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Establishment Self-Inspection Checklist
Last Updated 09/20/2024
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The Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences is providing this self-inspection checklist as a tool to assist establishment owners and managers in complying with the board’s statutes and rules. Establishment owners and managers are encouraged to use this tool every six months. Any deficiencies should be corrected immediately.

*This checklist is being provided as a courtesy. The items listed here are not designed to be exhaustive or to serve as a replacement for an inspection conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. Establishment owners and managers should familiarize themselves with the official published versions of the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences statutes and rules.
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Name of Establishment: _____________________________________

Street Address: ______________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________

Date Completed: ___________ Name of Licensee Completing the Checklist: ______________________________________
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Definitions
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The following definitions apply to the self-inspection list.

“Cleaning” refers to removing visible debris and disposable parts, washing the surface or item with water and soap or detergent, rinsing the surface or item thoroughly and drying the surface or item. Cleaning must occur before disinfection can begin.

“Disinfectant” means an EPA-registered bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, pseudomonacidal chemical solution, spray or wipe that is effective against HIV-1 and human hepatitis B virus and is intended to destroy or irreversibly inactivate specific viruses, bacteria, or pathogenic fungi, but not necessarily their spores, on nonporous items and surfaces.

“Disinfection” means the procedure that kills pathogenic microorganisms, but not necessarily their spores.

“Dispensary” means a separate physical location or area in a establishment or school to be used for the storing and dispensing of supplies and cleaning and disinfecting of all implements. The dispensary is where products, chemicals and disinfectants are prepared, measured, mixed, portioned, and disposed of.

“FDA” means the federal Food and Drug Administration.

“Germicide” means an agent that destroys germs.

“Nonporous” means an item that lacks minute openings or crevices that keep air, water and bacteria from entering the item.

“Porous” means an item that contains minute openings or crevices that allow air, water and bacteria to enter the item, such as untreated wood, paper and cardboard.

“School” means a school of barbering and cosmetology arts & sciences.

“Service provider” means any person regulated by Iowa Code chapter 157, including but not limited to establishment owners, licensees, students, blow-dry stylists and apprentices.

“Sterilization” means the procedure that kills all microorganisms, including their spores.

“Universal precautions” means practices consistently used to prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens and the transmission of disease.

“Wash hands” means the process of thoroughly washing hands and the exposed portions of the arms up to the elbow with soap or detergent and water and drying with a single-use towel or air dryer. Bar soap shall not be set out for common use.
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Display and Identification Requirements
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The establishment has a sign visible outside the entrance designating it as a place of business.
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The most current establishment license renewal card is posted in the front entrance providing the public a full, unobstructed view of the license. Photo and electronic copies are not acceptable.
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All individuals who exclusively or primarily work in this establishment have the most current license renewal card posted in the front entrance area to provide the public a full, unobstructed view of the license. Photo and electronic copies are not acceptable.
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Each licensee has a valid U.S government-issued photo ID to provide to an agent of the board upon request as proof of identity.
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IF BLOW-DRY STYLISTS WORK IN THE ESTABLISHMENT - A sign is clearly displayed in the entrance of the establishment that indicates in prominent lettering that blow-dry stylist(s) perform limited services, as defined in Iowa Code section 157.12C, in the licensed establishment. The blow-dry stylist(s) also possess valid U.S. government-issued photo ID to provide to an agent of the board upon request as proof of identity.
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IF YOU ARE A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP - A sign is clearly displayed in the entrance of the establishment that indicates in prominent lettering that an apprentice is employed and may perform services under the supervision of a licensed apprenticeship supervisor. The apprentice(s) also possess valid U.S. government-issued photo ID to provide to an agent of the board upon request as proof of identity.
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Facility & Building Standards
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The establishment has and maintains:

1) A reception area;

2) A service area that is equipped with exhaust fans or air filtration equipment that is of sufficient capacity to be capable of removing chemical fumes from the air;

3) Hot and cold running water and clean toilet facilities;

4) Safe drinking water;

5) Hand-washing facilities;

6) Adequate lighting;

7) Work surfaces that are easily cleaned;

8) A dispensary; and

9) A complete first-aid kit in a readily accessible location on the premises. At a minimum, the first-aid kit must include adhesive dressing, gauze, and antiseptic, tape, triple antibiotics, eyewash, and gloves.
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The establishment complies with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act.
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Establishments in residential buildings:

1) A establishment located in a residential building shall comply with all requirements in rule 481-943.5(157).

2) A separate entrance is maintained for establishment rooms in residential building. An exception is that an entrance may allow passage through a nonliving area of the residence, i.e., hall, garage, or stairway. Any door leading directly from the licensed establishment to any portion of the living area of the residence shall be closed at all times during business hours.
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Establishments adjacent to other businesses:

An establishment operated adjacent to any other business is separated by at least a partial partition. If the establishment is operated immediately adjacent to a business where food is handled, the business is entirely separated and any doors between the establishment and the business are unusable except in an emergency.
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The establishment does NOT have on the premises cosmetic products containing substances which have been banned or otherwise deemed hazardous by the FDA for use in cosmetic products. Prohibited products include, but are not limited to, any product containing liquid methyl methacrylate monomer and methylene chloride (MMA).
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The establishment does NOT have razor-edged, grating, or rasp microplaner pedicure instruments designed to remove skin from the bottoms and sides of feet.
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The establishment does NOT provide procedures involving any animal (e.g., fish, leeches, snails).
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The establishment does NOT use chamois buffers.
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The establishment does not use plastic sleeves or envelopes to store cleaned and disinfected implements unless the implements stored in the plastic sleeves or envelopes have actually been sterilized.
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Animals: Dogs, cats, birds, or other animals are not permitted in this establishment, except for service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or fish in an aquarium, provided the aquarium is maintained in a sanitary condition.
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All areas of the establishment and school are clean and in good repair. Walls, floors, and fixtures are clean and in good repair at all times. Carpeting is only present in the reception and hooded dryer areas.
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Infection Control
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Universal precautions are observed by all individuals working in this establishment.
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All serivce providers engaged in serving the public are neat and clean in person and attire.
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A sharps container for disposing of used needles, razor blades, and other sharp instruments is present and is located as close to the use area as practical. The sharps container is not filled above the designated "fill line."
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Individuals working at this establishment wear disposable gloves when cleaning up blood, bodily fluids containing visible blood, or bodily fluids while following the blood exposure procedures provided in IAC 481 rule 943.12.
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Service providers either wear disposable gloves or refuse to provide a service when encountering clients with open sores.
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All nonporous instruments and implements are disinfected or sterilized before use upon a client.

If nonporous tools and implements are sterilized, they are sterilized by one of the four methods listed below. Ultraviolet (UV) light boxes are prohibited and are not an acceptable method of sterilization. Sterilization equipment is maintained in working order. The equipment is checked at least monthly and calibrated to ensure that it reaches the temperature required by the manufacturer’s instructions.

1) Steam sterilizer, registered and listed with the FDA and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If steam sterilization, or moist heat, is utilized, heat exposure is at least 121°C/250°F for at least 30 minutes;

2) Dry heat sterilizer, registered and listed with the FDA and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If dry heat sterilization is utilized, heat exposure is at least 171°C/340°F for at least 60 minutes;

3) Autoclave sterilization equipment, calibrated to ensure that it reaches the temperature required by the manufacturer’s instructions. If autoclave sterilization equipment is utilized, spore testing by a contracted independent laboratory is performed at least every 30 days. If a positive spore test is received, the autoclave is not used until a negative spore test is received. The establishment maintains a log of each autoclave use, all testing samples and results, and a maintenance log of all maintenance performed on the device. Maintenance is performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The establishment has the autoclave maintenance log for the most recent 12 months available for inspection; or

4) Chemical sterilization with a hospital grade liquid which is used according to the directions on the label. When chemical sterilization is used, items are fully submerged for at least ten minutes.
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Any porous instruments and supplies that come into direct contact with a client are disposed of, and are not disinfected for subsequent use. These instruments and supplies include but are not limited to cotton pads, sponges, wooden applicators, emery boards, pumice stones, nail buffers, buffing bits, arbor or sanding bands, sleeves, toe separators and neck strips. These single-use items are disposed of in a waste receptacle immediately after use.
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All immersible nonporous tools and implements are disinfected by cleaning the tools and implements followed by complete immersion in a disinfectant. Disinfectant solutions are mixed according to manufacturer label instructions. The manufacturer’s listed contact time for effectively eliminating all pathogens is adhered to at all times.

