1. Call your local public health unit for information on PSS requirements.

2. Complete IPAC training and have your staff members complete IPAC training, if you choose.

3. Review the Personal Service Setting Regulation (Ontario Regulation 136 /18) and the Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings.

4. Provide owner / operator name, mailing address and phone number to the public health inspector, along with business name, business address and opening date. This can be completed on the following form.

5. Contact your local municipality and by-law departments for other specific requirements for a PSS business.

6. Draft a floor plan layout of the proposed PSS. Floor plans should show reprocessing and hand wash sink locations at a minimum. The public health inspector may want to review the floorplan.

7. Call your local public health inspector for an opening inspection. Approval is required before operating.

Setting Requirements:

• Premises must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
• Floors, walls and ceilings must be in good repair, easily cleanable, made of an impermeable material (non-absorbent) and maintained in a sanitary condition.
• The rooms used for services may not be used for eating/drinking, sleeping and/or selling, handling or preparing food.
• Lighting and ventilation must be sufficient to enable safe and sanitary operations of the facility.
• Waste receptacles are required including properly constructed and labelled containers for biomedical waste (sharps containers)

Sinks:

All sinks in a personal service setting must be equipped with hot and cold potable water under pressure. There are two (2) sinks that are required:

Hand Wash Sink

• Only used for hand washing
• Conveniently located to the work area
• Accessible at all times
• Stocked with necessary supplies
• May be located in a washroom if approved by a Public Health Inspector

Reprocessing Sink

• Required if premises have reusable equipment or tools that require reprocessing
• Deep enough to submerge your largest piece of equipment.
• Has adequate counter space to prepare the reusable equipment for use and re-use.
• Not located in a room with a toilet
• Is sufficiently separated from

*If premises offers only hair dressing and/or barbering service, the hand wash sink can be used as a reprocessing sink if,

• It is not located in a room with a toilet and
• Reprocessing occurs outside of operating hours

Products:

• Products used in the premises must be stored and dispensed in a manner that prevents contamination. i.e. single use popsicle sticks for wax, do not dip nail into dip container.
• Single-use products are to be used wherever possible.
• Expiry dates on products are to be checked, if applicable, prior to use to ensure the product has not expired.
• More information on specific products (e.g. ear piercing devices, ink caps) can be found on page 54 of the Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings.

Laundry

All laundered items must be stored in a manner to prevent contamination and kept separate from dirty or used linens.

• All linens, towels or sheets used during a service must be laundered before you can reuse them.
• Use the hot water setting in the washing machine and the hot air setting in the dryer.

Equipment:

• Equipment must be clean and in good repair.
• All equipment must be able to be adequately cleaned and disinfected or be covered by a single use disposable cover (to be discarded immediately after each use).
• Equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• All reusable equipment must be cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to prevent disease transmission.
• Items designed for single use must be properly disposed of after they are used. Do not save single use items to reuse on clients.
• Sharps containers must be labelled for biomedical waste, compliant with the Canadian Standards Association requirements and be disposed of as per requirements in the Environmental Protection Act.

Disinfectants:

• Any disinfectant used in the premises must be accompanied by a drug identification number (DIN) or a natural product number (NPN)- this requirement does not apply to chlorine bleach solutions.
• Some generic products, such as alcohol and bleach, may not have specific manufacturer’s instructions. If using isopropyl alcohol, ensure it is 70% to 90% as indicated on the label.
• Disinfectants are to be used prior to their expiry date or reuse claim.
• Disinfectant solutions are to be used, prepared, maintained (e.g., dilution, ventilation, storage), and disposed of according to the manufacturer’s instructions and be an appropriate level of disinfection for the equipment, tool or surface they are being used on.
• A disinfectant record must be maintained (see Record Keeping section below for more information).
• Prior to disinfection, all equipment and instruments are to have already been disassembled prior to cleaning (if there are removable parts) and thoroughly cleaned.
• Items are to be immersed in the disinfectant for the appropriate time to ensure microorganisms are destroyed.
• For more information, refer to Appendices E to I in the PSS Guidance Document

Sterilizers:

Sterilization is the highest level of reprocessing available. It kills or inactivates all pathogenic microorganisms including bacterial spores.

If you are thinking of using a sterilizer, please reach out to a public health inspector before purchasing to ensure all sterilizer requirements are met. The inspector will also discuss additional requirements for record keeping and batch validations.

The following are not to be used for sterilization:

• dishwasher (including those with sanitizing cycles)
• boiling
• ultraviolet light or irradiation
• glass bead sterilizers
• microwave ovens
• domestic ovens
• pressure cookers
• flash sterilization/immediate use sterilization (i.e., unwrapped items)
• chemiclaves
• glutaraldehyde

Further details on sterilizer requirements can be found in O.Reg 136/18, Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings and Personal Service Settings Guideline, 2019.

