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Kiểm soát nhiễm khuẩn & An toàn

93 câu hỏi

1. Under California regulations, what is the MINIMUM contact time a multi-use tool must remain fully immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant?

a.1 minute
b.10 minutes
c.30 minutes
d.60 minutes

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 §979

2. Which level of decontamination is REQUIRED for multi-use salon tools between clients in California?

a.Sanitization only
b.Sterilization
c.Disinfection with an EPA-registered product
d.Rinsing with hot water

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 §979

3. A disinfectant used on multi-use tools in California must be EPA-registered and labeled with which combination of activity?

a.Bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal
b.Antibacterial only
c.Antiviral only
d.Sporicidal

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 §979

4. Which of the following is considered a SINGLE-USE item that must be discarded after one client?

a.Stainless steel cuticle nippers
b.Metal shears
c.Plastic clipper guard
d.Emery board

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 §979

5. Which liquid monomer is PROHIBITED for use on natural nails in California?

a.Ethyl methacrylate (EMA)
b.Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
c.Polyvinyl alcohol
d.Cyanoacrylate (nail glue)

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 §7315

6. A wax applicator stick has touched the client's skin. What MUST the technician do next?

a.Wipe the stick and re-dip it in the wax
b.Re-dip the stick once more, then discard
c.Discard the stick or apply with a fresh stick
d.Heat the wax to 200°F to sterilize the contamination

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 §979

7. A client begins to bleed during a haircut. What is the FIRST action the cosmetologist should take?

a.Stop the service and put on disposable gloves
b.Continue cutting while applying pressure
c.Apply styptic directly from the bottle to the cut
d.Send the client to wash the cut in the sink

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 §5193

8. A pedicure client arrives with what appears to be active toenail fungus. What is the technician's correct response under California regulation?

a.Perform the service with a single-use file
b.Soak the feet only and skip the file work
c.Disinfect tools twice as long after the service
d.Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician

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 §979

9. How often must the disinfectant solution in a wet sanitizer be changed, at MINIMUM?

a.Every 3 days
b.Daily, and whenever it becomes contaminated or cloudy
c.Once per week
d.Only when the bottle of concentrate runs out

Disinfectant solution must be changed at least daily and immediately whenever it becomes visibly soiled, cloudy, or contaminated with debris.

16 CCR §979

10. Before placing a metal comb into the disinfectant jar, what must the technician do?

a.Spray the comb with hand sanitizer
b.Heat the comb with a blow dryer
c.Remove all hair and visible debris from the comb
d.Wrap the comb in a clean towel

Tools must be pre-cleaned of all hair, debris, and product before disinfection. Disinfectant cannot penetrate dirt, so a dirty tool will not be disinfected even if it sits in the solution for the full contact time.

16 CCR §979

11. Disinfected (clean) tools must be stored:

a.In a clean, dry, covered container or drawer used only for clean tools
b.On the open countertop next to product bottles
c.In the same drawer as soiled tools, separated by paper
d.In the pocket of the technician's smock

Clean tools must be kept in a clean, dry, covered container or drawer reserved for disinfected items, separate from soiled tools, food, personal items, and chemicals.

16 CCR §979

12. Which of the following BEST describes 'disinfection' as defined for salon practice?

a.Mechanical removal of dirt with soap and water
b.Use of a chemical to destroy bacteria, fungi, and viruses on a hard non-porous surface
c.Destruction of all microbial life including bacterial spores
d.Rinsing tools in alcohol for 30 seconds

Disinfection is the chemical destruction of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on a hard, non-porous surface. Sanitization is mechanical cleaning; sterilization kills all microbial life and is not required in salons.

16 CCR §979

13. Immediately after each pedicure client, what must be done to a whirlpool foot spa under California regulation?

a.Wipe the rim with a paper towel only
b.Spray the bowl with hand sanitizer
c.Add a tablet of disinfectant to the existing water
d.Drain, remove debris from the filter/screen, scrub with soap, refill with EPA-registered disinfectant and circulate per label

After every client, the spa must be drained, the filter and screen cleaned of debris, the bowl scrubbed with soap and water, then refilled with EPA-registered disinfectant and circulated for the time on the label (commonly 10 minutes minimum).

