Safety & Sanitation Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real CPE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety & Sanitation Standards flashcards as text
Sterilization differs from disinfection in that sterilization:
Answer: Destroys all microbial life including spores
Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores, whereas disinfection kills most but not all microorganisms.
An electrologist notices the autoclave reached the correct temperature but the cycle timer failed to complete. What is the correct action?
Answer: Re-run a full sterilization cycle before using the items
Both correct temperature AND sufficient time are required to ensure sterilization; if the timer fails, the cycle must be rerun to guarantee efficacy.
Which pathogen is most commonly associated with improper probe sterilization in electrolysis, posing a serious infection risk?
Answer: Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains, is the most commonly reported pathogen in skin-penetrating cosmetology-related infections from improperly sterilized instruments.
What does OSHA's Exposure Control Plan (ECP) require an employer to review and update?
Answer: Annually and whenever new tasks or procedures create additional exposure risk
OSHA mandates that the ECP be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever new tasks or procedures could create additional exposure risks.
Which disinfection method is NOT appropriate for electrology probes that will be reused?
Answer: Immersion in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes
Alcohol immersion achieves only intermediate-level disinfection, not sterilization, and is not an accepted method for reusable items that penetrate skin.
Hand hygiene in electrology should be performed using which technique to be most effective?
Answer: Antimicrobial soap scrub for at least 20 seconds covering all hand surfaces
CDC guidelines call for washing all surfaces of both hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, which mechanically removes and kills transient pathogens effectively.
If a client experiences a local skin infection following electrolysis, what is the electrologist's primary professional obligation?
Answer: Refer the client to a licensed healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment
Electrologists practice within their scope of practice, which does not include diagnosing or treating infections; referral to a healthcare provider is the appropriate action.