Record Keeping and Information:

All records must be kept on site for a minimum of one calendar year and retained in a readily available manner in a secure location for 2 years after that. Required documentation for record keeping is listed below:

Clients and Services

• Name and contact information for all clients receiving services. This does not apply to those receiving only hairdressing or barbering services.

Invasive Services

• Type of procedure and associated risks must be explained to client and proof of this documented (i.e. waiver and after care instructions)
• Name of client and services received
• Name of the employee who provided the service
• Date of procedure
• Lot number and expiry date of any pre-packaged sterile equipment used in the procedure

Accidental Exposures to Blood and Body Fluids

• Date of exposure and person providing service
• Service being provided
• Part of body exposed
• Action taken
• Name and contact information for the person exposed.

Disinfection Records

• Name of disinfectant
• Concentration of the disinfectant
• Date disinfectant was prepared, if applicable
• Date by which product must be discarded (i.e. reuse claim), if applicable.

Sterilization Records

• Name and type of sterilizer used
• Date and time when the sterilizer was used
• Equipment/tools on which the sterilizer was used
• Any preventative maintenance or repairs done on or to a sterilizer and whether the sterilizer functioned properly after the maintenance or repairs
• The results of any checks or tests done on sterilizers

Animals

No animals are permitted in a PSS with the exception of aquatic species displayed in sanitary tanks and Service Animals as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005.

Employee Hygiene & Training

All employees must wash their hands as often as necessary to remove contaminants and prevent disease transmission. Training for Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) is recommended but not required for most employees at personal service settings. Some online IPAC training options* below (*These courses are not endorsed by RCDHU but are known to contain information that would be useful as IPAC training for PSS).

• Canadian Red Cross – Bloodborne Pathogens
• Worksite Safety – Bloodborne Pathogens
• Progressive Mentorship – Bloodborne Pathogen Training for Tattoo & Body Piercing

The following services and products are not permitted in a personal service setting:

• Ear candling or coning
• Services involving live aquatic species (i.e. fish pedicures)
• Tattoos or piercings of the eye (as per the HPPA section 18.1)
• Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) – a type of artificial nail adhesive. Cosmetic products containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) are not to be sold in Canada.

Public health inspectors will conduct an inspection of a personal service setting (PSS) at least once per calendar year. It is the responsibility of the owner, operator and staff to ensure that the requirements of the regulation and any public health guidance are followed.

Be aware that non-compliance issues during an inspection may result in enforcement actions being taken by the public health inspector. Enforcement actions can be in the form of fines, orders, or summons to court.

A PSS could be closed by way of an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Reasons for a PSS closure can include:

• Tools/equipment not reprocessed sufficiently
• No reprocessing and/or hand wash sink available
• No potable water on site
• No hot water on site
• Poor sanitation/pest infestation
• Prohibited services being offered
• Uninspected business/services being offered

Inspection results for all PSS are publicly disclosed and available for the public to review online.

It is important not only to keep clients safe, but service providers as well!

Blood-borne infections can be caused by viruses and spread from person to person through contact with blood or bodily fluids. Some blood-borne viral infections include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

There are many ways that blood-borne infections can be spread in a PSS. Here are some common examples:

• Using dirty instruments.
• Not cleaning and disinfecting instruments and equipment properly after each client.
• Reusing single-use items, such as needles or blades.
• A worker accidentally pokes themselves with a used needle or a sharp instrument.
• Blood or body fluids come in contact with an open wound or cut. This could happen during a manicure or pedicure or when removing a blackhead or pimple.
• A splash or spray from blood or body fluids during a nose piercing or waxing gets into a worker eyes or mouth.

An instrument may look clean, but micro-organisms that can cause infection can still be present. Proper cleaning and disinfection is necessary.

You can be spreading hepatitis B or C virus without even knowing it. Protect yourself and your clients by washing your hands and practicing proper cleaning and disinfection and/or sterilization of instruments, equipment and work surfaces.

Clients that may be infected with hepatitis B or C, or HIV do not have to tell you they have a blood-borne disease.

Some things to know:

• You can protect yourself from hepatitis B – Get vaccinated.
• Hepatitis B can survive on surfaces like metal, glass and workstations for up to 10 days.
• Hepatitis C can survive on surfaces for up to four days

If you have any questions or concerns about a personal service establishment, you can contact the Healthy Environments team at Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

Phone: 613-732-3629 Ext. 505 or 1-800- 267-1097
Email: environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com

All complaints are kept confidential and the inspector will inform you of the findings and outcome of the investigation.

