655 Bloodborne Pathogens in the Workplace
Glossary
Use the keyboard function: "Ctrl F" to search for terms in this glossary
A
- Absorption. The process by which chemicals enter the body through the skin, lungs, eyes, or gastrointestinal tract.
- Acetone. A solvent found in nail polish remover that can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, skin, and throat.
- Acetonitrile. A chemical used in fingernail glue remover that can irritate the nose and throat, cause breathing problems, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and exhaustion.
- Acute Illnesses. Immediate health conditions caused by short-term exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as dizziness, headaches, or skin irritation.
B
- Biological Hazards. Risks posed by biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or bloodborne pathogens that can cause infections, allergic reactions, or serious diseases.
- Bloodborne Pathogens. Infectious microorganisms in blood that can cause diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
- Butyl Acetate. A solvent found in nail polish and remover that can cause headaches and irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat.
C
- Chronic Illnesses. Long-term health conditions that develop over time due to repeated or prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as respiratory issues or organ damage.
- Competent Person. An individual who has the knowledge and training to identify and address workplace hazards effectively.
- Cumulative Exposure. The combined effect of repeated or prolonged contact with hazardous substances, which can increase the risk of illness over time.
D
- Disinfecting. The process of using chemicals to destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). A chemical in nail polish that can cause nausea and irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. Long-term exposure may lead to serious health effects.
E
- Employer Responsibilities. Requirements set by OSHA mandating employers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), train workers on chemical hazards, and ensure safe use of products.
- Ergonomics. The practice of designing workplace environments and tasks to reduce physical strain and injury, especially in repetitive or awkward positions.
- Ethyl Acetate. A solvent found in nail polish, nail polish remover, and fingernail glue that can irritate the eyes, stomach, skin, nose, mouth, and throat; high concentrations can cause fainting.
- Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA). A chemical used in artificial nail liquid that can cause asthma, irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, and mouth, and difficulty concentrating. Exposure during pregnancy may affect a child.
F
- Face Mask. A protective covering for the nose and mouth; paper masks commonly used in nail salons do not effectively protect against inhalation of chemical vapors.
- Filtering Facepiece Respirator. A type of respirator that covers the nose and mouth, filtering out particles, but not vapors or gases.
- Formaldehyde. A chemical in nail polish and hardeners that can cause breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and irritation to the eyes, skin, and throat. Long-term exposure is linked to cancer.
G
- Gel Nails. A type of artificial nail enhancement made from a gel-like substance that hardens under UV or LED light, providing a durable and glossy finish.
H
- Half-Mask Respirator. A respirator that covers the nose and mouth and can filter particles, vapors, and gases, depending on the cartridge used.
- Hazardous Chemicals. Substances found in nail salon products that can cause harm to workers' health through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
- Hazardous Ingredients. Chemical components in a product that pose potential health and safety risks, as outlined in an SDS.
- Hepatitis B. A viral infection transmitted through blood and bodily fluids that can cause chronic liver disease and is preventable through vaccination.
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). A virus that attacks the immune system and can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. It can lead to AIDS if untreated.
I
- Impervious Gloves. Protective gloves designed to prevent chemicals from seeping through to the skin. Specific types of gloves may not always be specified in SDSs.
- Immunization. The process of protecting against infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B, through vaccines.
- Isopropyl Acetate. A solvent found in nail polish and remover that can cause sleepiness and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
J
- Jelly Pedicure. A spa treatment involving a jelly-like foot soak that hydrates and exfoliates the feet, providing a soothing and luxurious experience.
K
- Keratin Treatment. A conditioning treatment used to strengthen and repair nails by restoring keratin, a protein naturally found in nails.
L
- Long Hours. Extended work durations that increase the total time workers are exposed to harmful chemicals, raising the risk of adverse health effects.
M
- Methacrylic Acid. A chemical used in nail primers that can cause skin burns and irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. High concentrations may lead to breathing difficulties.
- Methyl Methacrylate (MMA). A banned chemical in many states, formerly used in artificial nail products, that can cause asthma, irritation, difficulty concentrating, and loss of smell.
N
- Nail Art. Decorative designs or embellishments applied to nails using polish, stamps, jewels, or other materials to create customized looks.
O
- Overlay. A protective layer of acrylic, gel, or resin applied directly over natural nails to enhance strength and durability.
P
- Personal Hygiene. Practices such as regular handwashing, proper cleaning of tools, and avoiding touching the face to reduce the spread of infections and exposure to chemicals.
Q
- Qualified Person. An individual with specialized knowledge or training necessary to perform specific safety tasks in the workplace.
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. Chemicals found in disinfectants that can irritate the skin and nose and may cause asthma.
R
- Respirator Types. Various respirators, such as filtering facepiece and half-mask respirators, designed to protect workers from inhaling hazardous particles and vapors.
S
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Documents required by OSHA that provide detailed information about the hazards, safe usage, storage, and emergency procedures for products containing hazardous chemicals.
- SDS Binder. A centralized location where Safety Data Sheets are stored, ensuring accessibility for workers to reference safety information about hazardous products.
T
- Toluene. A solvent found in nail polish and fingernail glue that can cause dry or cracked skin, headaches, dizziness, numbness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can damage the liver and kidneys and harm unborn children during pregnancy.
- Training Requirements. OSHA-mandated instructions provided by employers to educate workers about chemical hazards, proper handling, and emergency procedures based on SDS information.
U
- UV Light. A light source used to cure gel nails or other nail enhancements, ensuring they harden and adhere properly.
V
- Ventilation. The process of circulating air in a workspace to reduce the concentration of hazardous vapors and improve air quality.
W
- Waterless Manicure. A manicure technique that skips the traditional water soak, focusing instead on moisturizing and softening the nails and cuticles with creams and oils.
X
- Xerosis. A condition characterized by excessively dry skin, often affecting the hands and feet, which can be treated during nail salon visits with hydrating products.
Y
- Yellow Nail Syndrome. A rare condition causing nails to become thick, discolored, and slow-growing, often requiring specialized care.