Big 4 - #1 Sanitation, Disinfection, and Safety State Board Review Chapter 5 1. Why do different state and federal agencies regulate the practice of Cosmetology? Federal agencies set guidelines for the manufacturing, sale, and use of equipment and chemical ingredients, and for safety in the workplace. State agencies regulate licensing, enforcement, and conduct when working in the salon.
2. What is the agency that regulates and enforces safety and health standards to protect employees in the workplace? OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
3. Why was OSHA established and what part of the federal branch of government runs it? Created as part of the U.S. Department of Labor to regulate and enforce safety and health standards to protect employees in the workplace.
4. What do the standards set by OSHA are important to the cosmetology industry because of the products used in the salon? These standards address issues relating to handling, mixing, storing, and disposing of products, general safety in the workplace, and, most importantly, your right to know the hazardous ingredients in the products you use.
5. What paperwork does Federal Law require manufacturer’s to provide important product information, precautions, safety information, and ingredients on? Safety Data Sheet *
6. What do SDS sheets include? Information about hazardous ingredients, safe use, and handling procedures, precautions to reduce the risk of harm and overexposure, flammability and data in case of fire, proper disposal guidelines, and medical information. Toxicology ,ecological, revision date . * 1|Page
7. The SDS contains 16 categories of information and all sheets will be organized identically. The categories are: 1. Identification: product identifier; manufacturer or distributor with contact information (including emergency phone number); recommended use of product and restrictions on use 2. Hazard identification: all hazards of using the chemical 3. Composition/Information on ingredients: includes information on chemical ingredients 4. First-aid measures: includes important symptoms/effects—acute and delayed; required treatment 5. Fire-fighting measures: lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire 6. Accidental release measures: lists emergency procedures, protective equipment; proper methods of containment and clean-up 7. Handling and storage: lists precautions for safe handling and storageincluding incompatibilities 8. Exposure controls/personal protection: lists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL); Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 9. Physical and chemical properties: lists the chemical’s characteristics 10. Stability and reactivity: lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions 11. Toxicology information: includes routes of exposure, related symptoms, acute and chronic effects 12. Ecological information: includes effects on wastewater and environment 13. Disposal consideration: includes proper disposal and disposal restrictions 14. Transport information: includes restrictions on transportation 15. Regulatory information: lists agencies responsible for regulation of product 16. Revision date: lists original date of document and any revision
8. What does OSHA and some state regulatory agencies require of the SDS? SDS’s must be kept available in the salon for all products that can cause harm. *
9. What does EPA stand for? Environmental Protection Agency.
10. What does the EPA do? The EPA licenses different types of disinfectants. 2|Page
11. Why use Tuberculocidal disinfectants? Tuberculocidal disinfectants are proven to kill the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, which is more difficult to kill (these products are also hospital products).
12. What was the rod-shaped microorganism that infected over 100 clients due to improper disinfection of a whirlpool foot spa in California in 2000? Mycobacterium Fortuitum furunculosis.
13. Where does Mycobacterium fortuitum furunculosis normally exist? Tap water,
14. Why do state regulatory agencies exist? To protect the consumer’s health, safety, and welfare while receiving services in the salon.
15. What offices are considered state regulatory agencies? Licensing agencies, state boards of cosmetology, commissions, and health departments.
16. How do state regulatory agencies ensure that everyone working in a spa or the spa itself follow procedures? Enforcement of the rules through inspections and investigations of consumer complaints.
17. What can the state regulatory agency do if the salon owner and/or operator are found at fault? The agency can issue penalties against both the salon owner and the operator’s license ranging from warnings to fines, probation, and suspension or revocation of licenses.
18. What are the 4 types of potentially infectious microorganisms? 1. Bacteria 2. Fungus 3. Virus 4. Parasites 19. Disinfectants are one step in many that are designed to prevent infection or disease. What type of disinfectants must be used in the salon? Bacterial, fungicidal, and virucidal. 3|Page
20. What are bacteria? Bacteria are one-celled microorganisms with both plant and animal characteristics.
21. Bacteria are so small. They can only be seen with what type of equipment? A Microscope. 22. Bacteria can exist almost anywhere, Name 4. 1-skin, 2-water, 3-air, 4-decayed matter, 5-body secretions, 6-clothing, 7-under the free edge of fingernails. 22. What is the technical term for bacteria that live on dead matter? Saprophytes
23. Name the two main classifications of bacteria. Describe them. Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic. Pathogenic:
Considered harmful because they may cause disease or infection.
Non-Pathogenic:
Completely harmless; do not cause disease.
24. How do you identify bacteria? They have distinct shapes that help to identify them.
25. Name the three classifications of Pathogenic bacteria. Cocci, bacilli, and Spirilla.
26. Describe Cocci. Round shaped bacteria that appear singly (alone) or in groups. They rarely show active motility (self- movement.)
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27. Explain the three groups of Cocci and include the ailments they cause. 1. Staphylococci: Pus forming bacteria that will grow in clusters like a bunch of grapes. They cause abscesses, pustules, and boils. 2. Streptococci: Pus-forming bacteria arranged in curved lines resembling a string of beads. They cause infections, such as, strep throat and blood poisoning. 3. Diplococci: pneumonia.
Spherical bacteria that grow in pairs and cause diseases such as
28. Describe Bacilli and the ailments they can cause. They are rod-shaped bacteria. They are the most common bacteria and produce diseases such as tetanus (lock jaw), typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and diphtheria.
29. Bacilli and Spirilla are both motile and use slender hair-like extensions. Name the two terms and explain how they move. Flagella or cilia, for locomotion (moving about). A whiplike motion of these hairs moves the bacteria in liquid.
30. What type of disease does Treponema pallida cause? Syphilis.
31. What is the outer wall of a cell containing liquid called? Protoplasm.
32. What are the two distinct phases in the life cycle of bacteria? The active stage and the inactive or spore-forming stage.
33. Describe the active stage of bacteria. During the active stage, bacteria grow and reproduce.
34. How do bacteria multiply best? Bacteria multiply best in warm, dark, damp, or dirty places where food is available.
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35. Active stage. During the active stage, bacteria grow and reproduce. Bacteria multiply best in warm, dark, damp, or dirty places. When conditions are favorable, bacteria grow and reproduce. When they reach their largest size, they divide into two new cells. This division is called binary fission (BY-nayr-ee FISH-un).
36. Describe Mitosis. When a cell reaches their largest size, they divide into two new cells. This division is called Mitosis.
37. Describe Inactive or spore-forming stage. Certain bacteria. Such as, the anthrax and the tetanus bacilli, coat themselves with a waxy outer shell that is able to withstand long periods of famine, dryness, and unsuitable temperatures. In this stage, spores can be blown about and are not harmed by disinfectants, heat, or cold. When favorable conditions are restored, the spores change into the active form and begin to grow and reproduce.
38. What is an infection? An infection occurs when body tissues are invaded by disease-causing or pathogenic bacteria.
39. Infection control: refers to the methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms. Cosmetologists must understand and remember the following four types of microorganisms: Bacteria Viruses Fungi Parasites
40. What is pus and Pus is a sign of what? Pus is a fluid created by tissue inflammation, and contains white blood cells, bacteria and dead cells. The presence of pus is a sign of infection.
41. What is a local infection? A local infection, such as a pimple or abscess, is one that is confined to a particular part of the body and is indicated by a lesion containing pus.
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42. What is a general infection? A general infection results when the bloodstream carries the bacteria or virus and their toxins (poisons) to all parts of the body.
43. What does communicable mean? When a disease spreads from one person to another by contact. Contagious.
44. What does contagious mean? When a disease spreads from one person to another by contact, it is said to be contagious.
45. What is a virus? A virus is a microorganism capable of infecting almost all plants and animals including bacteria.
46. What types of ailments do viruses cause? They cause common colds and other respiratory and gastrointestinal (digestive tract) infections. Other viruses that plague humans are measles, mumps, chicken pox, smallpox, rabies, yellow fever, hepatitis, polio, influenza, and HIV, which causes AIDS.
47. What is one difference between a virus and bacteria? One difference between a virus and bacteria is that a virus can live and reproduce only by penetrating other cells and becoming part of them, while bacteria can live and reproduce on their own.
48. What virus is the most difficult to kill on a surface? Hepatitis B. So, be sure, to check the label of the disinfectant you use to make sure it is effective against it.
49. Biofilm: Researchers are learning that biofilms play a large role in disease and infection. Biofilms are colonies of microorganisms that adhere to environmental surfaces, as well as the human body. They secrete a sticky, protective coating that cements them together and is hard to penetrate. It grows into a complex structure, with many different kinds of microbes. The sticky matrix substance holds communities together, making them very hard to pierce with antisepsis, antimicrobials, and disinfection. It keeps the body in a chronic inflammatory state that is painful and inhibits healing. Biofilms are usually not visible and must grow 7|Page
very large to be seen with the eyes. Dental plaque is an example of a visible human biofilm. Because biofilms are hard to detect, their presence and effects seem to be underestimated. Biofilm colonies are one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the past few decades. We have much more to learn. Conscientiously using infection control precautions, including standard precautions, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, are the best methods of prevention at the present time.
50. What is the difference between viruses and bacteria: is that a virus can live and reproduce only by taking over other cells and becoming part of them, while bacteria can live and reproduce on their own? Also, bacterial infections can usually be treated with specific antibiotics, but viruses are not affected by antibiotics
51. Describe HIV. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is a disease that breaks down the body’s immune system.
52. How is HIV spread? Spread from person to person through blood and through other bodily fluids.
53. How is the HIV virus NOT transmitted? By holding hands, hugging, kissing, sharing food, or household items like the telephone or even toilet seats.
54. Explain bloodborne pathogens. Disease causing bacteria or viruses that are carried though the body in the blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis and HIV.
55. How do bloodborne pathogens spread? The spread of bloodborne pathogens is possible through shaving, nipping, clipping, facial treatments, waxing, or tweezing any time the skin is broken.
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56. List the 5 ways Pathogenic bacteria or viruses or fungi can enter the body. 1. Broken skin, such as a cut or scratch – intact skin is an effective barrier to infection 2. The mouth (contaminated water, food, or fingers) 3. The nose (inhaling dusts) 4. The eyes or ears (less likely but possible) 5. Unprotected sex
57. What is a parasite? Give an example of one. Parasites are plant or animal organisms that live in, or on, another living organism and draw their nourishment from that organism. They must have a host to survive. Head Lice is an example.
58. Describe fungi. Includes molds, mildews, and yeasts. They can produce contagious diseases, such as ringworm.
59. What is the most common reason that Nail Fungus spreads? Nail Fungus is spread by using dirty implements or by not properly preparing the surface of the natural nail before enhancements products are applied.
60. What is a disease that one gets from an itch mite? Scabies
61. Head lice can cause what disease? Pediculous capititis.
62. What is immunity? The ability of the body to destroy and resist infection. Immunity against disease can be either natural or acquired.
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63. Name the 2 different types of immunity. 
Natural immunity - Partly inherited and partly developed through healthy living.

Acquired immunity - Immunity that the body develops after overcoming a disease, through inoculation (such as a flu vaccination).
Cleaning: As stated, infection control has two steps: cleaning and then disinfecting. Remember that when you clean, you must remove all visible dirt and debris from tools, implements, and equipment by washing with liquid soap and warm water, and by using a clean and disinfected nail brush to scrub any grooved or hinged portions of the item. 64. List the three steps of the decontamination process. 1. Sanitation 2. Disinfection 3. Sterilization
65. Describe sanitation. Sanitation or sanitizing is simply cleaning. Removing all visible dirt and debris is sanitizing. A surface must be properly cleaned, or it cannot be properly disinfected.
66. Describe disinfection. The second step of decontamination is disinfection. Disinfection is the process that kills most, but not necessarily all, microorganisms on non-living surfaces.
67. What are disinfectants? Chemical agents that destroy all bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but not spores, on surfaces. Please keep in mind that disinfectants are not for use on human skin, hair, or nails.
