Intentions
- The essence of a professional association is that it is vitally interested in the well-being of the members of the public for whom it provides services and that it imposes on its members various obligations to ensure that the public are protected from improper practices.
- All professions have a Code of Ethics; a basic instrument of public protection which covers rules of conduct and where these are disregarded it can mean the member’s suspension or expulsion from the Association.
- All new members are required to sign an agreement to the effect that they will abide by the Code of Ethics and thereby uphold the high professional standards.
- The Code shall be used where necessary to draw the attention of the public to the existence of less than acceptable practices by unqualified and badly trained operators and the personal damage that could result from such practices.
Definitions
When the words physician, surgeon, dermatologist, Physiotherapist, Esthetician, skin therapist, Massage Therapist, Trichologist, Hair Therapist, Beautician, Nail Technician, Stylist, podician and make-up artist are employed, they are intended to mean those persons who are registered in those capacities by virtue of their qualifications and experience.
The word ‘member’ is to be taken as meaning all members of the Association. The word ‘her’ implies ‘his’ also. The Committee means the Executive Committee of the Practisioners of Spa & Beauty Association of Nigeria.
Scope of Beauty Therapy Practice
This is defined as the application or prescription of treatments designed to vary the external physical appearance or produce a greater feeling of well-being in human beings by the use of cosmetics, Swedish massage, exercises and such variations or extensions of those methods by hand, mechanical or electrical means or otherwise, as may be appropriate.
A member will confine her practice to the field set out in the definition given in the Paragraph above and
a). A member will not, even within the above field, operate or give manipulative treatment for any condition requiring the use of a general or local anaesthetic by injection.
b). A member will not treat any person who to her knowledge is at the time under the care of a medical practitioner for a condition likely to be affected by her treatment without the knowledge and consent of that practitioner.
c). Members are prohibited from prescribing treatments for skin disorders or figure faults by post, without including warning statements to the effect that such treatments should not be performed without the prior approval of the client’s physician. In addition, members may not attempt diagnosis without personally examining the client.
d). Members are prohibited from using ultra-sonic devices unless they hold separate medical qualifications entitling them to perform such treatments. This does not prohibit the use of sound-wave vibrators emitting frequencies in the audible spectrum.
Obligations of Members
- A member shall maintain a high standard of professional service including being willing to address any service complaints, without charge, that have occurred due to poor service on the part of herself, or any of her employees, or for faulty products.
- A member shall in all cases beyond the field of practice, advice the client to consult a medical practitioner
- Membership incurs an obligation to uphold the dignity and honour of the profession, to enhance its standing and to extend its usefulness to the public. The conduct of members shall at all times be creditable to the profession.
- A member shall always be ready and willing to assist fellow members.
- A member shall refrain from either directly or indirectly offering employment or hiring an employee from another Salon/Clinic except through proper advertising vacancies in the media.N.B. This ethical rule shall not be construed as inhibiting an employee acting on their own initiative in pursuing employment opportunities in the beauty therapy industry.
- No member shall, for any reason, knowingly, entice any other member’s clients for her beneficial gain.
- A member temporarily taking charge of a client of another member shall make no effort to influence such client to leave her usual Beauty Therapist and shall uphold as far as is consistently possible and in no way disparage the methods of such member. In consultation, due regard shall be paid to the Therapist in charge of the case.
The fact of clients changing to another Therapist or another setting up in practice near at hand should not be allowed to influence the friendly relationships which should exist among all members.
In cases where a member acts jointly with, or practices in partnership with one or more persons (whether they are all members of the Association or not) they shall not use the designatory letters of the Association after the joint names or after the title of the firm, or in any manner directly or indirectly calculated to lead to the assumption that all such persons are individually members of the Association.
Code of Ethics
Member of POSBAN cannot be a committee/caretaker of the same association industry.
Member of POSBAN shall pay membership contributions in accordance with its category.
Member will be guided in all activities by truth, accuracy, fairness and integrity.
Member agrees to pursue and support the objectives of the Practisioners of Spa
& Beauty Association of Nigeria.
Member pledges to keep informed on the latest techniques, developments and knowledge relevant to professional improvement.
Member will help fellow members reach personal and professional fulfillment.
Member will utilize every opportunity to enhance the public image of the spa industry.
Spa will use the name ‘Spa’ only if they live the ‘spirit’ of the official Spa definition.
All Members shall maintain a black dress code at the advent of any official outing, programs or event weather organized by POSBAN or members attending as guest.all other inhouse or general meeting can be allowed any colours/outfit.
If any members are suspected or involved in criminal acts, ethical violations and moral norms such as the practice of covert prostitution, POSBAN will conduct an independent investigation. When the member (spa) is proven to perform such activities, then the spa will be excluded from the POSBAN membership.
STERILIZATION METHODS ACCEPTABLE TO POSBAN
This is complete destruction or removal of living organisms on an object. Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) may be destroyed by heat, chemical disinfectants and ultra violet radiation. All tools must, however, be cleaned to remove grease before disinfect ion is to take place.
Autoclave: This is similar to a pressure cooker, with the water contained inside it reaching temperatures of 121 – 134 C. This is the most effective method for the sterilization of tools within the salon.
Not all objects can safely be placed in an autoclave; check your tools can withstand the heating process. To avoid damage to the autoclave, distilled water must be used. Metal tools placed in the autoclave must be of a good quality to avoid rusting. Take care when removing tools from the autoclave – they will be very hot.
Glass bead sterilizer: Small glass beads are retained in a beaker and heated to a temperature of 190C. Tools are placed in these beads for 10 minutes. A disadvantage of glass bead sterilizer is that it cannot hold large tools.
UV Sterilizer: UV light will only be effective on surfaces that are exposed to the UV light. Tools will therefore need turning during the process to ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly sterilized. UV sterilization is not suitable for brushes.
Disinfection:
This is the destruction of microorganisms, but not usually bacterial spores, reducing the number of microorganisms to a level, which will not be harmful to health. (Inhibits the growth of micro organisms)/
In most salons, ‘Barbicide’ is a recognized name as a germicide and disinfectant liquid in which tools can be stored.
Surgical spirit can also be used.
SALON HYGIENE
Your hands
Hands come into contact with more items throughout a normal day than any other part of our body. Consequently, they can pose the biggest risk to our health if they are not washed on a regular basis.
Hands must be washed regularly throughout the day and especially in between clients.
If your daily routine includes manicures or pedicures or other such direct skin-to-skin contact, ensure that your client’s hands or feet are also thoroughly washed before any treatment commences. After washing, use an alcohol based sanitizer this will provide further protection to both you and your client from cross infection.
Work surfaces
It is crucial that work surfaces are kept clean to prevent the risk of cross-infection.
Phones, tills and keyboards can also be hosts to many nasties. Keep these clean with product designed for such surfaces.
Salon Chairs & Couches
Most salon chairs and couches are made from PVC or vinyl. This has the advantage in that they are easy to clean.
However, make sure you use the right product. Any disinfectant containing alcohol (ethanol) should be avoided as it is likely to react with the PVC or vinyl, making it brittle, which will eventually make it crack. Once you get a cracked surface it is extremely difficult to disinfect it properly, resulting in an area where germs can easily multiply.
Chairs and couches should be cleaned on a regular basis. One drop of blood invisible to the naked eye could be infected with hepatitis with remains infectious for several days
Instruments & Tools
All instruments and tools should be thoroughly sanitized in between clients (or sterilized where required).
Do not be tempted to short cut this procedure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Remember, that any organic matter left on the tools can slow down the disinfecting process, so make sure all debris is washed off prior to immersion in a disinfectant solution.
Ensure your tools contain rust inhibitors to protect your equipment.
Files should be disinfected in between clients or whether each client should have a new file. The simple fact is this: if the file has not come into contact with any bodily fluids, then sanitizing is adequate – use a good quality broad spectrum disinfectant spray. If the file has come into contact with any bodily fluids, then throw it away.
Floors
Floors should be kept clean as a matter of routine. If you have hard surface, use a good quality floor disinfectant. If you have clients walking bare foot on your floors, it would be preferable to mop the floor after treatment.
Health and Safety Concerns Related to Spa and Wellness Therapies.
Spa Sanitation and Hygiene
Spa facilities and operations need to comply with health standards and professional ethics to provide a clean environment for clients that ensures they don’t pick up any diseases while they are at a spa or massage clinic.
