6.1 Implements, Tools & Equipment
Key Takeaways
Multi-use implements are nonporous (metal, glass or hard plastic) and are cleaned and disinfected after every service. Porous items are single-use in Kansas regardless of the manufacturer's label.
The nail rasp is a metal file with a grooved edge for smoothing the edges of toenails. The curette is a small spoon-shaped implement for removing debris from the nail folds. Both are lawful and are tested on the Written Practical exam.
Nippers trim only dead, loose tissue such as hangnails. Clippers shorten nails. Tweezers lift debris or place small decorations.
Foam toe separators, flip flops, pumice stones, files, buffers and the abrasive strips on foot files are single-use. Metal paddles, clippers and rasps are disinfected.
Dappen dishes hold small amounts of monomer or primer and are kept covered. UV and LED lamps cure gels. Dust masks filter particles, and safety goggles protect the eyes.
Quick Answer: Implements are small hand tools, equipment is larger permanent items such as tables, foot spas and lamps, and materials are supplies used up during a service. Kansas sorts every item into two groups. Multi-use items are nonporous and are cleaned and disinfected after each service. Single-use items are porous and are thrown away after one client. Know the named implements: pusher, nippers, clippers, tweezers, nail brush, files, rasp, curette, foot paddle, finger bowl, dappen dish, toe separators, pedicure cart, UV/LED lamp, dust mask and goggles.
Multi-Use vs. Single-Use: The Kansas Test
Ask one question: can this item be cleaned and then fully disinfected?
- Yes (nonporous: metal, glass, hard plastic): it is multi-use. After each service, clean, rinse and disinfect it (K.A.R. 28-24-10), and store it in a labeled, clean, enclosed container.
- No (porous: wood, paper, foam, cloth-backed abrasives, pumice): it is single-use. Discard it in a covered receptacle right after use (K.A.R. 28-24-8), whatever the package says.
NTN's sample Theory question uses the term multi-use implements for reusable metal instruments such as metal pushers.
Manicure Implements
| Implement | Purpose | Safe handling | Kansas category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuticle pusher (metal) | Gently pushes back the eponychium and loosens dead cuticle from the nail plate | Hold at a low angle, flat to the nail. Use light pressure. Never scrape or dig at the matrix | Multi-use: clean and disinfect |
| Orangewood stick | Pushes cuticle, cleans under the free edge, applies product, tip wrapped with cotton | Discard after use | Single-use |
| Cuticle nippers | Trims dead, loose tissue such as hangnails and dead cuticle tags | Never cut living skin. Keep the jaws sharp and closing evenly | Multi-use (not prohibited in Kansas) |
| Nail clippers | Shortens nails before filing. Toenail clippers are larger | Clip straight across. Don't squeeze thick nails, which can crack | Multi-use |
| Tweezers | Lifts small debris, places decals or gems | Keep the tips clean | Multi-use |
| Nail brush | Cleans nails and fingertips and removes debris over the finger bowl | Plastic or nylon bristles | Multi-use: clean and disinfect after each client |
| Nail files and buffers | Shape and smooth nails. Abrasive boards come in grits (lower number = coarser) | Use a fine grit on natural nails. File in one direction or corner to center | Porous boards: single-use. Metal or glass files: multi-use |
| Finger bowl | Holds warm water and soap for soaking fingertips | Fill fresh for each client | Clean and disinfect after each client |
| Dappen dish | Small container for monomer liquid, primer or other liquids used during a service | Dispense small amounts and keep it covered. Never pour used product back into the bottle | Glass: clean between clients; disposable: single-use |
Pedicure Implements and Equipment
| Implement | Purpose | Safe handling | Kansas category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail rasp | Metal implement with a grooved edge, used to file and smooth the edges of the toenail, especially along the sidewalls | File in one direction. Don't dig into the nail groove or skin | Multi-use: clean and disinfect (lawful; tested on the Written Practical) |
| Curette | Small, spoon-shaped implement for removing debris from the nail folds and the edges of the toenail | Use gently along the nail plate, never into living tissue or the hyponychium | Multi-use |
| Foot paddle / foot file | Large abrasive paddle to smooth dry, thickened skin and calluses | Use on dry or softened callus only, with light pressure. Never on broken skin | Metal or plastic base: disinfect. Abrasive strips or porous files: single-use |
| Pumice stone | Smooths callused skin | Light pressure | Single-use |
| Toenail clippers | Shortens thick toenails | Cut straight across | Multi-use |
| Toe separators | Keep toes apart for polishing | — | Foam: single-use |
| Foot spa / basin | Holds water for the foot soak | Drain, clean and disinfect after every client (K.A.R. 28-24-9; section 8.5) | Equipment |
| Pedicure cart | Holds implements, products and supplies at the pedicure station | Organized. Clean and used items kept separate | Rolling carts are allowed if the cart and its contents meet the sanitation rules and inspectors can reach them |
| Flip flops / slippers | Protect wet polish as the client leaves | — | Single-use |
The Board's list of single-use manicure and pedicure items: orange sticks, files, buffers, chamois bits, sanding bands, arbor bands, pumice stones, foot files with sandpaper strips, pedicure liners, foam toe separators and flip flops.