16 CCR §979

14. How often must a whirlpool foot spa receive a full disinfectant cycle (in addition to between-client cleaning) at a minimum?

a.At least once a week
b.Once a month
c.Once every 6 months
d.Only when an inspector requests it

California requires a complete disinfectant cycle through the foot spa at least once per week, in addition to cleaning between every client and end-of-day cleaning.

16 CCR §979

15. Which of the following items can NEVER be disinfected for reuse on another client?

a.Stainless steel scissors
b.Wooden orange wood stick
c.Plastic clipper guard
d.Metal eyebrow tweezers

Wooden orange wood sticks are porous and absorb fluids; they are single-use items and must be discarded after one client. Stainless steel and hard plastic implements are non-porous and may be disinfected for reuse.

16 CCR §979

16. A nail technician notices an unlabeled jug of liquid monomer that costs a fraction of the usual price and has a strong, harsh chemical odor. The MOST likely concern is:

a.The product has expired
b.It is mislabeled but harmless
c.It may contain prohibited MMA
d.It is a glue, not a monomer

Strong odor, missing label, and very low price are classic red flags for illegal methyl methacrylate (MMA) being sold as a substitute for ethyl methacrylate (EMA). California prohibits MMA on natural nails.

BPC §7315

17. Which of the following describes the proper use of a wet sanitizer?

a.A small jar with cotton balls soaked in disinfectant
b.Tools placed in dry disinfectant powder
c.A container of rubbing alcohol stored on the counter
d.A covered container deep enough to fully immerse tools in EPA-registered disinfectant, labeled and changed daily

A wet sanitizer is a covered, labeled container deep enough for tools to be completely submerged in EPA-registered disinfectant. The solution is changed daily and whenever soiled.

16 CCR §979

18. Between every haircut client, the cape can be reused only if:

a.A clean neck strip or towel is placed between the client's skin and the cape
b.It is shaken out vigorously
c.It is sprayed with rubbing alcohol
d.It is folded inside-out before reuse

California requires a clean neck strip or towel between the client's skin and any cape. The barrier prevents the cape itself from touching new bare skin.

16 CCR §979

19. Used cotton balls and gauze that are contaminated with a client's blood must be:

a.Flushed down the toilet
b.Placed in the regular trash uncovered
c.Discarded in a sealed bag or biohazard container
d.Left at the workstation until end of day

Under Cal/OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, blood-contaminated materials must be disposed of in a sealed bag or biohazard container per the salon's exposure control plan.

8 CCR §5193

20. Used razor blades from a service must be disposed of in:

a.The regular trash can
b.A puncture-resistant sharps container
c.A paper bag
d.The wet sanitizer jar

Used blades must go into a puncture-resistant sharps container after the service to protect workers and waste handlers from accidental cuts and bloodborne pathogen exposure.

16 CCR §979

21. A barber wants to use a straight razor with a non-replaceable blade on multiple clients. To comply with California regulation, the razor must be:

a.Wiped with a clean towel between clients
b.Sharpened on a strop between clients
c.Rinsed in hot water for one minute between clients
d.Disinfected between clients with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant

Non-disposable straight razors may be used on multiple clients only if disinfected between clients with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal hospital-grade disinfectant on a hard non-porous surface.

16 CCR §979

22. Soiled towels and linens in the salon must be:

a.Placed immediately in a closed, labeled hamper separate from clean linens
b.Stacked on the shelf above the workstation
c.Soaked in the wet sanitizer
d.Reused on the same day if they look clean

Used linens go directly into a closed, labeled hamper that is kept separate from clean linens until they are laundered with detergent in hot water and fully dried.

16 CCR §979

23. What is the recommended approach to applying lipstick or cream cosmetics from a shared container to a client?

a.Apply directly from the container with a clean finger
b.Dispense onto a single-use palette or with a clean disposable spatula
c.Use the same brush as on the previous client if it appears clean
d.Heat the product in a microwave for 5 seconds to disinfect

Cosmetics shared from a bulk container must be dispensed onto a single-use palette or with a clean disposable spatula. Direct re-contact with the bulk product is prohibited.

