Sanitation, Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

Which type of bacteria forms a protective shell that is highly resistant to disinfectants and heat?

Answer: Spore-forming bacteria

Spore-forming bacteria produce endospores that can withstand harsh conditions including many common disinfectants.

A client arrives with open sores on their scalp. What is the correct cosmetologist response?

Answer: Refuse to perform any service and refer to a physician

Open sores indicate a possible infection or contagious condition; services must be refused and the client referred to a physician.

What is the minimum contact time required for most EPA-registered salon disinfectants to be effective?

Answer: 10 minutes

Most EPA-registered disinfectants require a 10-minute contact time to achieve the manufacturer's claimed kill rate.

Which of the following is NOT a route of pathogen transmission in a salon setting?

Answer: Working near an open window

Working near an open window does not constitute a recognized route of pathogen transmission; contact, contaminated tools, and airborne droplets are all real routes.

What does the term 'decontamination' refer to in cosmetology?

Answer: The process of removing pathogens to make an object safe to handle

Decontamination is the broad process of removing or destroying pathogens to make objects safe, encompassing sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.

When diluting a liquid disinfectant concentrate, what is the correct procedure?

Answer: Add concentrate to water

Concentrate should always be added to water to prevent splashing and dangerous chemical reactions.

A cosmetologist accidentally nicks a client with shears. What is the first action to take?

Answer: Stop the service, put on gloves, and follow the exposure incident procedure

Any exposure incident requires immediately stopping the service, donning gloves, and following the salon's bloodborne pathogen exposure protocol.