Enhancement Implements and Materials
- Nail tips: plastic (usually ABS) extensions adhered to the natural nail and then overlaid (section 9.1).
- Nail wraps: silk, linen, fiberglass or paper pieces bonded with resin to strengthen or repair nails (section 9.2).
- Nail forms: disposable adhesive forms or reusable forms placed under the free edge to sculpt an extension (section 9.4).
- Acrylic brush: sable brush for monomer and polymer. Clean it with monomer or the manufacturer's brush cleaner, reshape it and store it covered.
- Electric file: handpiece with bits and mandrels, which are disinfected after each use. Sanding bands are single-use (section 9.6).
Lamps, Light and Protective Gear
- UV light rays and lamps: gel products harden under ultraviolet (UV-A) light from UV or LED curing lamps. Use the lamp the gel manufacturer specifies. Place the whole nail inside for the full cure time. Clean and disinfect the lamp's base and surfaces as equipment. UV exposure from nail lamps is low, but clients who want to limit it can use fingerless gloves or broad-spectrum sunscreen on the backs of their hands. UV light is never a method of sterilization in Kansas.
- Dust mask: protects against inhaled dust from filing, but not chemical vapors (section 5.2).
- Safety goggles or glasses: protect the eyes from flying clippings, filing debris and splashes of primer, acetone or disinfectant concentrate.
- Gloves: single-use nitrile, vinyl or latex for blood exposure. Nitrile is preferred for chemical work.
Care and Maintenance
- Inspect implements before each use. Sharpen or replace nippers with dull or misaligned jaws, since dull nippers tear tissue. Replace chipped glass files and bent pushers.
- Clean hinges and serrations with a brush before disinfecting, and dry them to prevent rust. Lubricate as the manufacturer directs.
- Store clean implements in a labeled, clean, enclosed container, drawer or cabinet for clean instruments only. Store used ones in a labeled, covered container (K.A.R. 28-24-10).
- Never carry implements in pockets, instrument belts or apron organizers (K.A.R. 28-24-14(b)).
- If an implement drops on the floor, treat it as used. Clean your hands and take a clean one.
Which implement is a small, spoon-shaped tool used to remove debris from the nail folds and along the edges of the toenail?
Curette
Nail rasp
Cuticle nippers
Foot paddle
What is the purpose of a nail rasp during a pedicure?
To shave thick calluses from the heel
To cut living tissue from an ingrown toenail
To file and smooth the edges of the toenail, working in one direction
To push back the eponychium on the big toe
Which pedicure item does the Kansas Board list as single-use?
A metal foot paddle base
Stainless steel toenail clippers
A metal nail rasp
A pumice stone
What is the purpose of a dappen dish in nail services?
To soak the client's fingertips before a manicure
To hold a small amount of monomer liquid, primer or other liquid for use during one service
To store clean implements after disinfection
To collect blood-contaminated waste before double-bagging
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.