ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Health and Safety
Applying
Artificial Finger
Nails
A Guide to Controlling the Health
and Safety Hazards to Employees
Artificial Fingernails
1. Introduction
You have a general duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and associated
legislation, to control the many hazards relating to the application of artificial fingernails. There are
many hazards that must be controlled to prevent any harm to employees, customers, selfemployed persons and any other people who share the facilities.
The application of artificial finger nails has many hazards that are specific to the industry and the
hazards must be controlled, specific risks include chemical exposure, dust exposure, infectious
diseases and musculoskeletal disorders.
The first step of controlling any hazards in the workplace is to undertake a risk assessment. A risk
assessment is a careful examination of the hazards in your business and deciding whether more
can be done to prevent people from being harmed. The aim is to ensure that no-one is injured or
suffers from an occupational disease as a result of your work activities.
There are Five Steps to a risk assessment:
1. Look for the hazards.
2. Decide who might be harmed and how.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or whether more
should be done.
4. Record your findings.
5. Review your assessment and revise if necessary.
If your business had 5 employees or more you will need to have written risk assessments and
make them available to health and safety inspectors during an inspection.
The information contained in this leaflet will help you identify the risks to staff and customers and
also suggest control measure that should be implemented.
The HSE Leaflet Five Steps to Risk Assessment – INDG163 (rev 1) HSE, offers further guidance
on undertaking risk assessments.
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2. Chemical Exposures
Working with artificial fingernails can be harmful to health. The chemicals found in artificial nails
can be harmful not only to employees, but also to customers. Chemical vapours can even escape
the salon and affect neighbouring businesses. However, nail work can be done safely if the proper
steps are taken.
What is the problem?
The chemicals in artificial nail products can enter the body from breathing them, from accidentally
swallowing them, or from absorbing them through the skin. Whether they affect a person’s health
depends on several factors:
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how often and how long the person is exposed to the chemicals
how the chemicals enter the body
the amount of the chemicals in the air and/or on the skin
the kinds of harm a specific chemical can cause
Artificial nail products can irritate the skin and cause a rash. They can also cause dryness, flaking
and cracking of the skin.
An allergy to some chemicals may also develop, resulting in redness, itching, hives and sometimes
blisters. Once an allergy to a chemical develops, exposure to even a tiny amount can cause an
allergic reaction – which in extreme cases can be life-threatening. Nail products which can produce
an allergic skin reaction include methacrylates, formaldehyde and benzoyl peroxide.
Eyes
Contact with vapours and airborne dusts can cause irritation and redness, burning, itching or
discomfort. The eyes may water and vision may briefly become distorted. Chemicals which can
cause these effects include acrylates and many solvents, such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and
acetone.
Nose, Throat and Lungs
These same chemicals can also irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms include irritation or
soreness of the nose and throat, hoarseness, coughing, lung congestion, chest tightness and
shortness of breath. Cigarette smoking can worsen these symptoms. Chronic bronchitis can
develop from repeated exposure to chemicals that irritate the lungs.
Repeated exposure to some of the artificial nail products, such as ethyl methacrylate (EMA), can
cause asthma. Symptoms of asthma include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of
breath and tightness in the chest. Once a person becomes sensitized to a chemical, extremely
small amounts of that chemical (or even similar ones) can cause asthmatic attacks.
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Contact Dermatitis
As the term implies, contact dermatitis is a disease resulting from skin coming into contact with an
outside agent. These agents can be chemical, biological or physical in nature. There are two types
of contact dermatitis associated with skin exposure to chemicals: Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)
and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
The signs of contact dermatitis include redness, swelling, blistering, flaking and cracking. It can
lead to itching, bleeding and puss formation.
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)
ICD is a local inflammation of the skin. It can develop after a short heavy single exposure (acute) or
be due to repeated and prolonged exposure (chronic) to hazardous agents, including chemicals. In
some cases, more than one agent will be involved, for example water and detergents. The irritant
action of a chemical depends on its ability to cause changes to the horny (outside) layer of the skin.
Some substances can remove skin oils, fats and moisture from the surface. This action reduces
the protective action of the skin and increases the ability of the irritant substance to enter or
infiltrate the skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
ACD develops in stages. The allergic reaction begins with a process called sensitisation.
Sensitisation starts when an allergic substance penetrates the skin. This provokes a number of
immunological responses. The process can last from four days to three weeks.
When a sensitised person is re-exposed to an allergenic substance, white blood cells recognise it
and react to protect the body. But they also release chemicals called lymphokines. These cause
itching, pain, redness, swelling and blisters on the skin. Once sensitised, the allergic reaction is
likely to remain with the individual for life. If further contact is prevented, the level of sensitivity may
gradually decline.
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Nervous System
Breathing in the vapours of certain chemicals can affect the brain the same way as drinking too
much alcohol does. Overexposure to these vapours can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness,
as well as make people feel irritable, confused or drunk. Long-term exposure can affect the brain
(including the ability to learn and to concentrate). Some of these chemicals are MEK, acetone,
toluene, xylene, ethyl ether and methacrylates.
Cancer
Most of the substances used in artificial nails have not been adequately tested to see if they can
cause cancer. Formaldehyde and methylene chloride are suspected of causing cancer. Avoid
products that contain these chemicals.
Reproductive System
Most of the chemicals used in artificial nails have not been adequately tested to see if they can
harm a developing baby or affect the fertility of men or women. Organic solvents are used in
artificial nail products and can be absorbed into the body by inhalation or by skin contact. This type
of chemical can cause birth defects when a pregnant woman is exposed to them. They can also
harm the nursing infant. Avoid the use of acetonitrile and the glycol ethers.
You should consider excluding pregnant workers, and breast feeding mothers, from working with
these chemicals. As a minimum you should consider decreasing their exposure by making them to
perform other duties such as receptionist. You must make them aware of the risks to their unborn
child and baby.
Controlling Chemical Exposure
You will need to undertake a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) risk
assessment. Acquiring a safety data sheet from the chemical suppliers will enable you to complete
a thorough risk assessment as well as simply reading any information on the labels.
When undertaking a COSHH risk assessment you should;
1. Assess the risks
2. Use less hazardous chemicals wherever possible (look for safer brands)
3. Control the Exposures
4. Provide PPE, as a last resort.
In the USA Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) has been banned since the mid 1970’s due to the related
health effects. A similar chemical EMA is used and is presently considered less harmful, although
research is still being undertaken. You should not use any products that contain MMA. Products
that contain EMA are considered safer but still harm your health.
In the nail salon, to get rid of EMA in the air you breathe, you should apply artificial fingernails at a
ventilated work table. It is also helpful to keep all bottles of fingernail liquid tightly capped. Finally,
you should look at your work habits to see if they can be improved.
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Ventilated Table
Researchers from the USA’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have
found that a ventilation table protects the nail technician best against breathing EMA. The
ventilated table is the most important engineering control for getting rid of EMA in the fingernail
salon because the vented table places local exhaust ventilation close to the work area. Ventilation
provided in the wall is not as effective as it will draw the dangerous chemicals, up passed the face
of the nail technician allowing them to inhale the dangerous chemicals.
● Place local exhaust ventilation as close to the EMA source as possible. Exhaust this air
outdoors. Charcoal filters that allow the air to be used over again are not recommended
because it is hard to know when the charcoal is full.
● Build a ventilated table, or change a table you already own into a ventilated one (Figure
1). Ventilated table sizes will vary from nail salon to nail salon. Choose a wood for your
ventilated table that will not soak up the chemicals. If the table acts like a sponge, it may
actually expose you to the chemicals you want to avoid. A veneer-coated particle board
works well for the table material.
Figure 1
Make a hole in the table top for an air intake (called the downdraft face). This downdraft face
should be placed on the technician’s side of the table. Cover the hole with a screen-like cover
(or perforated plate) to prevent things from falling in.
The client’s side of the table should be a little higher than the technician’s side. This will allow
the client’s hands to hang over the downdraft face and be as close as possible to the local
exhaust ventilation (Figure 2).
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Figure 2
● Make sure enough air blows through the table downdraft to get rid of the EMA. The
amount of air exhausted depends on its speed as it moves through the downdraft face and
on the size of the table opening. However, too much air rushing past the fingernails may
cause the artificial nail product to crystallize.
An air speed of 620 feet (17.5m3) per minute, directly above the 13- by 4-inch (33cm to
10cm) downdraft face works well. A 22-inch (56cm) baffle should surround the downdraft
face to pull the moving air closer to the clients hands.
Different drying times are needed for different fingernail products and different application
techniques. Although a stronger and larger airflow will collect more dust during filing and dry
the colour coat faster, a slower and lower airflow gives better results for the artificial
fingernail product.
● Choose an exhaust fan that can exhaust at least 250 cubic feet (7m3) per minute of air
and has ¼-inch (0.6cm) static pressure. A 1/8 horse power centrifugal fan should work well.
To prevent fan noise from getting in the way of talk or client comfort, you can do one of three
things:
(1) buy a quiet fan,
(2) put a cover over a noisier fan, or
(3) buy an outdoor fan to be placed on an outside wall.
The fan should have control settings. Use either a multi-speed or high-volume exhaust fan
with a damper..
● Provide enough makeup air to replace the exhausted air. If the makeup air is too weak,
there will be negative pressure areas and perhaps drafts. The air intake, which pulls outdoor
air inside, should not be placed near the building exhaust. If the exhaust and intake vents are
too close, dirty air will be pulled back into the room.
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● Comfort fans should not blow directly on the downdraft face because the strong air
movement can interfere with the exhaust airflow.
● Keep Dispenser Bottles Closed
Use dispenser bottles that have small openings, only large enough for an application brush
to enter. The bottle stoppers should be pressure sensitive. A dispenser bottle with a
pressure-sensitive stopper and small opening will result in less evaporation of the fingernail
liquid and, thus, will cut down on possible exposures to methacrylates (Figure 3).
Figure 3
Nail technicians can also lower their exposures to these airborne chemicals by changing some of
their work habits:
1. EMA-soaked gauze pads should be placed in a sealed bag before being thrown in the waste
bin.
2. Waste bin liners should be changed daily.
3. No more than the needed amount of fingernail liquid should be poured into the closed
dispenser bottle.
4. Smoking should be banned for the entire salon because many of the chemicals in a beauty
shop, including nail products, catch fire easily, and smoking increases the likelihood of
persons developing respiratory illness associated with occupational disease.
5. For First Aid advice, refer to the safety data sheet. Ensure all staff are aware of the first aid
procedures.
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3. Dust Exposure
Dust occurs when the nails are filed, more dust is created using electric files. The dust is a
respiratory and eye irritant. Acrylic materials used in nail products typically contain methacrylaters,
these can trigger occupational asthma and high concentrations may cause central nervous system
depression. Acrylic dust resting on the skin can cause allergic reactions and make nail technicians
hyper sensitive to the dust, causing dried skin, and painful rashes.
The ventilation systems, mentioned above, will help to remove dust from the air. However there are
a number of other measures that should be applied;
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Wear long sleeved clothing, to prevent dust settling on the arms.
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Always wear gloves. Change them after each client, (preferably cotton lined or plastic
disposable – nitrile gloves produce less allergic reactions than latex). Barrier creams are
not effective.
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Wear a dust mask when filing acrylic nails, consider offering them to clients.
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Wear eye protection when filing the nails, these can also be offered to clients as they
protect from some dust exposure, but also from chipping or chemical splashes getting
into the eye.
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Nail technicians should wash their hands and face regularly throughout the day removing
any accumulations of dust. Use moisturising cream regularly.