16 CCR §979

24. A technician's disinfectant solution looks slightly cloudy and contains a few hair fragments midway through the workday. The CORRECT action is to:

a.Skim out the hair and continue using the solution
b.Add more concentrate to strengthen it
c.Empty, clean the jar, and mix a fresh batch of disinfectant
d.Wait until end of day and then change it

Disinfectant solution that is visibly soiled, cloudy, or contains debris must be discarded immediately. The wet sanitizer is cleaned and refilled with a fresh, properly diluted batch.

16 CCR §979

25. Which of the following is a SINGLE-USE item that should NEVER be used on a second client?

a.A metal cuticle pusher
b.A glass facial spatula
c.A nylon clipper brush
d.A buffer block with foam core

A buffer block with a foam (porous) core cannot be properly disinfected and is single-use. Metal pushers, glass spatulas, and nylon brushes are non-porous and may be disinfected for reuse.

16 CCR §979

26. What is the FIRST step a cosmetologist must take before serving the first client of the day?

a.Wash hands with soap and warm running water
b.Apply moisturizer
c.Eat a quick breakfast at the station
d.Style their own hair at the workstation

Hand washing with soap and warm running water before every service is required. Personal grooming and eating at the workstation are not permitted.

16 CCR §979

27. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be used by a salon technician:

a.Anytime, including when hands are visibly soiled
b.As a supplement to, but not a replacement for, soap-and-water hand washing
c.Only at the end of the day
d.Only when no client is in the salon

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can supplement hand washing when hands are not visibly soiled, but it does NOT replace soap-and-water washing, especially when hands are visibly dirty or after a bloodborne exposure.

16 CCR §979

28. California salons must maintain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for:

a.Only flammable products
b.Only products purchased outside the United States
c.Every chemical product used in the salon
d.Only products containing peroxide

Under the Hazard Communication Standard (8 CCR §5194), employers must keep a Safety Data Sheet on file for EVERY chemical product used in the workplace, and workers must be able to access it during their shift.

8 CCR §5194

29. Which of the following is the BEST example of cross-contamination in a salon?

a.Washing the floor with disinfectant
b.Wearing a clean smock
c.Folding clean towels at the front desk
d.Re-dipping a wax stick into the wax pot after applying it to a client

Re-dipping a used wax applicator into the bulk wax transfers organisms from the client back to the product, contaminating it. The other choices are normal, hygienic practices.

16 CCR §979

30. Why is methyl methacrylate (MMA) prohibited on natural nails in California?

a.It bonds so aggressively that the natural nail can be damaged or torn off if the enhancement catches on something, and the dust is a sensitizer
b.It is too gentle and does not bond at all
c.It evaporates too quickly to be useful
d.It contains gold particles that are restricted

MMA's extreme bonding strength can cause the natural nail plate to crack, peel, or be torn off if the enhancement catches on something. The dust is a respiratory and skin sensitizer. These hazards led California to prohibit it.

BPC §7315

31. Which item must a barber discard after each shave service, even if it looks unused?

a.The metal razor handle
b.A single-use neck strip
c.The clipper guard
d.The stainless steel comb

Disposable neck strips are single-use and must be discarded after each service. The razor handle, clipper guard, and steel comb are non-porous multi-use items that are disinfected.

16 CCR §979

32. An EPA registration number on a disinfectant label tells you:

a.The product is FDA-approved as a drug
b.The product is made in California
c.The product has been registered with the federal EPA for its claimed germ-killing activity
d.The product is recommended by the BBC by name

The EPA registration number identifies a product that has been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the antimicrobial claims on its label.

16 CCR §979

33. Why is it important to mix disinfectant solution exactly to the dilution stated on the label?

a.Stronger solutions disinfect faster and are always preferred
b.Weaker solutions are gentler and just as effective
c.Both stronger and weaker solutions work the same as the labeled mixture
d.Too-weak solutions fail to disinfect; too-strong solutions damage tools and skin

Disinfectant must be mixed to the label dilution. Under-diluted solution does not kill pathogens effectively; over-concentrated solution can corrode metal, damage tools, and irritate skin.

16 CCR §979

34. A client arrives with what appears to be head lice. The cosmetologist should:

a.Refuse the service and refer the client to a physician
b.Cut the hair very short to remove the lice
c.Use extra-strong shampoo to wash them out
d.Provide the service but disinfect tools afterward

California regulation requires the licensee to refuse service when a contagious condition (such as head lice) is present, and refer the client to a physician or pharmacist for treatment.

16 CCR §979

35. Which bloodborne pathogen is of GREATEST concern in salon settings because of its higher environmental survival on surfaces?

a.Influenza virus
b.Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
c.Common cold rhinovirus
d.Athlete's foot fungus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a leading bloodborne pathogen concern in salons because it can survive on dried surfaces for days, making thorough disinfection of tools that have contacted blood essential.

16 CCR §979

36. If a comb falls onto the floor mid-service, the cosmetologist should:

a.Wipe it on a clean towel and continue
b.Spray it with hand sanitizer and continue
c.Set it aside as soiled and use a clean, disinfected comb to finish the service
d.Rinse it under running water and continue

A tool that drops to the floor is considered soiled. It must be set aside for cleaning and disinfection, and a clean disinfected replacement used to finish the service.

16 CCR §979

37. Which body fluid is treated as a bloodborne pathogen risk under Cal/OSHA standards in a salon?

a.Sweat
b.Tears
c.Saliva from coughing
d.Blood, and any other potentially infectious material visibly contaminated with blood

Cal/OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard treats blood (and any other potentially infectious material visibly contaminated with blood) as biohazardous. Sweat and tears alone are not considered bloodborne risks.

8 CCR §5193

38. Which of the following is the BEST practice for a manicurist between two clients?

a.Wash hands, sanitize the workstation, disinfect tools, replace single-use items, set a fresh towel
b.Spray the desk with rubbing alcohol only
c.Change towels but reuse the file from the last client because it 'looked clean'
d.Mist the client's hands with hand sanitizer to compensate for unclean tools

Between every client a manicurist must wash hands, sanitize the workstation surface, disinfect any multi-use tools used, discard and replace single-use items, and set a clean towel. There are no shortcuts.

16 CCR §979

39. Eating or drinking AT the workstation while a client is being served is:

a.Allowed as long as the food is in a clean container
b.Prohibited as part of infection-control standards
c.Required for technician health
d.Allowed during long services only

Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited at the workstation while serving clients. The licensee's personal habits are part of the infection-control standard.

16 CCR §979

40. Which item is the BEST example of a multi-use, non-porous, disinfectable tool?

a.Cotton ball
b.Buffer block with foam core
c.Stainless steel cuticle nipper
d.Wax applicator stick

A stainless steel cuticle nipper is hard, non-porous, and can be fully immersed and disinfected. The other three are porous single-use items.

16 CCR §979

41. What should a cosmetologist do with a styptic powder applied to a small cut on a client?

a.Pour styptic directly from the bottle onto the cut
b.Touch the cut with the corner of the styptic bottle
c.Dip a used cotton ball back into the styptic powder
d.Sprinkle the styptic onto a clean cotton ball or single-use applicator and apply

Styptic must never contact broken skin directly from its bulk container. Dispense a small amount onto a clean cotton ball or single-use applicator and apply with the applicator.

16 CCR §979

42. A nail technician finishes a service in which the client bled from a cuticle. The metal nippers used MUST be:

a.Pre-cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant for the full label contact time
b.Wiped with a clean towel and reused
c.Rinsed in alcohol for 30 seconds
d.Thrown in the trash

Implements that have contacted blood must be pre-cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant for the full label contact time before reuse. Metal nippers are reusable when properly disinfected, not discarded.

16 CCR §979

43. Which of the following statements about hand washing is TRUE in California salon practice?

a.Hands should be washed only at the start of the day
b.Hands must be washed with soap and warm running water before every service
c.Cold water is required because hot water kills germs less effectively
d.Hand washing is optional if gloves are worn

Hands must be washed with soap and warm running water before every service. Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need to wash hands.

16 CCR §979

44. Used emery boards from a manicure should be:

a.Disinfected for 10 minutes and reused on the next client
b.Wiped with alcohol and stored in a clean drawer
c.Discarded into the trash immediately after the service
d.Sterilized in a UV cabinet for one minute

Emery boards are porous single-use items. They must be discarded after one client. Porous items cannot be disinfected effectively.

16 CCR §979

45. When a client requires a service that may aerosolize chemicals (such as filing acrylic nails), the technician should consider:

a.Lighting a candle to mask the odor
b.Turning off ventilation to keep the dust contained
c.Opening a window only if the temperature is below 70°F
d.Wearing a properly fitted mask and using local exhaust ventilation

Filing acrylics aerosolizes dust and chemical particles. Best practice is a properly fitted mask plus local exhaust ventilation to remove vapors and dust from the breathing zone.

