CMP Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum contact time required for most EPA-registered disinfectants to be effective on non-porous salon implements?
- 30 seconds
- 10 minutes
- The time specified on the product label (Correct answer)
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: The time specified on the product label
Disinfectants must be used according to the manufacturer's label instructions, which specify the required contact time for efficacy.
Question 2: A pedicurist notices a client has an open blister on their heel. The safest course of action is to:
- Proceed with the service but avoid direct pressure on the blister
- Apply antiseptic and continue with all scheduled services
- Refer the client to a physician and decline the service (Correct answer)
- Cover the blister with a bandage and perform the pedicure normally
Correct answer: Refer the client to a physician and decline the service
Open skin lesions present infection risk to the client and technician; the client should be referred to a physician before receiving services.
Question 3: Which type of contamination occurs when pathogens are transferred from a contaminated surface to a clean implement during a service?
- Primary contamination
- Cross-contamination (Correct answer)
- Direct contamination
- Airborne contamination
Correct answer: Cross-contamination
Cross-contamination is the transfer of harmful microorganisms from one surface, person, or object to another.
Question 4: What is the correct order for processing reusable metal implements after each client?
- Disinfect, then clean, then store
- Clean, then disinfect, then store (Correct answer)
- Sterilize, then clean, then store
- Clean, then sterilize, then disinfect
Correct answer: Clean, then disinfect, then store
Implements must be cleaned first to remove debris, then disinfected to kill pathogens, then stored in a clean covered container.
Question 5: Which waterborne pathogen is of particular concern in pedicure foot baths due to its ability to form biofilms in plumbing systems?
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Mycobacterium fortuitum (Correct answer)
- Candida albicans
- Streptococcus pyogenes
Correct answer: Mycobacterium fortuitum
Mycobacterium fortuitum thrives in biofilms within pedicure basin plumbing and has caused documented outbreaks of leg infections.
Question 6: When using a whirlpool foot bath, which step is specifically required BEFORE disinfecting between clients?
- Rinsing with hot water only
- Purging and flushing all internal plumbing lines (Correct answer)
- Adding fresh disinfectant solution to standing water
- Running the jets for 2 minutes without draining
Correct answer: Purging and flushing all internal plumbing lines
All water must be drained and internal lines purged to remove biofilm harboring sites before disinfectant can be effective.
Question 7: Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) used as salon disinfectants are considered effective against:
- All bacterial spores and prions
- Most bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses (Correct answer)
- Only gram-positive bacteria
- HIV only
Correct answer: Most bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses
Quaternary ammonium compounds are broad-spectrum disinfectants effective against most bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses but are not sporicidal.
CMP Hygiene, Sanitation & Safety Standards 2
What is the minimum contact time required for most EPA-registered disinfectants to be effective on non-porous salon implements?