68. Describe sterilization. Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microbial life, including spores, and necessary only when surgical instruments cut into the vascular layers of the body. Since surgical procedures are not performed in a salon, sterilization of salon tools and equipment is not necessary.
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69. What must you first do in order to use a disinfectant properly? You must read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Mixing ratios (dilution) and contact time is very important.
70. What is required of all EPA disinfectants? The EPA requires that all disinfectants, even aerosol spray products for clippers, require a 10-minute contact on pre-cleaned, hard, nonporous surfaces.
71. In order to be effective, the concentration of ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol is? 70% or higher.
72. Explain efficacy. Disinfectants must have efficacy claims on the label. This is a list of the specific germs the product is proven to kill when used according to label instructions.
73. How should you decontaminate salon implements when accidentally come in contact with blood, body fluids, or unhealthy conditions? They should be cleaned and then completely immersed in an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant solution or 10% bleach solution.
74. Why should all implements be thoroughly cleaned of all visible matter or residue before soaking in disinfectant solution? Because residue will interfere with the disinfectant and prevent them from being effective.
75. What should you remember if you spray a clean surface with cleaning solution? The solution must remain there for the time required by the product label. Merely spraying and wiping is cleaning and NOT considered proper disinfection.
76. What is a very safe and useful type of disinfectant, commonly called “quats”, is? Quaternary ammonium compounds.
77. What do you use to remove implements from disinfectant solution? Tongs.
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78. What are phenolics? Phenolics are powerful tubercidal disinfectants. Phenolics have a very high pH and can cause damage to the skin and eyes; and some can be harmful to the environment.
79. What are the two types of alcohol used as disinfectants in the salon? Ethyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. Both of these alcohols are considered to be useful and powerful disinfectants.
80. What bleach is an effective use in a salon? Household bleach (sodium hydrochloride).
81. What are formalin tablets? Years ago, formalin tablets were used as fumigants in dry cabinet “sanitizers”. This was before the EPA disinfectants came to market and before it was known that formaldehyde vapors may cause cancer in high concentrations.
82. What is glutaraldehyde? It is a dangerous chemical used to sterilize surgical instruments in hospitals. It is not safe for salon use.
83. List all 9 Safety Tips for Disinfectants. 1. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when mixing disinfectants. 2. Always add disinfectant to water, not water to disinfectant. Disinfectants contain detergents and will foam when water is added to them; this can result in an incorrect mixing ratio. 3. Use tongs, gloves, or a draining basket to remove implements from disinfectants. 4. Always keep disinfectants away from children. 5. Never pour quats, phenols, alcohol, or any other disinfectant over your hands. If you get disinfectants on your skin, immediately wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry them thoroughly. 6. Carefully weigh and measure all products according to label instructions. 7. Never place any disinfectant or other product in an unmarked container. 8. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, using, and disposal of disinfectants. 9. Change disinfectants every day, or more often if the solution becomes soiled or contaminated. 12 | P a g e
84. What two types of items are used in salons? Multi-use and single-use.
85. Explain Multi-use items. Multi-use items can be cleaned, disinfected, and used on more than one person, even if the item is exposed to blood or body fluid.
86. Explain porous. Porous means made or constructed of an absorbent material. Some porous items can be safely cleaned, disinfected, and used on more than one client. NOTE: If a porous item contacts broken skin, blood, body fluid or any unhealthy conditions, it must be discarded immediately.
87. Name 2 examples of multi-use items. Nippers, shears, combs, pushers, some nail files and buffers.
88. Explain Single use items. Single-use disposable items cannot be used more than once, either because these cannot be cleaned of all visible residues.
89. Name 2 examples of single-use items. Pumice Stones (used for pedicures), orangewood sticks, cotton balls, gauze, tissues, paper towels, paper towels, nail files and buffers.
90. How often should tools and equipment be cleaned and disinfected? After each use and before they may be used on another client.
91. List the 6 steps for cleaning and disinfecting non-electrical equipment. 1. Clean tools and equipment to remove all visible matter and residue. 2. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. 13 | P a g e
3. Completely immerse implements in a properly mixed disinfecting solution for 10 minutes or per the manufacturer’s directions. 4. Remove implements with tongs, basket, or gloves to avoid skin contact. 5. Rinse and dry tools thoroughly. 6. Store disinfected implements. Store disinfected implements in a clean container and in a sanitary manner between uses. A clean drawer can be used for storage if only clean items are in it. Never seal tools inside a closed airtight container; they may not be completely dry, which can promote bacterial growth.
92. Explain what must be done for Towels, Linens, and Capes. Clean towels and linens must be used for each client. Once a towel or linen has been used on a client, it must NOT be used again until it has properly been laundered. Sore soiled linens and towels separate from clean linens and towels.
93. How do you disinfect electrical equipment? The contact points of equipment that cannot be immersed in liquid, such as hair clippers, electrotherapy tools, and nail drills, should be cleaned and disinfected using a regulatory oversight agency approved disinfectant designed for use on such devices. Follow the procedures recommended by the disinfectant product manufacture.
94. Explain disinfecting foot spas and pedicure equipment. All equipment that holds water for pedicures, including whirlpool spas, “pipeless” units, foot baths, basins, tubs, sinks, and bowls must be cleaned and disinfected after every use.
95. How are ultraviolet (UV) sanitizer’s best used in a salon? Ultra violet sanitizers are useful storage containers, but they do not disinfect or sterilize.
96. Why should salons avoid using Electric or bead “sterilizers”? Electric or bead “sterilizers” do not disinfect or sterilize implements. In fact, these devices can spread potentially infectious diseases and should never be used in salons. Remember state laws require the use of liquid disinfecting solutions!
97. List the 5 procedures for disinfecting foot spas after each client. 14 | P a g e
1. Drain and remove debris. Drain all water and remove all visible debris from the foot spa or basin; if there is a footplate or impeller, remove it and clean the areas behind or beneath. 2. Thoroughly clean. Clean the surfaces and walls of the foot spas or basin with a chelating detergent and a brush to remove all visible debris, and rinse with clean, clear water. Although modern detergents aren’t affected by hard water, soaps cause the minerals in hard water to build up inside foot spas. Chelating detergents remove that mineral buildup are an important first step in sanitation. Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) is a very effective chelating agent commonly used in chelating detergents. Remember to clean and disinfect the brush. 3. Disinfect basin. Disinfect the foot basin with an EPA-registered, liquid hospital disinfectant for 10 minutes. If it is a whirlpool unit, the solution must be circulated. The solution must go every place the water was and must stay in there for 10 minutes (or as indicated by the product label). 4. Dry basin. Wipe dry with a disposable towel. Cloth towels can transmit pathogens if they are not properly laundered between each client. 5. Record the time and date these procedures were performed in the pedicure logbook, if required by your state regulatory agency.
98. What are chelating surfactant soaps and why are they best used in a salon? Using chelating surfactant soaps or detergents, which work to sequester debris, is very important for removing the residue from pedicure products like scrubs, salts, and masques. These detergents work in all types of water, are low-sudsing, and are especially formulated to work in the areas where hard water is prevalent.
99. Explain proper handling of disposable supplies. All items designed to be disposed of after single use, such as orangewood sticks, cotton, gauze, neck strips, nail wipes, and paper towels, should be thrown away after one use. Anything exposed to blood, including skincare treatment debris, must be double-bagged and marked with a biohazard sticker or disposed according to OSHA standards.
100. Explain why washing hands are so important in a salon. Hand washing is one of the most important actions to prevent spreading germs from one person to another. Hand washing removes germs from the folds and grooves of the skin and from under the free edge of the nail plate by lifting and rinsing them from the surface. In the salon, hands-both yours and the client’sshould be thoroughly washed with soap and water before and after each service. 15 | P a g e
101. What are antiseptics? Antiseptics are agents formulated for use on skin. Antiseptics can contain either alcohol or benzalkonium chloride (less drying to the skin than alcohol). Both types of antiseptics are effective for cleaning (sanitizing) hands if soap and water are not available, but should not replace washing with soap, soft bristle brush, and water. These agents are not the same as surface or implement disinfectants, so never use an antiseptic to disinfect instruments or other surfaces.
