Hygiene, Health and Safety
Core concepts
This domain tests whether you can protect clients and yourself from infection, injury and chemical harm. Know the chain of infection (pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host) and the difference between cleaning (removing visible soil with soap/detergent), disinfection (destroying most pathogens on surfaces with an EPA-registered product used at the labelled contact time) and sterilisation (destroying all microbial life, including spores, usually by autoclave).
Distinguish single-use/disposable items (nail files, cotton, wooden sticks, razor blades) from reusable implements that must be cleaned then disinfected between clients. Porous items that cannot be disinfected must be discarded. Understand Standard Precautions: treat all blood and body fluids as infectious, wear gloves when contact with blood is likely, and follow hand-hygiene moments. Know bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis B and C, HIV) and the rule that contaminated sharps go in a puncture-resistant sharps container, never general waste.
Know basic salon safety: slip hazards from wet floors, ventilation for chemical vapours, safe storage of chemicals in original labelled containers, COSHH-style safety data sheets, electrical safety near water, and fire exits. Know first-aid responses: minor cuts (gloves, clean, cover), chemical splash to eyes (irrigate with water and seek medical advice), and burns.
Traps
Questions often swap disinfection for sterilisation, or imply a disinfectant works instantly (contact time matters). Another trap: assuming gloves replace handwashing (they do not).
Rule of thumb
If an item touches broken skin or blood, it is single-use or must be cleaned then disinfected/sterilised per its material; if it cannot be, discard it.