Any special events in Renfrew County and District that offer personal services must comply with all applicable sections of the Health Protection and Promotion Act and Ontario Regulation 136/18 Personal Service Settings.

If you are organizing a personal service special event (e.g. convention, show) or you are planning to provide a personal service at a special event you must fill out a special event application form and provide to RCDHU at least 14 days prior to the event. PSS Special Event forms are available upon request.

Due to the risk of contamination with the outside environment, RCDHU does not permit invasive PSS services, such as tattooing and piercing at outdoor special events, except for vendors that have enclosed mobile units.

Organizers and vendors must contact RCDHU to consult with a Public Health Inspector prior to the event if they have any questions about infection prevention and control practice requirements.

• Phone: 613-732-3629 Ext. 505 or 1-800- 267-1097
• Email: environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com

General Requirements for a PSS Special Event:

• The event organizer is responsible for ensuring the venue is maintained in a sanitary condition at all times during the event
• The event vendor is responsible to ensure their booth is always maintained in a sanitary manner during the event.
• All personal service vendors must ensure that workers at the event are aware of the IPAC requirements and maintain these practices for the services they provide
• Each booth area must be well lit to facilitate cleaning and prevent injuries.
• The booths shall be sectioned off to ensure limited public access where services are being provided. This is to ensure infection prevention and control (IPAC) standards can be maintained.
• Contact surfaces such as counters, trays, and tables must have a smooth and non-absorbent finish to allow for proper cleaning and disinfection.
• Chairs must be made of a material that can be cleaned and disinfected between clients. If chairs must be covered, the cover must be single-use and discarded between clients or cleaned and disinfected between clients.
• Soft surfaces such as grass, sand, gravel and mud require flooring. Acceptable flooring at the event includes: plywood, rubber mats or pavement

Hand Hygiene

All personal service workers must perform hand hygiene before service delivery and as required during and after service.

Invasive service hand hygiene requirements (i.e. tattooing, piercing)

• 70 to 90 per cent alcohol-based hand rub will be available at each booth
• The structured hand wash station will be located within vendor booth
• The structured hand wash station will be accessible during service
• The structured hand wash station will be equipped with potable water, soap and paper towel

Non-invasive Service Requirements (i.e. make-up application, waxing)

• 70 to 90 per cent alcohol-based hand rub will be available at each booth
• The structured hand wash station will be available in a convenient location and accessible during service
• The structured hand wash station will be equipped with potable water, soap and paper towel

Instruments and Sterilization

Reprocessing/sterilization of instruments is not permitted onsite.

It is recommended to use instruments that are single-use disposable and to bring multiple instrument sets for service on-site.

For items sterilized at a business location, you must have readily available onsite the name and address of where the items were sterilized.

For items purchased pre-packaged and sterile, you must have readily available onsite the name/address/telephone number of the supplier(s).

Any re-usable item must be placed into a covered puncture-resistant, leak-proof container immediately after use. The container will be labelled “Dirty items – do not use”. These items will be brought back to the business location for proper cleaning and disinfection.

Client and Vendor Health and Safety

Each vendor must:

• have an adequate amount of skin antiseptic and clean, single-use, disposable swabs on-site to cleanse the skin prior to any procedure where skin will be punctured such as tattooing and piercing.
• maintain client records for all services provided
• maintain records of accidental blood and body fluid exposures
• provide clients with verbal and written after-care information after all invasive procedures.

Eating, drinking, and smoking while providing a service is not permitted.

Immunization against hepatitis B is highly recommended for those providing invasive services.

Cleaning and Waste Disposal

Garbage, sharps, single-use tools/instruments, and liquid waste must be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Liquid waste must not be disposed of on the ground.

Use an approved sharps container for the disposal of all sharps (i.e. needles, razors). All sharp containers must be disposed of in an appropriate manner and not with municipal garbage.

Maintain tabletops/storage containers in a clean and sanitary manner.

Ontario Regulation: O. Reg. 136/18: PERSONAL SERVICE SETTINGS

Public Health Ontario: Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Personal Service Settings Guideline, 2019

Public Health Ontario: Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Risks Posed by Piercing Guns and Devices 

Public Health Ontario: Reprocessing Risks for Tattoo Cartridge Grips

Public Health Ontario: Examples of Reusable Equipment and Instruments

Public Health Ontario: Examples of Single-Use/Disposable/Single-Client Items 

Public Health Ontario: Classes of Equipment and Instruments

Public Health Ontario: Disinfectant Tables

Public Health Ontario: Algorithm for Level of Reprocessing for Equipment and Instruments

RCDHU: How to Clean Instruments in Personal Service Settings