Thread: blade antiseptic

Oddly enough I am learning about this in barber school now.

For the most part sterilization just isn't going to happen at home or in the barber shop. The only way to truly sterilize is by using an autoclave or other heated device intended for sterilization. Michigan law prohibits the use of an autoclave in barbershops (believe it or not) because barbers lack the training to use such devices.

In Michigan nothing in a barbershop has to be sterilized. Tools that have come in contact with blood or anything else (like ringworm or other skin disease) must be disinfected. The approved means for dinsinfection are as follows:

Disinfectants

• Ethyl alcohol 70% submersion of 10 minutes minimum.
• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) 99% submersion of 10 minutes.
• Quats (barbercide) 1:1000 (1.25oz to 1 gallon of water solution) immersion time of 1 to 5 minutes.

Antiseptics are substances that may kill or prevent the growth of bacteria and are generally safe for use on the skin but are not to be used in the case of a possible blood born pathogen.

If you chose to use Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats or Barbercide) using the barbercide jar isnt necessary you can simply wipe some solution on your razor with a clean cotton swab and let it sit for a couple of minutes then rinse it off. That process will be effective to kill any critters you don't want on there.

Oh as a side note the levels of prevention and control are as follows

• sterilization; which is the process of making an object germ free.
• Disinfection; Which is the second level of decontamination and will kill most bacteria and some viruses.
• sanitation; which is the lowest level of decontamination and will significantly reduce the number of pathogens found on a surface.

I hope this helps a little bit let me know if I can answer any other questions it helps me to memorize this stuff.

Detroyt