16 CCR §979

46. California salons must maintain which type of written record related to whirlpool foot spas?

a.A cleaning and disinfection log available for BBC inspection
b.A list of customer phone numbers
c.An income statement
d.Daily weather conditions

Salons must keep a written cleaning and disinfection log for whirlpool foot spas. The log must be available to the BBC inspector upon request.

16 CCR §979

47. Tools that need disinfection should be placed in the wet sanitizer:

a.Partially submerged with handles sticking out
b.Fully submerged so that all surfaces are in contact with the disinfectant
c.Wrapped in a towel inside the jar
d.On top of the lid

Tools must be fully submerged so that every surface contacts the disinfectant for the full contact time. Partial submersion does not disinfect the exposed portion.

16 CCR §979

48. Which of the following is a porous, single-use item that must NOT be reused?

a.A stainless steel pedicure file
b.A glass nail file
c.A pumice stone
d.A metal cuticle pusher

A pumice stone is porous and absorbs skin debris and microorganisms, making proper disinfection impossible. It must be treated as single-use. Stainless steel files, glass files, and metal pushers are non-porous.

16 CCR §979

49. An esthetician notices an open cold sore on a client's lip before a facial. The correct response is:

a.Apply extra disinfectant to the lip area and continue
b.Cover the cold sore with a bandage and continue
c.Use a different wax temperature to kill the virus
d.Refuse the facial in that area; cold sores are contagious

Active herpes simplex (cold sores) is contagious and is on the list of conditions for which service should be refused (or limited to non-affected areas). The client should be referred to a physician.

16 CCR §979

50. What must be done with the lid of a wet sanitizer jar during normal use?

a.Keep the lid on when tools are not being added or removed
b.Remove the lid permanently for faster access
c.Tape the lid open at all times
d.Replace the lid with a paper towel

The wet sanitizer is a covered container; the lid must be kept on except when tools are being placed in or removed. This prevents contamination of the disinfectant solution.

16 CCR §979

51. Which of the following must occur at the END of each work day in a salon?

a.Tools may be left in dirty disinfectant overnight to soak
b.Disinfectant is drained, jars and basins are cleaned, single-use items discarded, linens laundered
c.All implements are sterilized in an autoclave
d.Wax is cooled and refrigerated for next-day use

End-of-day duties include draining used disinfectant, cleaning jars and basins, discarding used single-use items, and laundering soiled linens. Sterilization is not required, and refrigerating wax is not a regulatory rule.

16 CCR §979

52. When transferring product from a bulk container to a client, the technician should:

a.Pour the product directly onto the client's skin from the bulk container
b.Touch the client's skin with the lid of the container
c.Use a clean disposable spatula or pour onto a single-use palette
d.Reuse the same spatula for the next client if it still has product on it

Bulk products must be dispensed with a clean disposable spatula or onto a single-use palette. Direct contact between the bulk container or its lid and the client is prohibited.

16 CCR §979

53. A salon worker's smock or uniform must be:

a.The same smock worn every day without washing
b.Whatever the worker happens to be wearing that day
c.Optional and informal
d.Clean at the start of each work day

The garment worn over street clothes must be clean at the start of each work day to limit cross-contamination from one day to the next.

16 CCR §979

54. Which of the following is the BEST way to handle a single-use buffer block?

a.Use it on one client and discard it
b.Disinfect it for 10 minutes and reuse
c.Wash with soap and reuse on the same client only
d.Sterilize in an autoclave and reuse

A porous buffer block is single-use: use on one client, then discard. The foam core cannot be properly disinfected.

16 CCR §979

55. Chemical products in the salon must be stored in:

a.Any clear bottle within reach
b.Their original, labeled containers, away from heat sources
c.An unlabeled bulk container to save space
d.The same shelf as food and drinks for convenience

Chemicals must remain in their original, labeled containers, stored away from heat. Transferring chemicals to unlabeled bottles is prohibited under hazard communication rules.

