Cosmetology Test Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following represents the highest level of decontamination, effectively destroying all microbial life, including spores?
- Sanitization
- Disinfection
- Sterilization (Correct answer)
- Cleaning
Correct answer: Sterilization
Sterilization is the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and bacterial spores. Disinfection eliminates most microorganisms but not necessarily spores, and sanitization reduces pathogens to a safe level.
Question 2: A client accidentally gets a small cut during a manicure. What is the FIRST step the cosmetologist should take?
- Immediately apply a bandage to the cut.
- Stop the service and put on gloves. (Correct answer)
- Clean the station with a disinfectant.
- Dispose of all contaminated materials in a trash can.
Correct answer: Stop the service and put on gloves.
The immediate first step in a blood exposure incident is to stop the service and put on gloves to prevent any potential contact with bloodborne pathogens. Subsequent steps include cleaning the wound, applying antiseptic, covering the wound, and then disinfecting the station and properly disposing of contaminated materials.
Question 3: The governmental agency responsible for regulating and enforcing safety and health standards in the workplace, including salons, is known as:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (Correct answer)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Correct answer: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA is the federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. The EPA registers disinfectants, and the FDA regulates cosmetic products.
Question 4: An EPA-registered disinfectant must be used in a salon to clean which of the following?
- Porous surfaces like towels and capes
- The salon's floors and windows
- Nonporous tools and implements (Correct answer)
- The cosmetologist's hands between clients
Correct answer: Nonporous tools and implements
EPA-registered disinfectants are formulated to destroy pathogens on nonporous surfaces, such as metal shears, combs, and brushes. Porous items are typically single-use or laundered, and hands are sanitized with antiseptic, not disinfectant.
Question 5: While setting up for a pedicure, a cosmetologist drops a metal cuticle pusher on the floor. What is the correct procedure to follow before it can be used on a client?
- Wipe it with a paper towel and continue.
- Rinse it under hot water for one minute.
- Clean with soap and water, then immerse in an EPA-registered disinfectant. (Correct answer)
- Spray it with alcohol and let it air dry.
Correct answer: Clean with soap and water, then immerse in an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Any implement that is dropped on the floor must be cleaned to remove any visible debris and then properly disinfected by complete immersion in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Question 6: Information about the potential hazards of a chemical product used in a salon, and how to work safely with it, can be found on the product's:
- Price tag
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (Correct answer)
- Promotional flyer
- EPA registration number
Correct answer: Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product and is required by OSHA.
Cosmetology Test Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers
Which of the following represents the highest level of decontamination, effectively destroying all microbial life, including spores?