102. Explain Universal Precautions. The Universal Precautions are a set of guidelines published by OSHA that require an employer and the employee to assume that all human blood and body fluids are infectious for bloodborne pathogens.
103. What is an exposure incident? An exposure incident happens if a client’s skin is cut during a salon service, blood or body fluid can be present.
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What 7 steps should you follow if an exposure incident should happen? 1. If a cut occurs during service, stop the service. 2. Wear gloves to protect yourself against contact with the client’s blood. 3. Clean the injured area with an antiseptic-each salon must have a first aid kit. 4. Bandage the cut with an adhesive bandage. 5. Clean the workstation as necessary. 6. Discard the contaminated objects. Discard all disposable contaminated objects such as wipes, cotton balls by double-bagging (place the waste in a plastic bag and then in a trash bag). Use a biohazard sticker (red or orange) or a container for contaminated waste. Deposit sharp disposables in a sharps box. 7. Disinfect tools and implements. Remember, before removing your gloves, all tools and implements that have come in contact with blood or any body fluids must be thoroughly cleaned and completely immersed in an EPA-registered, hospital disinfectant solution or 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes. Because blood can carry pathogens, you should never touch an open sore or wound.
105. What are colonies of bacteria that adhere together and adhere to environmental surfaces called and what do they do? Biofilm It keeps the body in a chronic inflammatory state that is painful and inhibits healing. 16 | P a g e
106. Describe Sanitize and how it is used in the beauty industry: sanitation, which is nothing more than garbage removal (think of what your city’s department of sanitation does), and cleaning, as well as sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing. In an effort to clarify these critical terms, 107. What are Disinfectants? The term disinfection is defined: A chemical process that uses specific products to destroy harmful organisms on environmental surfaces. (HOS-pih-tal dis-in-FEK-tents) are designated by the EPA as being effective enough to be used in a hospital setting. They can be used on any nonporous surface in the salon. Tuberculocidal disinfectants (tuh-bur-kyoo-LOH-sy-dahl dis-in-FEK-tents) are proven to kill the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (tuh-bur-kyoo-LOH-sus) in addition to the pathogens destroyed through use of hospital disinfectants. Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted through coughing or sneezing, and is not transmitted on surfaces 108. What is the difference between Laws and Rules? Laws are written by both federal and state legislatures that determine the scope of practice (what each license allows the holder to do) and that establish guidelines for regulatory agencies to make rules. Laws are also called statutes. Rules and regulations are more specific than laws. Rules are written by the regulatory agency or the state board, and they determine how the law must be applied. Rules establish specific standards of conduct and can be changed or updated frequently. Cosmetologists must be aware of any changes or updates to the rules and regulations, and they must comply with them. 109. Explain Binary fusion: Active stage. During the active stage, bacteria grow and reproduce. Bacteria multiply best in warm, dark, damp, or dirty places. When conditions are favorable, bacteria grow and reproduce. When they reach their largest size, they divide into two new cells. This division is called binary fission (BY-nayr-ee FISH-un). 110. What is inflammation: a condition in which the body reacts to injury, irritation, or infection. An inflammation may be characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling. Pus is a fluid containing white blood cells, bacteria, and dead cells, and is the byproduct of the infectious process. The presence of pus can be a sign of a bacterial infection. A local infection, such as a pimple or abscess, is confined to a particular part of the body and appears as a lesion containing pus. A systemic infection is an infection where the pathogen has distributed throughout the body or a system of the body rather than staying in one body area or organ.
111. Why is Staphylococci so important in the salon? are among the most common bacteria that affect humans and are commonly found in our environment, including on our bodies, although most strains do not make us ill. Staph bacteria can be picked up on doorknobs, countertops, and other surfaces, but in the salon they are more frequently spread through skin-to-skin contact (such as shaking hands) or through the use of unclean tools or implements. Although lawsuits are rare considering the number of services performed in a salon, every year many salons are sued for allegedly causing staph infections.
