the treatment room shall be cleaned with water and detergent using a hospital-grade disinfectant or detergent designed for general housekeeping purposes, as indicated on the product label;

(3)           Countertops shall be of smooth, non-porous material and shall be cleaned daily in the areas where cleaning and sterilizing of instruments and items takes place;

(4)           Sinks and toilet facilities shall be cleaned daily;

(5)           Non-critical equipment, such as doorknobs, telephones, and treatment tables in the treatment room, shall be kept cleaned and disinfected;

(6)           Floors cleaned weekly and carpets shall be vacuumed weekly or more often if necessary; and

(7)           Walls, blinds, and curtains shall be cleaned when dirty or dusty.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 88A-16;

Eff. December 1, 2010;

Readopted Eff. September 1, 2019;

Recodified from 21 NCAC 19 .0408 Eff. January 1, 2023.