California Cosmetology Infection Control & Safety Practice Questions
Infection control is the single most heavily tested subject on every California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) written exam, accounting for roughly one out of every four questions. It is also the leading reason inspectors issue citations on the salon floor. This chapter walks through Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations §979, the Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, and the Business and Professions Code rules that every cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, and manicurist must follow. Memorize the numbers: the ten-minute contact time, the EPA registration requirement, the ban on methyl methacrylate, and the no-double-dip rule for wax. Knowing these cold will move the needle on your exam score more than any other study time you spend.
Sample Infection Control & Safety questions
1. Under California regulations, what is the MINIMUM contact time a multi-use tool must remain fully immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant?
California regulation requires multi-use implements be totally immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for at least 10 minutes (or the time specified on the product label, if longer).
16 CCR §9792. Which level of decontamination is REQUIRED for multi-use salon tools between clients in California?
Salons must disinfect multi-use tools using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product. Sterilization (which kills spores) is not required for salon practice, and sanitization alone is not sufficient between clients.
16 CCR §9793. A disinfectant used on multi-use tools in California must be EPA-registered and labeled with which combination of activity?
California requires the disinfectant to be EPA-registered and labeled as bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. Sporicidal activity is not required for salon disinfection.
16 CCR §9794. Which of the following is considered a SINGLE-USE item that must be discarded after one client?
Emery boards are porous and cannot be properly disinfected, so they are single-use and must be discarded after one client. Metal nippers, shears, and plastic clipper guards are non-porous and can be disinfected for reuse.
16 CCR §9795. Which liquid monomer is PROHIBITED for use on natural nails in California?
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is prohibited on natural nails in California because of its dangerously strong bond and respiratory sensitization. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the legal substitute.
BPC §73156. A wax applicator stick has touched the client's skin. What MUST the technician do next?
California prohibits double-dipping. Once an applicator touches the client's skin, it cannot return to the wax pot. Use a fresh stick or apply with a method that prevents re-contact. Reheating wax does not decontaminate it.
16 CCR §9797. A client begins to bleed during a haircut. What is the FIRST action the cosmetologist should take?
Under Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 8 CCR §5193, the first action is to stop the service and don disposable gloves before any contact with blood. Direct application of styptic from the bottle is prohibited (no single-use applicator).
8 CCR §51938. A pedicure client arrives with what appears to be active toenail fungus. What is the technician's correct response under California regulation?
California regulation requires the licensee to refuse service when a contagious or infectious condition (such as active fungal infection) is present, and to refer the client to a physician. Performing the service would risk exposure to staff, equipment, and the next client.
16 CCR §979Want more Infection Control & Safety questions? Practice the full topic with timer and progress tracking.
Start practicing →