New Hampshire Health & Safety Rules
The second state topic covers the sanitation and infection-control rules the New Hampshire board enforces in salons and schools. These rules protect the public from the spread of infection and are a frequent source of inspection violations. The national infection-control theory explains the science; this chapter focuses on how the state expects those principles to be applied day to day.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Tools and Surfaces
Reusable, non-porous implements such as metal shears, combs, and clippers must be cleaned to remove debris and then disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant used according to its label before they touch the next client. Porous or single-use items - emery boards, buffers, wooden sticks, and wax applicators - cannot be truly disinfected and must be discarded after one use rather than reused on another person. Work surfaces, chairs, and shampoo bowls are cleaned and disinfected between clients, and clean implements are stored in a clean, closed container separate from soiled ones.
Blood Exposure and Prohibited Practices
If a service accidentally draws blood, the licensee stops, cleans and disinfects the area, applies an appropriate dressing, and disinfects or discards any contaminated implements following the state's blood-exposure procedure; contaminated single-use materials are disposed of properly. Boards commonly prohibit practices that endanger clients, such as using credo blades or other razor-type callus cutters on the feet and using products the state has restricted. Licensees may not perform services on skin or scalp that shows signs of infection or disease.
Foot Spas, Ventilation, and Salon Conditions
Whirlpool foot spas and pedicure basins must be drained, cleaned, and disinfected after each client, with additional periodic cleaning of filters and screens, because standing water in these units has caused documented skin infections. Salons must maintain clean restrooms, proper hand-washing facilities, safe storage of chemicals, and adequate ventilation, and must keep the shop generally clean and in good repair. Inspectors check these conditions, and failing to meet them is one of the most common causes of citations.