CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS REPRODUCTION OF BACTERIA

Bacteria consist of a cell wall and internal protoplasm. Using the surrounding environment they manufacture their own food, grow, and reproduce. During the bacteria's life cycle, they have two distinct phases: active and inactive. During the active stage they grow and reproduce. Bacteria multiply in dark, warm, damp, and dirty places where sufficient food is present. The bacterial cell absorbs the food, grows to its capacity, and separates, producing two daughter cells. One cell can lead to the reproduction of millions of cells under favorable conditions. Once the area is sanitized and favorable conditions do not exist, the cells will either die or become inactive. These inactive cells can withstand periods of famine, dryness, and unsuitable temperatures by forming a tough outer shell. These inactive cells can be blown around in the dust and are not affected by disinfectants, heat, or cold. Once conditions are favorable again, these cells will return to the active stage and reproduce.

Chemical disinfectants are germicidal solu-tions or substances that eliminate or reduce the number of bacteria. They must be used for adequate disinfection of barber instruments. The most commonly used chemical disinfectants in a barbershop are as follows:

l Clippercide Spray 4-in-1 Formula (avail-able through the ship's store contract bulletin) or an equivalent spray that disinfects, lubricates, cleans, cools, and is approved by the Environ-mental

1 Protection Agency (EPA) and has an EPA registration number- may be used for disinfecting removable clipper heads and other metallic instruments.

l Alcohol 70 percent- may be used for metallic instruments or combs.

l Disinfectant, germicide, fungicide- a standard stock item useful for disinfecting combs.

NOTE: The use of ultraviolet light, form-aldehyde tablets, and materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air is not authorized for use in ships' barbershops.

WET DISINFECTANT
A wet disinfectant is a receptacle for holding a disinfectant solution in which objects to be sanitized are completely immersed. It is used for nonmetallic instruments such as combs. A barbicide or marvicide solution is used to disinfect tools.
DISINFECTING CABINET
The disinfecting cabinet is used for holding sanitized clipper heads and other metallic instruments that have been disinfected with Clippercide Spray 4-in-1 Formula or an equivalent spray after each use. Remember, the equivalent spray must be approved by the EPA and have an EPA registration number.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING INSTRUMENTS
Instruments coming in contact with the customer need to be sanitized before reusing. This includes blades, shears, combs, and so forth, which should be thoroughly washed in hot, soapy water to remove film, oil, and debris, followed by placing the combs and other nonmetallic instruments in the wet disinfectant. The medical department determines the frequency for changing the solutions in the wet disinfectant; normally, it should be done at least twice weekly or, if the workload requires, on a daily basis. Combs disinfected in the chemical solution should be disinfected for at least 20 minutes between uses. They should be rinsed in running potable water to remove any chemical residue before using them. Clipper blades and other metallic instruments must be dusted, wiped thoroughly, disinfected with a commercial disinfectant sprayed after each use, and placed in the disinfecting cabinet immediately. Use commercial spray products according to the manufacturer's instructions on the labels. Do not use any formaldehyde or formaldehyde producing products.