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Encourage Nail technicians to shower after returning home from work, to remove any
dust from their hair and bodies.
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4. Infectious Diseases
Risk of Disease
Infections like hepatitis and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) make it vital to have high
standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene and infection control. Hepatitis, HIV and other diseases
are spread by blood and body fluids and it is essential that equipment (especially if contaminated
by blood) is thoroughly cleaned/disinfected and that strict codes of work and personal hygiene are
followed.
In addition to these well-known health issues, nail technicians face special infection issues.
Artificial fingernails are known to harbour more harmful bacteria (like staphylococcus) and yeasts
(like candida) than natural nails and handwashing is not enough to remove these pathogens. Nail
technicians need to be aware that their own artificial nails may transfer infection to clients and
clients may transfer infection to the technician.
Dermatologists also warn that excessive filing and buffing can cause nail trauma and also put the
recipient at greater risk of bacterial or yeast infections. Bumps to nails and even over-zealous filing
or buffing can tear the skin and allow dirt and germs to enter.
Never cut the cuticle. If the nail is re-glued without proper cleaning, bacteria and fungi may grow in
between nails and spread to the natural nail.
Clean the nail with alcohol before applying the new nail. If the space between the artificial and
natural nail is not regularly filled, then this space can increase the risk of infection.
Fungal infections can also occur if artificial nails are left on too long (more than three months).
Moisture accumulates under the nail creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Controlling the spread of infection
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wash your hands and your client’s hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning
wash your hands after contact with blood or after removing gloves
check for any cuts and abrasions and cover them with waterproof dressings, and
always wash hands before and after working, going to the toilet, eating, drinking and smoking.
Managing Exposure to Blood or Other Body Substances
Every nail technician should understand clearly what to do if they are exposed to blood or other
body substances. After exposure to blood or other body substances the nail technician should:
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Wash with liquid soap and water where the exposure does not involve a cut or puncture.
If eyes are splashed, gently rinse them while they are open, or use an eye bath.
If blood or other body substances get in to the mouth, spit out and then rinse the mouth with
water several times.
If clothing is soiled, remove clothing and shower if necessary.
Report the incident immediately to your supervisor if there is one, and
Seek medical advice as soon as possible, if the cut is serious.
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You may wish to have immunisation against hepatitis B and also consider immunisation against
tetanus. Discuss this with your GP. As with most immunisation, regular boosters may be needed.
If a client bleeds during the course of a procedure;
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put on clean disposable gloves (if not already wearing them),
place a clean dressing on the wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding,
place soiled, disposable sharp equipment into a sharps or similar container,
dispose of soiled dressings into a waste bin,
place soiled, reusable equipment into a labelled container (for example Soiled Equipment),
clean the work area surfaces, that is benches, chairs or floors that have become soiled with
blood or other body substances, as soon as possible with water and detergent, removing all
visible soil using a disposable cloth,
dispose of cloths used for wiping up blood,
remove gloves, dispose of them and wash hands thoroughly.
Personal Protective Equipment
In some situations personal protective equipment (PPE) may be the most practical and effective
way to minimise risk. Examples of PPE are gloves, aprons and dust masks, where needed, and
safety glasses, which should be worn when cleaning equipment or mixing chemicals. Be aware
that contact lenses are not PPE and should not be worn by nail technicians as they make the eye
extremely difficult to clean in case of accident and some vapours can make them melt.
Cleaning Equipment Properly
All equipment must be cleaned as soon as it is used. A special area should be set aside for
cleaning, and plastic or nitrile gloves worn during the entire process.
To clean equipment, always:
1. Pre-rinse equipment in cold water.
2. Wash in tepid water and detergent taking extra care with hard-to-reach areas. Hold the item
under water and carefully scrub with a clean brush.
3. Equipment which cannot be washed must be wiped clean with 70 per cent alcohol on a
clean cotton pad.