After each use, any nonporous item that cannot be immersed in a disinfectant is cleaned with soap or detergent and water to remove all organic material and then sprayed or wiped with disinfectant. Minimum disinfectant contact time as listed on the manufacturer’s label is followed. Nonimmersible tools and implements include but are not limited to scissors, trimmers, clippers, handles of hair dryers and curling/flat irons.
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Disinfected implements are stored in a disinfected, dry, covered container and isolated from contaminants. This container is disinfected at least once each week and whenever visibly dirty.
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Disinfectant solutions are changed as instructed on the solution’s manufacturer label or whenever visibly dirty.
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Electric file bits:

1) After each use, all visible debris is removed from diamond, carbide, natural and metal bits by cleaning with either an ultrasonic cleaner or immersion of each bit in acetone for five to ten minutes.

2) After they are cleaned, diamond, carbide, natural and metal bits are disinfected by complete immersion in an appropriate disinfectant. Minimum disinfectant contact time as listed on the manufacturer’s label is followed.
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Liquids, creams, waxes, powders and cosmetics used for clients are kept in closed, labeled containers.
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All fluids, semifluids and powders are dispensed with an applicator or from a shaker, dispenser pump, or spray- type container. Prohibited roll-on wax products and styptic pencils are NOT present. Applicators made of wood are discarded after a single dip, which is one use.
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Applicators made of a washable, nonabsorbent material are cleaned and disinfected before being used on a client and are only dipped into their container one time before being cleaned and disinfected again.
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Neck dusters, brushes, and common shaving mugs and soap are not used.
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Capes, haircloths, or similar articles that have not been sanitized or properly laundered are kept from direct contact with the client's neck by means of a paper neckband, clean towel, or cloth neckband. Paper neckbands are not used more than once. Towels or cloth neckbands are not used more than once without proper laundering. Neckbands of a nonporous material are properly cleaned and disinfected after each use and stored in a closed container.
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All cloth towels, robes, and similar items are laundered in a washing machine with laundry detergent used according to the manufacturer’s directions. All linens are dried until hot to the touch. No moisture is left in laundered items. A clean storage area shall be provided for clean towels and linens, and a covered hamper or receptacle marked “used” shall be provided for all soiled towels, robes, and linens.
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After use for each client, this establishment follows this procedure for cleaning and disinfecting circulating and non-circulating tubs, bowls, or basins:

Drain the water and remove any visible debris;

Clean the surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions, use a brush to remove all film, and rinse the tub, bowl, or spa basin;

Fill the tub, bowl, or spa basin with water and add disinfectant;

Allow the disinfectant to stand for noncirculating tubs, bowls, or basins or to circulate for circulating tubs, bowls, or basins for the time specified according to the manufacturer’s instructions; and

After disinfection, drain and rinse with clean water.
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At the end of the day, this establishment removes all removable parts from all circulating and non-circulating tubs, bowls, and spas, such as filters, screens, drains, and jets, and cleans and disinfects the removable parts as follows:

Scrub with a brush and soap or detergent until free from debris, and then rinse;

Completely immerse in disinfectant;

Rinse and air dry; and

Replace the disinfected parts into the tubs, bowl, or basin or store the parts in a disinfected, dry, covered container that is isolated from contaminants.
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Paraffin wax is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This establishment does NOT contaminate the remaining wax in the paraffin bath. The following procedures apply:

Clients are free of broken skin or any skin disorder;

Hands or feet of a client are cleaned before being dipped into paraffin wax;

The client’s hands and feet are not dipped into the original wax container;

The wax is removed from the original container and placed in a single-use bag before dipping. Any unused wax remaining in the single-use bag is discarded after dipping;

Paraffin wax that has been removed from a client’s hands or feet is discarded after each use; and

