332A Salon Safety and Sanitation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing?
- They all mean the same thing
- Cleaning removes debris; disinfecting kills most pathogens on surfaces; sterilizing destroys all microbial life (Correct answer)
- Cleaning kills bacteria; disinfecting removes debris; sterilizing polishes tools
- Disinfecting is stronger than sterilizing
Correct answer: Cleaning removes debris; disinfecting kills most pathogens on surfaces; sterilizing destroys all microbial life
Cleaning physically removes dirt and debris. Disinfecting uses chemical agents to kill most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces and tools. Sterilizing destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, and is the highest level of decontamination.
Question 2: What must be done to tools before they can be disinfected?
- They must be sterilized first
- They must be cleaned and all visible debris must be removed (Correct answer)
- They must be oiled
- Nothing — disinfectant works on dirty tools
Correct answer: They must be cleaned and all visible debris must be removed
Tools must be thoroughly cleaned of all visible debris, hair, and product residue before disinfection. Disinfectants cannot penetrate through debris to reach the surface, so cleaning is a necessary first step.
Question 3: What is WHMIS and why is it important in a salon?
- A haircutting technique
- The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System — a Canadian system for safe handling of hazardous products in the workplace (Correct answer)
- A hair colour brand
- A type of ventilation system
Correct answer: The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System — a Canadian system for safe handling of hazardous products in the workplace
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada's national workplace hazard communication standard. It requires labelling, safety data sheets (SDS), and worker education for hazardous products used in salons.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure for handling a blood exposure incident in the salon?
- Wipe it up with a paper towel and continue
- Stop the service, put on gloves, clean the area, apply antiseptic to the wound, disinfect contaminated tools, and dispose of contaminated materials in a biohazard container (Correct answer)
- Have the client clean their own wound
- Apply salon disinfectant directly to the wound
Correct answer: Stop the service, put on gloves, clean the area, apply antiseptic to the wound, disinfect contaminated tools, and dispose of contaminated materials in a biohazard container
Blood exposure requires immediate action: stop the service, don gloves, control the bleeding, clean and apply antiseptic to the wound, disinfect or dispose of contaminated tools and materials according to protocol, and document the incident.
Question 5: How should used disinfectant solution be handled when it becomes contaminated?
- Add more disinfectant concentrate to strengthen it
- Dispose of it properly and prepare a fresh solution according to manufacturer directions (Correct answer)
- Continue using it until the end of the day
- Strain out the debris and reuse it
Correct answer: Dispose of it properly and prepare a fresh solution according to manufacturer directions
Once disinfectant solution becomes visibly contaminated with debris or has been used beyond its effective time, it must be properly disposed of and replaced with a fresh solution mixed according to the manufacturer's specified concentration.
Question 6: What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn during chemical services?
- No PPE is needed for salon chemicals
- Gloves at minimum, and depending on the service, also an apron and safety glasses (Correct answer)
- Only a salon apron
- A full hazmat suit
Correct answer: Gloves at minimum, and depending on the service, also an apron and safety glasses
At minimum, chemical-resistant gloves should be worn during all chemical services. Depending on the product and service (relaxers, lighteners), additional PPE such as a protective apron and safety glasses may also be required.
332A Salon Safety and Sanitation 1
What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing?