Salon Safety and Infection Control
This domain tests infection control and workplace safety. The exam asks for the correct level of control for a given item or exposure, not just clean it.
Microorganisms and disease
- Bacteria: cocci, bacilli, spirilla; some form spores. Viruses require a host; hepatitis B and HIV are bloodborne. Fungi include molds and yeasts, such as tinea. Parasites include lice and mites.
- Pathogens cause disease; not all bacteria are harmful.
Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization
- Cleaning removes debris; disinfection destroys most pathogens on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores.
- Use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant at the correct dilution and contact time; clean implements before disinfecting.
- Porous items such as files, cotton, and wooden sticks are single-use; handle blood-contaminated items properly.
Safety
- Keep SDS for chemicals; ventilate; wear gloves and eye protection; do not eat or drink in the service area; label secondary containers.
- Electrical: use GFCI protection, inspect cords, and keep water away.
- Blood spill: stop, put on gloves, absorb, disinfect, and dispose according to bloodborne pathogen rules.
Worked example
A client bleeds during a manicure. Reasoning: stop the service, put on gloves, clean the wound, discard contaminated porous items, and disinfect implements with a hospital-grade disinfectant for the full contact time; do not continue with the same tools.
Traps
Using a sanitizer for blood; skipping contact time; storing clean and dirty implements together; assuming UV lamps sterilize; not washing hands.