8 CCR §5194

56. Which of the following is NOT acceptable storage for clean tools?

a.A closed plastic drawer organizer labeled 'clean'
b.A covered ceramic crock used only for clean items
c.An open cup with brushes mixed with combs and used towels
d.A clean, lined drawer reserved for disinfected items

Clean tools must not be mixed with used towels or other soiled items. They must be stored in clean, covered, labeled containers reserved for disinfected items.

16 CCR §979

57. A nail technician's neighbor brings in a 'great deal' on monomer in an unlabeled white jug. The technician should:

a.Use it but mix it half-and-half with regular EMA
b.Use it only on toenails, not fingernails
c.Test it on themselves first
d.Refuse the product; unlabeled monomer is a major MMA red flag and using it can violate state law

An unlabeled liquid monomer with a 'great deal' price is a serious red flag for prohibited MMA. The technician should refuse the product. Use of MMA on natural nails is a violation of BPC §7315.

16 CCR §979

58. Why must implements be cleaned with soap and water BEFORE they are placed in disinfectant?

a.Disinfectant cannot penetrate dirt, oil, or hair
b.Pre-cleaning is not actually required
c.Soap improves the smell of the solution
d.Pre-cleaning replaces the need for disinfection

Disinfectant cannot work through organic soil. Tools must be pre-cleaned of debris and oils so the disinfectant can directly contact the surface for the full contact time.

16 CCR §979

59. The MOST accurate definition of 'sterilization' is:

a.Removing visible dirt with detergent
b.Destroying ALL microbial life, including bacterial spores
c.Killing bacteria but not viruses
d.Cleaning under hot running water

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including resistant bacterial spores. It is the highest level of decontamination and is used in surgical settings, not in salon practice.

16 CCR §979

60. If a wax client's skin breaks slightly and a small amount of blood appears, the technician should:

a.Re-dip the same stick to seal the area with more wax
b.Wipe the blood with a cape
c.Stop, glove up, apply pressure with clean gauze, and disinfect any tool that touched the area
d.Continue and apologize at the end of the session

Any bleeding triggers the bloodborne pathogen protocol: stop, glove up, apply pressure with a clean cotton ball or sterile gauze, and disinfect any tool that contacted blood with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant.

16 CCR §979

61. Which is a CORRECT statement about California salon infection control?

a.Hot water alone disinfects tools
b.UV cabinets replace the need for chemical disinfection
c.Sterilization is mandatory in all salons
d.Disinfection is achieved by full immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the labeled time, at least 10 minutes in California

California requires full immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the labeled contact time, with a minimum of 10 minutes. UV cabinets, hot water alone, and salon sterilization are NOT required and not substitutes for proper chemical disinfection.

16 CCR §979

62. Which practice helps reduce a technician's daily exposure to nail-product fumes?

a.Local exhaust ventilation at the nail station that pulls vapors away from the breathing zone
b.A scented candle on the table
c.Closing the salon windows to keep the smell inside
d.Wearing perfume to mask the odor

Local exhaust ventilation pulls vapors and dust away from the worker's breathing zone, reducing chronic inhalation exposure. Masking odors or sealing the salon does not protect respiratory health.

16 CCR §979

63. What is the appropriate action if a client refuses to disclose a known skin or scalp condition before service?

a.Provide the service quickly to avoid offending the client
b.Explain that intake screening is required for safety and decline service if a contagious condition is suspected
c.Charge the client extra and proceed
d.Provide only nail services regardless of the condition

Client intake screening is required for the safety of staff, equipment, and other clients. If a contagious condition is suspected and the client will not disclose, the technician should decline service and refer the client to a physician.

16 CCR §979

64. Which monomer is the LEGAL standard for professional acrylic nail systems in California?

a.Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
b.Methylene chloride
c.Ethyl methacrylate (EMA)
d.Toluene

Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the legal monomer used in professional acrylic nail systems in California. MMA is prohibited; methylene chloride and toluene are not used as nail monomers.

BPC §7315

65. Which of the following is TRUE about UV light sanitizer cabinets in a California salon?

a.UV cabinets fulfill the legal disinfection requirement on their own
b.UV cabinets sterilize tools instantly
c.UV cabinets replace the EPA-registered disinfectant
d.UV cabinets may be used for clean storage but do NOT substitute for required chemical disinfection

California regulation requires chemical disinfection in an EPA-registered product for the labeled contact time. A UV cabinet may be useful for keeping already-disinfected tools clean, but it does NOT replace the chemical disinfection step.

