The Momentum of Compliance

BY NOW MOST STATES HAVE returned to work after the lockdown and while there is a lot of excitement with re-engaging with your clients, some are still overwhelmed with uncertainty about what they are allowed, or not allowed to do.  The key issue to consider at this stage is how the procedures you are doing are classified.  If they are skin penetration, then look at whether your state is allowing tattooing at this stage.  If it is, then any skin-penetration procedure would fall in the same classification.  If you are unsure please phone us for guidance, we are here to help 07 5593 0360 – we are here to help.

While I know the majority of you are complying with the required guidelines, there are some who are taking their obligations lightly.  This is most disappointing as it not only puts their clients, themselves and their staff at risk, but also our industry as a whole, as we need to navigate carefully through this phase. 

Currently, it has been reported that councils across every state are performing random audits of businesses to assess their compliance.  The key issue they are examining is how you will implement your plan in the following areas:

1. Your social distancing strategy within your business
2. How you are implementing Infection prevention protocols 
3. How you are communicating the requirements to your client pre-consultation
4. Are you gathering your clients’ data and recording every visit?
5. Are you implementing appropriate client screening?
6. Do you have a plan in place in the event an incident occurs? 
7. How often will you review and check yours and your staffs’ compliance?

If you have appropriately covered these areas with an in-salon/clinic plan, you should not have anything to worry about.

Last week I did a small podcast on the Momentum of Compliance.  At this stage we need to become familiar with these strategies and make them second nature, maintaining our momentum of compliance.  Here is the video.

 

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to take part in an Infection Control Zoom broadcast together with several other industry leaders in the cosmetic medical field.  We were also fortunate to have Professor Laurence Walsh, who is considered one of the nation’s most prominent experts on the subject. 

I promised you a brief summary of the highlights of what was discussed, so here are some key points incase you missed viewing this event:

• The most important issue that all parties agreed was that businesses need to ensure that all clients are thoroughly screened to identify and mitigate risk
• Ensure correct staff training eliminating and minimising high-touch activities 
• In terms of protective measures, the quality of masks was raised.  It was stressed that dust masks available through hardware stores were not considered appropriate.

Masks that met with the appropriate medical standards were identified as:

• 4381 Standards were considered most credible.  
• Nelson Laboratory from Utah was identified as one of the most credible manufacturers of medical-grade mask.   
• AS4341 masks were confirmed as TGA listed
• PPE 4381 surgical respirators

It was also suggested that non-aerosol generating procedures will not require surgical respirators, a simple medical mask would be sufficient.

All procedures that release plum, splash or droplets will require eye protection e.g. a full-face visa screen were highly recommended for these procedures.

• Mouth wash:  Professor Laurence also stated that Cepacol or Listerine antibacterial mouthwash has been proven an effective preventative measure.  Swish a capful for 20 seconds and spit 15 minutes prior to a procedure.  This will protect you for up to two hours.
• Social distancing during treatments:  It is advisable that you communicate with your client prior to their treatment applying social distancing measures and discourage conversation during the treatment, while in close proximity.  If you need to speak to your client, or your client wishes to speak, get them to raise their hand and step back during the conversation with the appropriate distance.
• The importance of on-going education was stressed both with staff and clients and ensuring mutual compliance in an honest and responsible manner among all concerned.

We are continuing to receive phone-calls with individuals who come across an unusual situation they are not sure about.  Please do not fret, we welcome your enquiries and we are happy to help you transition through this phase of your business with our full support.