Infection Control, Sanitation and Safety
Infection Control
The chain of infection
Infection control questions rest on six links: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host. Break any link and transmission stops. In the salon the practical breakpoints are handwashing, barriers (gloves, and masks or eye protection when splash is possible), and correct disinfection of implements and surfaces.
Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization
Cleaning removes debris and some microbes mechanically with soap and water. Disinfection uses an EPA-registered hospital-grade, tuberculocidal product to kill most pathogens on nonporous surfaces and implements. Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores and is done with an autoclave. Exams almost always test these three in order, and the wrong option usually swaps 'disinfect' with 'sterilize.'
Implements and surfaces
Implements are cleaned, dried, fully immersed in disinfectant for the label's contact time (often 10 minutes), then stored in a clean closed container. Single-use items - files, buffers, orangewood sticks, cotton, toe separators - are discarded. Porous items cannot be reliably disinfected.
Blood exposure
Stop, glove, clean the wound, cover it, then clean and disinfect the station and implements with a hospital-grade product. Bloodborne pathogens of concern are HBV, HCV and HIV.
Traps
'UV light sanitizes tools' (false); 'disinfectant works instantly' (contact time matters); 'gloves replace handwashing' (false).
Rule of thumb
Clean first, then disinfect - disinfectant cannot penetrate debris, so a dirty implement is never disinfected no matter how long it soaks.
Sanitation and Safety
Two different ideas
The exam separates sanitation from safety: sanitation is about microbes, safety is about people, products and premises. Know the working minimums for a Wisconsin salon - clean towels and linens for each client, closed containers for products, labeled bottles, no food or drink at the service station, adequate ventilation, a clean and well-lit work area.
Chemicals
Acrylic liquids, powders, primers and acetone are flammable and volatile. Keep them away from open flame, store them closed away from heat, and use them in a ventilated room. Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each product; it states hazards, first aid and storage requirements, and inspectors may ask to see it. Never return unused product to its original container, never pour chemicals down the drain, and label every secondary container.
Physical hazards
Spills cause falls, sharp implements cause cuts, wet hands and damaged cords cause shock, and repetitive gripping causes strain. Use ground-fault protection near water, keep cords dry, and set chair height so wrists stay neutral.
Client safety
Screen for allergies, diabetes, circulatory problems and skin disease before service. Patch-test where product directions require it. Stop the service for redness, swelling or pain.
Traps
'Disinfectant can be used on skin' (no); 'the SDS is optional' (no); 'a snack at the station is fine' (no).
Rule of thumb
If you would not hold it near your own eyes or breathe it for an hour, ventilate and glove for it.