16 CCR §979

66. During an inspection, the BBC inspector asks to see the disinfectant in use. The label should clearly show:

a.EPA registration number plus bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal claims
b.Only the brand name
c.Only the country of origin
d.A 'natural' or 'green' label

Inspectors look for an EPA registration number on the label and confirmation that the product is bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. 'Natural' or 'green' marketing without these specifics does not meet the requirement.

16 CCR §979

67. A barber finds dried hair stuck in the teeth of a clipper guard at the end of the day. The CORRECT response is:

a.Run the clipper over a clean paper towel and use it tomorrow
b.Remove the guard, brush and wash off the hair, then disinfect it for the full contact time
c.Toss the guard in the trash
d.Leave the guard overnight in soapy water

Multi-use plastic clipper guards must be pre-cleaned (hair brushed/washed out), then disinfected for the full contact time. They are not single-use, and soaking in soapy water alone does not disinfect.

16 CCR §979

68. Why is infection control the most heavily tested topic on the California cosmetology exam?

a.Because it is the easiest topic
b.Because it is the only topic the law covers
c.Because infection control violations are the most common reason for BBC citations and pose the greatest public-health risk
d.Because the BBC wants to limit license issuance

Infection control violations are the most common reason BBC inspectors issue citations, and they pose the greatest risk of harm to the public. The exam weights the topic at approximately 25% to reflect this importance.

16 CCR §979

69. Under work-area requirements, what must be true about the floors of the area where services are performed?

a.Floors may be carpeted if vacuumed daily
b.Floors must be cleaned only at the end of each business week
c.Floors must be kept clean and free of hair clippings, debris, and waste throughout the day
d.Floors must be sealed in concrete and disinfected weekly

16 CCR §980 requires the work area, including floors, to be kept clean and free of hair, debris, and waste during business hours, not just at closing.

16 CCR §980

70. Before any non-electrical multi-use implement is placed in disinfectant solution, what mandatory step must be completed?

a.Wipe with a dry paper towel only
b.Wash thoroughly with soap and water to remove debris
c.Submerge in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 30 seconds
d.Heat in an ultraviolet (UV) cabinet for 10 minutes

16 CCR §981 mandates that multi-use implements be cleaned with soap or detergent and water to remove all visible debris before any disinfection step; disinfectant cannot work through residue.

16 CCR §981

71. How must waste materials saturated with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids be disposed of in a licensed establishment?

a.Placed in any open trash bin at the workstation
b.Flushed down a utility sink
c.Stored in an unlabeled paper bag until end of day
d.Placed in a sealed, leak-proof container labeled as biohazard and disposed of per Cal/OSHA

16 CCR §982, together with Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §5193, requires that materials contaminated with blood or OPIM be placed in closeable, leak-proof, biohazard-labeled containers and disposed of as regulated medical waste.

16 CCR §982

72. After a multi-use towel is used on a client, how must it be handled before reuse?

a.Laundered in hot water with detergent and stored in a clean, closed container
b.Sprayed with rubbing alcohol and folded for the next client
c.Hung to air-dry on the styling chair
d.Rinsed in cold tap water and reused immediately if not visibly soiled

16 CCR §983 requires that multi-use linens and towels be laundered after each client with detergent and stored clean in a covered or closed container, separate from soiled items.

16 CCR §983

73. In electrology, how must single-use needles and probes be handled immediately after use?

a.Wiped with alcohol and reused on the same client only
b.Placed directly into a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container at the point of use
c.Recapped using two hands and stored in a drawer
d.Soaked in disinfectant for 10 minutes before discarding in regular trash

16 CCR §984 and Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §5193 require single-use needles and other sharps to be discarded immediately into a closable, puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container labeled as biohazard, located at the point of use. Recapping is prohibited.

16 CCR §984

74. A disinfectant used on non-porous implements in California salons must be EPA-registered and demonstrate efficacy against which group of pathogens?

a.Only common cold viruses
b.Only fungal spores
c.Bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal (hospital-grade, broad-spectrum)
d.Only Gram-positive bacteria

Per 16 CCR §979, the disinfectant must be EPA-registered as a hospital-grade, broad-spectrum product effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi when used on non-porous tools.