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112. Describe Folliculitis barbae:Is an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by a bacterial infection of staphylococcus aureus. Outside of the healthcare this is often referred to as barbers itch or hot tub folliculitis 113. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) what is it and how does it affect the salon industry? Some types of infectious staph bacteria are highly resistant to conventional treatments due to incorrect doses or choice of antibiotic. An example is the staph infection called methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)(mETH-eh-sill-en-ree-ZIST-ent Staf-uh-loh-KOK-us oR-eeus). Historically, MRSA occurred most frequently among persons with weakened immune systems or among people who had undergone medical procedures. Today, it has become more common in otherwise healthy people. Clients may bring this organism into the salon where it can infect others. Some people carry the bacteria and are not even aware they are harboring a dangerous pathogen. MRSA initially appears as a skin infection, presenting as a pimple, rash, or boil (or cluster of boils) that can be difficult to cure. Without proper treatment, the infection becomes systemic and can have devastating consequences that can result in death. Because of these highly resistant bacterial strains, it is important to clean and disinfect all tools and implements used in the salon. You owe it to yourself and your clients! Also, do not perform services if the client’s skin, scalp, neck, hands, or feet show visible signs of abrasion or infection. Cosmetologists are only allowed to work on healthy hair, skin, and nails.
114. Describe Meldew: another fungus affects plants or grows on inanimate objects but does not cause human infections in the salon.
115. Describe Tinea barbae. Is a superficial fungal infection caused by a variety of dermatophytes that commonly affects the skin. It is primarily limited to the bearded areas of the face and neck or around the scalp. This infection occurs almost exclusively in older adolescent and adult males. A person with tinea barbae may have deep, inflamed or non-inflamed patches of skin on the face or the nape of the neck
116. Describe tinea capitis: a fungal infection of the scalp characterized by red papules, or spots, at the opening of hair follicles. For more information on tinea capitis,
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117. Describe tinea pedis: ringworm fungus of the foot. Both bacterial and fungal infections can be spread to an infected client’s other nails or to other salon clients unless everything that touches clients is either properly cleaned and disinfected before reuse or is thrown away after use What is immunity? It is the ability of the body to destroy, resist, and recognize infection. Immunity against disease can be either natural or acquired and is a sign of 118. Name the 2 different types of immunity. 1. Natural immunity is partly inherited and partly developed through healthy living
2. Acquired immunity is immunity that the body develops after overcoming a disease, through inoculation (such as flu vaccinations), or through exposure to natural allergens such as pollen, cat dander, and ragweed. 119. List the 2 steps of the decontamination process the removal of blood and all other potentially infectious materials on an item’s surface, and the removal of visible debris or residue such as dust, hair, and skin. 120. List your responsibilities Keep floors and workstations dust-free. Sweep hair off the floor after every client. Mop floors and vacuum carpets every day. Control dust, hair, and other debris. Keep trash in a covered waste receptacle to reduce chemical odors and fires. Clean fans, ventilation systems, and humidifiers at least once each week. Keep all work areas well-lit. Clean and disinfect restroom surfaces, including door handles. Provide toilet tissue, paper towels, liquid soap, properly disinfected soft-bristle nail brushes, and a container for used brushes in the restroom. Never place food in the same refrigerator used to store salon products. Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where services are performed or where product mixing occurs (e.g., back bar area). Consider having a smoke-free salon. Even when you do not smoke in the service areas, the odor can flow into those areas. Empty waste receptacles regularly throughout the day. 19 | P a g e
Make sure all containers are properly marked and properly stored. Never place any tools or implements in your mouth or pockets. Properly clean and disinfect all multiuse tools before reusing them. Store clean and disinfected tools in a clean, covered container. Clean drawers may be used for storage if only clean items are stored in the drawers. Always isolate used implements away from disinfected implements. Avoid touching your face, mouth, or eye areas during services. Clean and disinfect all work surfaces after every client. Have clean, disposable paper towels for each client. Always properly wash your hands before and after each service. Use clean linens and disposable towels on clients. Keep soiled linens separate from clean linens. Use single-use neck strips or clean towels to avoid skin contact with shampoo capes and cutting or chemical protection gowns. If a cape touches the client’s skin, do not reuse that cape until it is properly laundered. Never provide a nail service to clients who have not properly washed their hands and carefully scrubbed under the free edge of their nails with a disinfected nail brush. Use effective exhaust systems in the salon. This will help ensure proper air quality in the salon. 121. What is personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Name at least 4 Many chemicals used in the salon will bear labels that require the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses when working with their products. However, some equipment, such as gloves, offer protection from exposure to pathogens and should be worn whenever practical. 122. The Occupational Safety and Health Act defines PPEs as: “specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard.” The hazards this particular standard refers to are bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis and HIV.