Paraffin wax is kept free of any debris and kept covered when not in use.
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Records
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Client records, appointment records, and employment records are maintained for a period of not less than three years following the last date of entry. Proper safeguards are provided to ensure the safety of these records from destructive elements.
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For each foot spa service, including but not limited to pedicures, a record is made of the date and time of the daily cleaning and disinfecting. This record is made at or near the time of cleaning and disinfecting. Records of cleaning and disinfecting can be made available upon request by a client, inspector, or investigator. The record is signed by a licensee and includes the licensee’s license number beside each recorded cleaning event. Foot spa records are maintained for two years from the date of the cleaning.
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If services are provided outside of the establishment under rule IAC 481--943.16, records are maintained which include:

- Client name and contact information.
- Date, time, and location of the service(s) provided
- Name and license number of the licensee performing the service.
- A signed and dated waiver stating that the client understands this limited service shall not include the use of chemicals, must be provided by a licensee and that all infection control procedures shall be followed.
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If blow-dry stylists are employed by the establishment, records are maintained which include:

- Name and contact information of the employee.
- Record of completion of a course on Iowa law, rules and infection control prior to employment,
and within every two-year period thereafter as outlined in Iowa Code section 157.12C
- Hire date and, if applicable, termination date.
- A signed and dated waiver stating that the employee understands blow-dry stylist services may
only be performed in a licensed establishment upon completion of a course on Iowa law, rules and
infection control. This waiver must be completed every two years as a condition of employment.
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A licensee can provide a copy of IAC Ch. 943, “Infection Control for Establishments and Schools of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences,” and the most recent inspection report available on request to the board, agents of the board, all persons employed or studying in an establishment, and the general public.
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Events and Services Outside of a Licensed Establishment
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If any licensed barber and cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician provides limited services outside of the establishment, the licensee's services must be within the licensee's scope of practice and:

- May NOT include the use of chemicals, lasers, or other machines;
- May include haircutting, but only when providing the service at a client's residence or home;
- May include makeup application, strip lashes, polish application and/or removal, or hairstyling, when the services are provided at a client's residence or home, or at a special event, such as a wedding or photo shoot.

For purposes of this checklist, a "client's residence or home" includes a client's permanent or temporary residence, or a hospital, healthcare facility, nursing home, or convalescent home of a client.
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If limited services outside of the establishment are provided, the service is either:

- Scheduled through the establishment; or
- Scheduled by an individual licensee, but only if the individual licensee has obtained from the Board a one-year temporary permit to practice outside of the establishment.
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If limited services are provided outside of the establishment, records are maintained which include:

- Client name and contact information.
- Date, time, and location of the service(s) provided
- Name and license number of the licensee performing the service.
- A signed and dated waiver stating that the client understands this limited service shall not include the use of chemicals, must be provided by a licensee and that all infection control procedures shall be followed.

For purposes of this checklist, an establishment is required to maintain these records for limited services that are scheduled through the establishment. If the limited services are scheduled by an individual licensee pursuant to his/her temporary permit, then the licensee, rather than the establishment, is responsible for maintaining these records.
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Establishments Providing Electrology or Esthetics
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If the establishment offers electrology and/or esthetics services, the establishment:

- Has adequate space, lighting, and ventilation.
- Has adequate access to a sink or running water.
- Has impervious, smooth, and washable floors in the immediate area where electrology or esthetics services are performed.
- Has impervious, easily-disenfected service table surfaces.
- Only uses needles, probes, and lancets that are single-client use and are disposable.
- Ensures any licensee providing electrology services wears gloves.
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Readily-Moveable Establishments
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If the establishment is in a mobile home, motor home, trailer, or other recreational vehicle:

- Services are only performed when the vehicle is stationary
- There is a supply of hot and cold water
- There is adequate lighting
- The floor surface in the service area is nonabsorbent and easily cleanable
- Work surfaces are easily cleanable
- Cabinets are secured with safety catches that ensure all chemicals are stored when the vehicle is moving
- A first aid kit is present which includes adhesive dressing, gauze and antiseptic, tape, triple antibiotics, eyewash, and gloves
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The readily-moveable establishment complies with all rules in IAC 481--Chapter 943, "Infection Control for Establishments and Schools of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences", except for rules IAC 481--943.6 through IAC 481--943.8.
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