Salon Safety and Sanitation Flashcards

What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing?

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.

What must be done to tools before they can be disinfected?

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.

What is WHMIS and why is it important in a salon?

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.

What is the correct procedure for handling a blood exposure incident in the salon?

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.

How should used disinfectant solution be handled when it becomes contaminated?

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.

What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn during chemical services?

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.