4. Dry and store in a dust-free environment.
5. Ensure that all equipment such as clippers, scissors and bits from electric drills are
thoroughly cleaned between patients. Use wire brushes and solutions such as barbacide.
Ensure equipment is left to dry after cleaning, to prevent any harmful chemicals from the
cleaning solutions being absorbed through the skin.
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5. Posture and Physical Injury
Many nail technicians experience problems with upper body injuries caused by having to maintain
awkward postures of the upper body and limbs while performing highly repetitive tasks. Ergonomic
assessment of the work of nail technicians found there are high injury risk factors attached to the
nail technician’s duties. This includes repetition, forcefulness of hand movements (as in filing and
buffing), uncomfortable postures held for long periods (like bent neck), and in a thriving business,
little recovery time between sessions.
Injuries include musculo-skeletal disorders, also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSI). These
can include injuries like myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Scientific
studies show neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers are at significant risk of injury unless
efforts are made to reduce the problem areas.
How to minimise potential injury
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Ensure that work stations are at the right height for the relevant tasks, such as manicure tables
at the right height and reception desks at a comfortable standing height, and
Use height-adjustable chairs with good back support.
Adjust the height of the chair to ensure that arms are in a comfortable position and your head is
not constantly bent too far forward as you work.
Vary tasks as much as possible to allow recovery time for muscles.
Manage bookings to rotate the lengthy, demanding tasks if possible.
Store all objects between knee and shoulder height.
Avoid swivelling your body while working and try to move your feet in the same direction as you
are turning.
Do finger stretching exercises and rotation of wrists, shoulders and neck.
During busy periods take 5 minutes breaks between patients, take a short walk outside and
undertake some easy stretching exercises.
Encourage staff to wear comfortable clothing, including footwear.
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6. Training
All employees must receive adequate training to allow them to undertake their job safely. This must
include how to use hazardous substances safely. They need to know what the health effects are if
not handled correctly.
Training should cover:
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The risk assessment process
Reading and understanding labels and safety data sheets.
Safe handling and work practices (including working with chemicals, posture and infection
control, etc)
The use of PPE like gloves and eye protectors
Clean-up of spills, and
Emergency procedures and first aid.
Training should take into account literacy levels and language barriers and it should be practical,
with hands-on sessions.
Training needs to be updated when there is a change in the hazardous substances used or if
different control methods are used.
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7. Further information and guidance;
The following leaflets are available free from HSE Books 01787 881 165 or
www.hsebooks.com/books ,available from the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk or from the Health
and Safety Team direct.
Five Steps to Risk Assessment – INDG163 (rev 1) HSE
COSHH: A Brief Guide to the Regulations – INDG 136 (rev 3) HSE
Respiratory Sensitisers and COSHH – INDG 95 (mv2) HE
Aching Arms (or RSI) in Small Businesses – INDG 171 (rev 1) HSE
Blood-borne Viruses in the Workplace – INDG 342 (HSE)
Health and Safety Training – INDG 345 HSE
New and Expectant Mothers at Work – C40 HSE
Selecting protective gloves for work with chemicals: Guidance for employers and health and safety
specialists – INDG 330
Preventing Dermatitis at Work – INDG 233
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You can contact The Health and Safety Team directly for further information, advice or single
copies the publications listed:
Telephone: 01772 906907
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.preston.gov.uk/businesses/health-and-safety/business-specific-information/beauty/
hairdressing/
or write to:
Health and Safety
Environmental Health Department
Lancastria House
77-79 Lancaster Road
Preston
PR1 2RH
We would like to acknowledge the following publications:
Controlling Chemical Hazards During the Application of Artificial Fingernails, National Institute of
Occupational Safety (USA) www.cdc.gov/niosh
Artificial Fingernails and Indoor Air Quality, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of
Labour, Division of Occupational Safety www.mass.gov/dos
Nail Technician’s Tips for Health and Safety, The Department for Women, Australia
www.women.nsw.gov.au
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