Clic Cosmetology: Infection Control: Principles And Practice (Part 4)

To sanitize means "to significantly reduce the number of pathogens or disease producing organisms found on a surface."

Contaminants are any substances that can cause contamination. Surfaces may seem clean to you, even sparkling, but no matter how clean they appear to the naked eye, chances are they are contaminated.

Bleach is an effective disinfectant but shares some of the same drawbacks as alcohol. Both are very effective disinfectants, but should not be used on salon implements. They are general "household level" disinfectants and are not designed for professional tools.

Sterilization even kills bacterial spores, the most resistant for m of life on Earth. It is the process used by dentists and surgeons, and also estheticians.

Porous means having pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through. Metal implements are nonporous and can be sterilized, but wood surfaces, which are porous, cannot. Sterilization is impractical and unnecessary in salons.

It is second only to sterilization. Disinfection controls microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces such as cuticle nippers and other salon implements.

This cleansing action is an effective way to clean tiny crevices that are impossible to reach with a brush. Without an effective disinfectant solution, however, these devices only sanitize implements.

Quats are also very effective for cleaning tables and countertops.

Sterilization is not required in the salon. Sterilization is the highest level of decontamination, which involves killing or removing all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In a salon setting, sterilization is typically not necessary as the tools and equipment used do not come into contact with bodily fluids or pose a high risk of infection. Instead, disinfection and sanitation are sufficient to maintain a clean and safe environment. Disinfection involves killing or inactivating most microorganisms, while sanitation reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level.

MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet.

The strength of the ethyl alcohol must be no less than 70%, and the strength of isopropyl alcohol must be 99%. Since alcohol is not an EPA-registered disinfectant, it is not permitted for use with implements in states requiring hospital disinfection.

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created as part of the US Department of Labor. Issues having to do with the mixing, storing and disposal of chemicals; the general safety of the workplace; and most important the right of the cosmetologist to know what is contained in the products she uses all are regulated by OSHA standards.

Decontamination involves the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy pathogens so that the object is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal.

The correct answer is "Efficacy". Efficacy refers to the ability of a disinfectant to effectively kill or inactivate bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In order to meet salon requirements, a disinfectant must have the correct level of effectiveness or efficacy to ensure that it can effectively eliminate these microorganisms and prevent the spread of infections.

Disinfectants are not for use on human skin, hair, or nails. Any substance powerful enough to quickly and efficiently destroy pathogens can also damage skin.

Mildew is a moldy coating produced by fungi that can appear on walls, fabrics, and the like, and also occurs in damp areas. Mold spores carry toxins that can cause allergic reactions and sickness in some people.

Antiseptics such as 3 percent solutions of hydrogen peroxide are weaker than disinfectants and are safe for application to skin. They are considered sanitizers and are not adequate for use on instruments and surfaces.

Disinfection is a process that is used to kill most organisms and provide the necessary level of protection in a salon setting. However, it is important to note that disinfection does not effectively kill bacterial spores. Bacterial spores are highly resistant structures that some bacteria can form as a means of survival in unfavorable conditions. These spores can withstand harsh environments and disinfection methods, making them difficult to eliminate. Therefore, while disinfection is effective against many organisms, it is not sufficient to kill bacterial spores.

UV sanitizers will not disinfect salon implements. Never use these devices to disinfect.

Clients who are infected with Hepatitis B Virus or other bloodborne pathogens are asymptomatic, which means that they show no symptoms or signs of infection. This implies that they do not display any visible indications of being infected, such as fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain. However, even though they do not exhibit symptoms, they can still transmit the virus to others, making it crucial to take precautions and practice safe behaviors to prevent the spread of the infection.

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a caustic poison that can be safe and highly effective if used correctly. In a 5 percent dilute solution, it is commonly used to sanitize metallic implements. This suggests that phenol is the correct answer as it aligns with the given information about its properties and usage.

Employers and employees are required to use universal precautions. They include: hand-washing, gloving, personal protective equipment such as goggles, injury prevention, and proper handling and disposal of needles, other sharp instruments and products that have been contaminated by blood or other body fluids.

Formalin, a solution of formaldehyde in water, WAS recommended as a disinfectant and fumigant in dry cabinet sanitizers. However, formalin is not safe for salon use. Formaldehyde, a pungent gas, is a suspected cancer-causing agent. It is poisonous when inhaled.

Pseudomonacidal is effective against the bacteria Pseudomonas.

When salon implements accidentally come into contact with blood or body fluids, they should be cleaned and completely immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant that kills HIV-1 and Hepatitis B virus, or in a tuberculocidal disinfectant.