IPAC Lapses
What Are Infection Prevention and Control Lapses in the Beauty and Body Art Setting?
Many personal service settings use re-useable equipment and instruments between clients that may pose a risk of infection. When best practices are in place and followed this risk is significantly reduced.
Best practices include but are not limited to:
- a setting that is designed for ease of cleaning and disinfection including surfaces and equipment
- regular handwashing
- proper use of gloves
- the use of disposable instruments or instruments that have undergone appropriate sterilizing procedures
- written aftercare instructions are provided to clients
Infection Prevention and Control Lapses occur when best practices are not followed posing a risk of infection to both clients and staff at the personal service setting. Infections may be spread during procedures even when skin penetration does not occur.
All health units are required to publicly post lapses in infection prevention and control on their websites when identified through the assessment of a complaint or referral, or through communicable disease surveillance. These postings will remain on our website for two years.