5.2 Chemical Safety: Labels, SDS, Storage, Ventilation & Hazardous Waste

Quick Answer: Kansas requires every product to be kept in a labeled, closed container (K.A.R. 28-24-6), and the salon to be well ventilated so fumes, vapor and dust do not build up (K.A.R. 28-24-13). OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and each SDS has 16 sections. Kansas requires the SDS for each disinfectant to be on hand. Read the label before first use, label any container you fill, dispense small amounts, store products away from heat and flame, protect your eyes and skin, and never pour chemicals down the drain.

The Kansas Rules

The Board's FAQ defines well ventilated: air moves freely, and there is no build-up of fumes, vapor or dust that could cause hazardous conditions. The owner may need to add ventilation depending on the salon's size and services. Kansas does not set a specific airflow figure.

Labels and the GHS

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in 2012. Labels on hazardous chemicals must show:

1. the product identifier;
2. a signal word: "Danger" for more severe hazards or "Warning" for less severe ones;
3. hazard statements, such as "Highly flammable liquid and vapor";
4. pictograms: red-bordered diamonds, for example the flame for flammables, corrosion for skin burns and eye damage, exclamation mark for irritants and sensitizers, and health hazard for respiratory sensitizers or chronic effects;
5. precautionary statements, such as "Keep away from heat" or "Wear eye protection";
6. the manufacturer's name and contact information.

Secondary containers: when you pour acetone or alcohol from a gallon into a pump bottle, the smaller container must also be labeled with the product name and its hazards. OSHA allows an exception only for a portable container used immediately by the person who filled it. Kansas requires every product to be labeled anyway.

The 16-Section Safety Data Sheet

SDSs must be readily accessible to workers during every shift. Keep them in a binder or a reliable electronic system that everyone can reach.

Vapors vs. Dust

• Vapors are the gas form of liquids that evaporate at room temperature, such as acetone, monomer, polish solvents and primer. Control them with ventilation, closed containers, small working amounts in covered dappen dishes, and covered waste cans, since soaked cotton and towels keep releasing vapor.
• Dust is particles from filing acrylic, gel, dip and natural nail. Control it with light filing, source-capture tables, cleaning up dust with a damp towel (nail and neck dusters are prohibited), and a properly fitted dust mask or NIOSH-approved N95 respirator when needed.

Dust masks filter particles, not vapors. An N95 does not stop acetone or monomer fumes. For vapors, rely on ventilation, lids and small amounts. The NTN implements list names dust masks and safety goggles. Goggles or safety glasses protect the eyes from splashes such as acid primer and from flying clippings and dust.

Key Chemicals and Their Hazards

Gloves: Kansas's blood-exposure definition allows single-use nitrile, vinyl or latex (K.A.R. 28-24-1(o)). For chemical work with monomers and solvents, nitrile holds up far better than latex or vinyl, and it avoids latex allergy. Change gloves that are torn or contaminated.

Overexposure signs: headache, dizziness, itchy or watery eyes, irritated nose or throat, and skin rashes. They mean you need better ventilation, less product, closed containers and better technique. Repeated skin contact with monomer, uncured gel or primer is the main cause of allergic reactions in nail professionals.

Safe Storage

• Store products in their original labeled containers, tightly closed, in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat and open flame.
• Keep incompatible products apart and follow the storage section (7) of each SDS.
• Keep only the quantities you need at the station.
• Store monomer and primer where they cannot tip into the kit or onto clean items.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

• Never pour monomer, primer, acetone or other solvents down a sink or toilet.
• Small amounts of leftover monomer: wipe them onto a paper towel or absorbent material, place it in a sealable plastic bag, and put it in a covered waste can. Some manufacturers suggest mixing it with polymer powder to harden first. Follow the label and SDS.
• Solvent-soaked cotton and wipes go into a covered, lined receptacle. Empty it frequently, because solvent-soaked waste in an open can raises vapor levels and fire risk.
• Blood-contaminated waste is double-bagged (section 5.1). Sharp items go in a sharps container (K.A.R. 28-24-8(b)).
• Large quantities of unwanted chemicals are disposed of as the SDS (Section 13) and local waste authorities direct.