You have probably heard one of the horror stories about someone who went to get a manicure or pedicure and developed an infection because the nail salon did not properly clean their tools. What you may not have known is that you may have a personal injury claim if you get an infection from a nail salon.
Wisconsin has specific laws on manicuring establishments and an establishment’s failure to adhere to the law is considered negligence. Their negligence may result in serious staph infections or injuries to patrons if the manicuring establishment does not follow the law.
How to Avoid Infection at a Nail Salon
What can you do to avoid an infection? You should avoid manicuring establishments that put you at an increased risk for developing an infection. To do so, you should know the requirements for Wisconsin manicuring establishments and what to look for the next time you go to get your nails done.
Under Wisconsin law, there are specific requirements that manicuring establishments must follow. These are just a few of the requirements you should look out for on your next visit:
- “Clean towels shall be used for each patron.” Wis. Admin. Code Cos. § 4.01(6).
- All equipment must be disinfected or sterilized between each patron. See Wis. Admin. Code Cos. § 4.02-4.03.
- “All work stations shall be supplied with at least one of the antiseptics listed in s. Cos. 4.05 for use by licensees in case of injury.” Wis. Admin. Code Cos. § 4.04 (1). Cos. 4.05 includes iodine, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 6% stabilized hydrogen peroxide.
- “When any patron or licensee is exposed to blood by scissors cut, razor cut, needle stick, laceration or other exposure to broken skin or a mucous membrane, the licensee shall stop, thoroughly wash the exposed area or wound on the patron’s or the licensee’s body with soap and water, and disinfect the exposed area or wound with a topical antiseptic such as iodine, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 6% stabilized hydrogen peroxide or equivalent. In the case of mucous membrane exposure, the licensee shall wash or rinse the affected area with plenty of water.” Wis. Admin. Code Cos. § 4.05(1).
- “Prior to use, all reusable manicure instruments shall be disinfected.” Wis. Admin. Code Cos. § 4.10(1).
- “Disinfectant used for decontamination shall be changed daily and shall be kept in a covered container.” Wis. Admin. Code Cos. § 4.10(2).
- “Powder puffs, sponges, and emery boards and other contact equipment that cannot be cleaned with soap or detergent and water shall be disposed of following each use.” Wis. Admin. Code Cos. § 4.01(3).
- “No person may engage in manicuring unless the person has received training in the areas of service provided and holds a current manicurist license, cosmetologist license, or cosmetology manager license issued by the examining board that is not an inactive license or temporary permit or training permit issued by the examining board or is an apprentice under s. 454.10 or a student in an aesthetics or cosmetology course of instruction.” Wis. Stat. § 454.04(1)(d).
If you go in for a manicure or pedicure and the establishment is not following these rules, you should probably find a new place to get your nails done.
Find a Nail Salon Focused on Safety and Sterility
Here are a few additional tips you might consider as you select the perfect nail salon for your next manicure or pedicure:
- Look for nail salons where the clipper blades and cuticle nipper are taken out of a sterilized bag and used only on you.
- Consider nail salons where they offer to let you take home the nail file or buffer they use on your nails.
- Be conscious of your health and safety and avoid putting yourself at risk.
- Research your favorite nail salon or manicurist to ensure their license is up to date.
- Review any orders received by the establishment or manicurist for improper practices found during an inspection by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Remember these simple tips and enjoy your next visit to a manicuring establishment safety!
Do you have any questions about safety at a nail salon or other beauty establishment? We’d be happy to answer your questions, just let us know in the comments!
At Murphy & Prachthauser we practice law the way it should be practiced – motivated and equipped to do our best for you. We take pride in being good lawyers who help people.
If you have a case you would like to speak to a lawyer about, please complete a free case evaluation and get an experienced team working on your behalf.