Hygiene and Safety
This domain tests infection control, safe work practices and emergency readiness. Questions frequently turn on the difference between cleaning and disinfection and on contact time.
Levels of decontamination
- Cleaning removes visible soil with soap and water; sanitizing reduces bacteria; disinfection kills pathogens using an EPA-registered product; sterilization destroys spores and requires an autoclave.
- Contact or dwell time is the wet time stated on the label; wiping and immediately drying does not disinfect.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces, tables, tools, doorknobs and restroom fixtures between clients.
- Single-use items include wax sticks, nail files, buffers, razors and anything contaminated with blood.
- Use fresh linens per client and launder at high temperature, keeping soiled linens separate.
Bloodborne pathogens and emergencies
Wear gloves for blood or body fluids, use a sharps container, and follow the exposure control plan after any incident. Perform hand hygiene before and after every client. Keep safety data sheets accessible, maintain a spill kit, check fire equipment, and log incidents.
Worked example: during waxing, a small amount of bleeding occurs. Stop, put on gloves, clean with antiseptic, cover the area, discard the single-use stick, disinfect the pot rim with the labeled dwell time, and document the incident and advice given. Reasoning: blood creates a exposure risk, so single-use disposal and a documented exposure protocol take priority over finishing the service quickly.
Traps
Claiming disinfection without dwell time, topping up wax pots, reusing files or buffers, storing clean towels in the treatment room, and treating gloves as a substitute for handwashing.