The gym has community rip/nail scissors (or really nail scissors that are used to cut rips/extra skin, etc.), nail clippers in the first aid box. The kids and coaches use them, and then just put them back...no disinfecting, just sharing and sharing. It is said not to share hair brushes, just think how much worse this is...the blood from the rip goes on the scissors/clippers, then the next person uses it, etc. ... Does your gym do this?

When I was browsing some gymnastics club websites, one of them said for each team member to have a rip kit, with nail scissors in it, besides tape, etc., like a personal kit. That makes more sense, or at least disinfect after each use.

Yuck, that sounds soooooooo gross to share rip scissors...!

from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website: [quote]Do not share personal items that might have your blood on them, such as toothbrushes, dental appliances, nail-grooming equipment or razors. [/quote] This is on the topic of "How can a person protect themselves from getting hepatitis C and other diseases spread by contact with human blood?". Community nail scissors/clippers, etc., bad idea! http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DISEASES/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#2d Related: "Why blood spots should be cleaned correctly even when dry..." http://www.gymchat.com/messageboards/viewtopic.php?t=1504

Good information oekf, thanks. That is why many gyms tell the kids to bring their own 'rip kits' or nail scissors, like the Pickaway County YMCA Gymnastics club: website http://www.geocities.com/picygymteam/ webpage on rips and rip kit: http://www.geocities.com/picygymteam/rips.html [quote]Rip kits Each gymnast must bring their own rip kit in their gym bag for every practice. This kit should include the following: nail clippers, tweezers, manicure scissors, gauze pads, Band-aids, Neosporin or an antibiotic cream, and gymnastics tape.[/quote]