123. Standard Precautions include guidelines for the use of what? gloves,
masks, and eyewear when contact with blood or body secretions containing blood or blood elements is a possibility 124. How are Gloves used: They are single-use equipment; a new set is used for every client, and sometimes must be changed during the service, according to the protocol? Removal of gloves is performed by inverting the cuffs, pulling them off inside out, and then disposing of them into the trash. The glove taken off first is 20 | P a g e
held in the hand with a glove still on it and then that glove with the cuff inverted is pulled over the first glove inside out. The first glove is then inside the second one, which has the service side now on the inside against the other glove, and they are disposed of together
125. Explain how to keep a log book: Salons should always follow manufacturers’ recommended schedules for cleaning and disinfecting tools and implements, disinfecting foot spas and basins, scheduling regular service visits for equipment, maintenance, and replacing parts when needed. Although your state may not require you to keep a logbook of all equipment usage, cleaning, disinfecting, testing, and maintenance, it may be advisable to keep one. Showing your logbook to clients provides them with peace of mind and confidence in your ability to protect them from infection and disease. 126. Explain how to Disinfect Nonelectrical Tools and Implements: State rules require that all multiuse tools and implements must be cleaned and disinfected before and after every service —even when they are used on the same person. Mix all disinfectants according to the manufacturer’s directions, always adding the disinfectant to the water, not the water to the disinfectant 127. Explain how to Disinfect Electrical Tools and Equipment: Hair clippers, electrotherapy tools, nail drills, and other types of electrical equipment have parts that cannot be immersed in liquid. These items should be cleaned and disinfected using an EPA-registered disinfectant designed for use on these devices. Follow the procedures recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer for preparing the solution and follow the item’s manufacturer directions for cleaning and disinfecting the device.
128. Name three types of foot spas that circulate water: 1. The whirlpool foot spa creates a massaging effect by re-circulating water through built in pipes and jets, similar to a Jacuzzi tub, and is often referred to as a piped foot spa. The whirlpool or piped foot spa has come under scrutiny because disease-causing microorganisms tend to grow inside the pipes despite the disinfecting process and therefore has been slowly discontinued in the industry. 21 | P a g e
2. The air jet basin uses a blower to force air through small holes in an air channel, creating an overall bubbling massage. Water does not circulate through these air channels. 3. The new standard in the industry is the pipeless foot spa. The pipeless foot spa uses impellers, the rotating blade of a pump, to circulate water. This type of foot spa is easily cleaned and disinfected. 4.
The fourth type of foot spa is a non-whirlpool foot basin or tub. This type of tub does not circulate water. It can be connected to running water and a drain or be portable. If it is a portable tub, you will clean and disinfect it at the dispensary sink.
129. How do you disinfect the work surface? Before beginning every client service, all work surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected. Be sure to clean and disinfect tables, styling stations, shampoo sinks, chairs, arm rests, and any other surface that a customer’s skin may have touched. Clean doorknobs and handles daily to reduce transferring germs to your hands. 130. How would you Clean towels, linens, and capes? A new towel must be used
for each client. After a towel, linen, or cape has been used on a client, it must not be used again until it has been properly laundered. To clean towels, linens, and capes, launder according to the directions on the item’s label. Be sure that towels, linens, and capes are thoroughly dried. Items that are not dry may grow mildew and bacteria. Store soiled linens and towels in covered or closed containers, away from clean linens and towels, even if your state regulatory agency does not require that you do so. Whenever possible, use disposable towels, especially in restrooms. Do not allow capes that are used for cutting, shampooing, and chemical services to touch the client’s skin. Use disposable neck strips or towels. If a cape accidentally touches skin, do not use the cape again until it has been laundered.
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