- 11 Nov, 2024
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Infection Control Certification: What You Need to Know
Infection Control Certification for Beauty, PMU, Tattoo, and Cosmetic Nursing: What You Need to Know
Infection control is essential for beauty, PMU, Tattoo and cosmetic nursing services. Procedures involving skin, such as cosmetic tattoos, piercings, and injectables, have high risks if hygiene practices aren’t strictly followed. With the right infection control certification, like HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments, professionals can protect clients, stay compliant, and build trust.
This blog explains the basics of infection control, why it’s crucial, and what the laws say.
Why Infection Control is Important
Infection risks are serious for skin-penetrating services. Without proper infection control, bloodborne illnesses like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other infections can spread. Good infection control practices keep both clients and practitioners safe.
Many councils require infection control certification, specifically HLTINF005 to work in high-risk services. This ensures that beauty therapists, PMU artists, and cosmetic nurses know how to maintain strict hygiene standards, prioritising the safety of their clients at all times.
Key Infection Control Laws in Australia
In Australia, the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 sets infection control standards for personal appearance services. This law applies to any service involving skin penetration, including beauty therapy, PMU, tattoos, and injectables. The Infection Control Guidelines for Personal Appearance Services provide further details on hygiene requirements.
Under this act, professionals like cosmetic nurses who provide injectables must also follow infection control guidelines. Completing HLTINF005 Infection Control Certification ensures compliance and builds client confidence in your services.
Who Needs Infection Control Certification?
Many professionals working in high-risk services need infection control certification. Here’s who typically requires it:
- Tattoo Artists and PMU Practitioners – Skin penetration risks are high in these professions, making infection control vital.
- Beauty Therapists Performing Skin Treatments – Procedures like microblading, dermal needling, and certain laser treatments involve breaking the skin and need strict hygiene practices.
- Body Piercers – Piercing involves contact with bodily fluids, so body piercers need infection control skills.
- Cosmetic Nurses – Since injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are high-risk, cosmetic nurses must also follow infection control standards.
Always check with your local council to verify if you need HLTINF005 Infection Control Certification for your profession.
Practical Infection Control Tips: PPE and Single-Use Items
Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves: Always wear disposable gloves during procedures. Change gloves between clients to avoid cross-contamination.
- Masks and Eye Protection: Masks help prevent airborne transmission, while safety glasses protect against splashes.
- Protective Clothing: Wear gowns or aprons during skin-penetrating procedures and change them between clients.
Single-Use Items to Prevent Infections:
- Needles and Cartridges: Always use pre-sterilized, single-use needles, and dispose of them after each use.
- Pigment Cups and Applicators: Use single-use items to avoid contamination between clients.
- Barriers and Liners: Cover work surfaces with disposable liners and replace them after every client.
These practices form the basics of infection control and ensure a safe environment for clients and practitioners alike.
Local Licensing and the Importance of Infection Control
Certification
Most local councils require an infection control
certification to grant a license for high-risk services. Completing the HLTINF005
Infection Control course helps practitioners understand and follow the
latest infection control protocols, protecting both clients and their practice.
Since requirements vary, it’s essential to check with your
local council to stay compliant and updated on infection control rules.
How to Stay Up-to-Date with Infection Control Standards
Infection control standards evolve often. Here are ways to
stay current:
- Ongoing Training: Regularly refresh your skills with HLTINF005 Infection Control courses.
- Council Guidelines: Check with your local council to stay updated on infection control requirements.
- Health Department Resources: Sign up for your state health department’s
updates on infection control. - Professional Networks: Industry associations offer resources like workshops and webinars where you can learn about the latest practices. We like Aesthetic Practitioners Advisory Network (APAN) and Aesthetic & Beauty Industry Council (ABIC) for the latest industry news.
Final Thoughts
Infection control is vital for beauty, PMU, and cosmetic nursing services. The Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 and Infection Control Guidelines help
set high standards to keep clients and practitioners safe. By completing HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments and following best practices, you can confidently provide a safe environment for all your clients.
Staying updated on infection control ensures your compliance and builds lasting client trust, setting your services apart in today’s competitive market.
Have some questions? You can chat to one of our friendly team by
emailing: info@artisantrainingacademy.com
