Infection Control & SafetyQuestion 476 of 484

A pedicure salon using whirlpool foot spas faces ongoing risk from Mycobacterium fortuitum and other waterborne organisms. The most effective infection-control practice combines:

a.Cleaning the visible bowl with dish soap only and skipping disinfection between clients
b.Filling each basin with hot tap water as the only sanitation step
c.Between every client: drain, scrub the bowl and any removable parts to remove debris, refill with clean water plus an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant, circulate for the labeled contact time, then drain and rinse; at end of day perform a longer disinfection cycle; at least weekly remove and clean the screen/filter; keep a written log of each cleaning
d.Once-a-month deep cleaning only

Explanation

Whirlpool foot spas have generated some of the most serious salon outbreaks documented in California (Mycobacterium fortuitum boils, etc.) precisely because biofilm forms in the jets and screens. The BBC pedicure-equipment rules (CCR Title 16 §980.4) require a between-client procedure (drain, clean, refill with disinfectant, circulate for label contact time, rinse), a more rigorous end-of-day procedure, a weekly removal-and-cleaning of the screen/filter, and a written log signed by the licensee. Options A, B, and D miss steps and intervals and would fail an inspection and put clients at risk.

Law Reference: CCR Title 16 §980.4

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