Sanitation protocols include therapist hygiene; the sanitation of the treatment room, equipment, and product containers; and general cleanness of The facility: Key considerations shall include:
(a) Preventing the transmission of disease, focusing on therapist hygiene practices
(b) Sanitation of the facility, equipment and supplies.
(c) Sanitation of the treatment room and equipment.
(d) Taking universal precautions for prevention of contracting or transmitting diseases
such as hepatitis A, B or C and HIV/AIDS.
SUBSIDIARY ETHICAL RULES
These subsidiary Ethical Rules consist of proscriptions issued by the Committee
1. Acupuncture
This is a treatment originating in the Far East and specifies needles being inserted into the skin as a means of curing physical ailments. Members are forbidden to perform such treatments unless qualified in this procedure.
2. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in the sense of physical manipulation, or the application of substances, or mechanical or electrical treatments for the relief of pain, or the correction of bone deformities, is forbidden. Clients requiring such treatments should be advised to consult their physician. This rule does not prohibit members providing massage for minor backache or tired feet, provided that these are not chronic complaints and there is no reason to believe that there is any other ailment involved. If there is any doubt, the client must be referred to their physician.
Podiatry
Podiatry covers the treatment of foot disorders, and specifically involves the use of cutting instruments, the removal of growths on the foot and the correction of foot deformities. This is outside the scope of Beauty Therapy and persons requiring such treatments should be referred to their physician or podiatrist. Members may only perform pedicare in the sense of manicure of the toe-nails with simple foot massage.
Cutting of the Skin
No treatment may be provided by a member that involves cutting/piercing of the skin deeper than the dermal/epidermal junction.
Aromatherapy
This treatment must not be performed by members unless they have undertaken formal training through a recognized college or school.
Anaesthetics
POSBAN specifically prohibit the use of anaesthetics unless administered by a medical practitioner, dental surgeon or a full member qualified in the field of anaesthesia.
Skin Peeling
Skin peeling, by which is meant the removal of the whole or a large part of the epidermis with a treatment using chemical, electrical, or mechanical means is acceptable provided this does not extend below the dermal/epidermal junction.
Ultra-Violet Radiation
May not be used by members unless such treatments are provided solely for sun-tan purposes. Members should be aware of the detrimental effects that can be caused by long term use of sunbeds.
IPL/Laser
POSBAN does not recommend the use of unregulated IPL machines which have not been certified. We recommend that members only purchase machines from reputable suppliers who provide post graduate training, hold a current Safety Certificate and have comprehensive insurance coverage. Clients must give an informed consent’ which must be signed prior to the commencement of any treatment.
Hair Removal Using Electrical Currents
May only be carried out by persons holding a qualification recognized by the Association.
Hair Treatment
No member or Hair Therapist should carry out treatment on a client’s hair without proper consultation or qualification in a hair salon. Training for professional hair therapist is a prerequisite for hair dressing/ treatment qualification. Members must be certified in a reputable institute or salon apprenticeship for the stipulated time to qualify as a hair therapist.
Moles & Warts
No member may treat a client to remove moles or warts or undertake treatments by diathermy or other electrical or mechanical means unless
a). The member is on a separate register held by the Association of persons qualified to perform such treatments.
b). The client produces a signed certificate from her/his physician stating that she has no objection to the treatment being performed.
Sale of Instruments
Under the ethical rules, members are restricted in regard to the equipment that may be sold to clients. Under this heading members may not sell ultra-violet lamps or faradic body treatment units to clients without a certificate permitting such sale signed by the client’s physician. This rule is designed to prevent clients causing themselves unnecessary damage through using instruments without adequate supervision.
Code Enforcement
In enforcing the Code of Ethics and Subsidiary Ethical Rules and in trying to prevent improper practices being performed by persons other than our members, we depend upon the co-operation of all members. If members learn of breaches of the Code or know of establishments permitting activities lowering the status of Health and Beauty Therapists and bringing figure treatment work into disrepute, then they should report such matters to the Committee.
Any unethical behaviour is reviewed by the Committee and any necessary steps are taken. Members may be assured that any statements made to the President or the Secretary of the Association in this connection will be treated in the strictest confidence. We would ask for your active co-operation in this matter so as to ensure that the highest status of our profession is not discredited by the activities of a few unscrupulous Persons.