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How to Disinfect Foot Care Tools Between Clients
(Canada Standards)

In professional foot care - whether in a spa, salon, or clinical setting - proper disinfection and sterilization are essential. Not only do these practices protect your clients from infections, but they also ensure that you remain compliant with provincial health regulations and Health Canada standards.

This guide outlines how to properly disinfect and sterilize foot care tools between clients, with a specific focus on the Canadian requirements for salons, spas, and clinical foot care providers.

Why This Matters

Foot care tools come in close contact with skin, nails, and potentially blood or bodily fluids. Improper sanitation can lead to:

  • Fungal infections (e.g., athlete’s foot)

  • Bacterial infections (e.g., staph)

  • Viral infections (e.g., HPV or hepatitis)

  • Legal penalties, fines, or business shutdowns

  • Damage to your business reputation

Canada’s Three Levels of Decontamination

In Canada, tool decontamination is regulated in three levels: cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. These definitions are used by Health Canada, local public health units, and provincial regulators (like Ontario's Ministry of Health or Alberta Health Services).

1. Cleaning

  • Definition: Physical removal of dirt, debris, and organic matter.

  • Tools Required: Soap or detergent, warm water, brush.

  • Purpose: Essential before any disinfection or sterilization step.

2. Disinfection

  • Definition: Destruction of most disease-causing microorganisms (excluding bacterial spores).

  • Required For: Tools that contact intact skin only (e.g., foot files, emery boards).

  • Products: Use only Health Canada-approved disinfectants with a DIN (Drug Identification Number).

  • Levels:

    • Low-Level: For non-invasive, non-critical items.

    • Intermediate-Level: For items in frequent contact with skin (used most often in foot care).

    • Contact Time: Follow the manufacturer's exact time; short-changing reduces effectiveness.

3. Sterilization (High-Level Standard)

  • Definition: Complete destruction of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

  • Required For: critical or semi-critical tools, such as:

    • Cuticle nippers

    • Nail clippers

    • Callus shavers

    • Instruments that contact non-intact skin, mucous membranes, or blood

Sterilization Standards in Canada

According to Health Canada, and echoed by provincial bodies (like the Ontario Ministry of Health, BCCDC, and Alberta Health Services), sterilization must meet the following standards:

1. Autoclave Use (Steam Sterilization)

  • Device: CSA-approved autoclave (Canadian Standards Association).

  • Temperature & Pressure:

    • 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for 30 minutes, or

    • 134°C (273°F) at higher pressure for a shorter time

  • Requirements:

    • Use distilled water in the autoclave.

    • Follow manufacturer instructions.

    • Log each sterilization cycle with:

      • Date/time

      • Load contents

      • Results of indicators

  • Biological Indicators: Use spore tests (e.g., once weekly) to verify sterilization efficacy.

2. Chemical Sterilants (Less Common, Used When Autoclave Not Feasible)

  • Product Must Be Health Canada-Approved as a “Sterilant.”

  • Common ingredients: Glutaraldehyde, Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)

  • Soak tools completely for required immersion time (often several hours).

  • Rinse thoroughly with sterile water.

  • Store in sterile packaging.

⚠️ Note: High-level disinfectants are not the same as sterilants. Check product labels and Health Canada’s list of approved medical device disinfectants and sterilants:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/medical-devices.html

Tool Disinfection Workflow (Between Clients)

  • Wear gloves and PPE.

  • Clean tools with soap, brush, and warm water to remove all visible debris.

  • Disinfect or sterilize based on tool type:

    • Skin-contact only? → Use intermediate-level disinfectant with DIN.

    • Non-intact skin contact? → Sterilize in autoclave or approved sterilant.

  • Rinse and dry tools if required.

  • Package and label sterilized tools, store in a clean, closed container.

  • Document the process in your sanitation logbook.

Single-Use Tools and Best Practices

  • Items like foot file pads, emery boards, orangewood sticks, and toe separators should be disposed of immediately after one use.

  • Never reuse single-use tools, even on the same client.

Documentation and Compliance (Required in Most Provinces)

  • Keep records of:

  • Disinfection product names, DINs, and expiry dates

  • Autoclave cycle logs (daily)

  • Sterilization indicator test results (weekly)

  • Tool cleaning and disinfection schedules

  • Public health inspectors may request to review these at any time.

Complying with Canada’s disinfection and sterilization standards is critical to maintaining a safe, professional foot care practice. Understanding which tools require cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization—and using the correct processes—is your responsibility as a provider.

Important: always check with your provincial public health authority for specific requirements in your region, as standards may differ slightly by province or health district.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options.

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