16 CCR §979

75. A salon performs pedicures using a whirlpool foot spa. What is the correct frequency for the more thorough disinfection cycle that addresses screens, jets, and inlets (Phase B)?

a.After every client
b.Twice per day
c.Monthly
d.At least once each week, in addition to cleaning after each client

California BBC foot-spa cleaning protocol requires the basic Phase A clean-and-disinfect after every client, plus a more thorough Phase B weekly cleaning that removes the screen/filter and circulates disinfectant through jets/inlets.

16 CCR §979

76. How often must a wet disinfectant solution (such as a quaternary ammonium bath) be changed in a salon?

a.At least daily, and any time it becomes visibly contaminated or cloudy
b.Only weekly regardless of appearance
c.Once a month after counting clients served
d.Only when the bottle of concentrate runs out

Per 16 CCR §979, wet disinfectant solutions must be changed daily and immediately if visibly soiled or contaminated, to maintain the labeled antimicrobial potency.

16 CCR §979

77. What is the difference between sterilization and high-level disinfection as used in salon settings?

a.They are interchangeable terms with the same outcome
b.Sterilization (e.g., autoclave) destroys all microbial life including spores; high-level disinfection destroys most pathogens but may not kill all bacterial spores
c.Sterilization is achieved with rubbing alcohol; disinfection requires bleach
d.Both are accomplished by wiping with soap and water

Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including resistant bacterial spores, typically via autoclave. High-level chemical disinfection kills most pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, TB) but is not guaranteed sporicidal. Salons routinely use disinfection, not sterilization.

16 CCR §979

78. BBC Health & Safety guidance considers a 10% household bleach solution to be equivalent to approximately how many parts per million (ppm) of available chlorine?

a.50 ppm
b.500 ppm
c.5,000 ppm
d.50,000 ppm

Standard household bleach is ~5.25% sodium hypochlorite (~52,500 ppm). A 1:10 dilution (10% bleach) yields roughly 5,000 ppm available chlorine, the level recommended for disinfecting blood spills.

79. Compared with HIV, the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is generally:

a.Much less stable outside the body, requiring no special protocols
b.Killed only by autoclaving, never by liquid disinfectants
c.Spread mainly through casual contact like handshakes
d.More heat- and chemical-resistant, able to survive on dry surfaces for at least a week

HBV is significantly hardier than HIV: it can survive on environmental surfaces in dried blood for at least 7 days and is more resistant to heat and chemicals, which is why salon disinfectants must be specifically labeled effective against HBV.

80. Why must a salon-grade disinfectant be labeled tuberculocidal (effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?

a.Because TB-killing efficacy is a recognized benchmark indicating broad-spectrum potency against tough lipid-coated pathogens
b.Because clients are routinely tested for TB at the salon
c.Because TB is the only pathogen present in salons
d.Because tuberculocidal products are exempt from EPA registration

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a waxy lipid cell wall that is hard to penetrate. A product that kills TB is considered an intermediate- to high-level disinfectant and a reliable indicator of broad-spectrum efficacy, which is why the BBC requires it on non-porous implements.

16 CCR §979

81. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer is specifically prohibited in California for what type of service?

a.Hair coloring on minors
b.Application of artificial nail enhancements to natural nails
c.Eyelash extensions on adults
d.Chemical peels above 30% glycolic acid

16 CCR §979(c), reinforced by BPC §7315, prohibits the use of MMA monomer for natural-nail enhancements because of its strong bond, brittleness, and link to nail-plate injury and allergic reactions. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the lawful substitute.

16 CCR §979(c) / BPC §7315

82. What is the core principle of "Standard Precautions" (the modern successor to Universal Precautions)?

a.Only clients who self-report a disease are treated with infection controls
b.Disposable gloves are only required when working on minors
c.Treat all human blood and body fluids from every client as if they are potentially infectious
d.Sanitation steps apply only to clients with visible wounds

Standard Precautions (Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §5193) treat all blood and OPIM from every person as potentially infectious, regardless of perceived risk. This is broader than the older Universal Precautions, which focused on blood-borne pathogens only.

Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §5193

83. Cal/OSHA §1532.1 sets standards on workplace lead exposure. Why is this relevant to nail-care professionals?

a.Lead is intentionally added to base coats for shine
b.All gel polishes legally must contain lead
c.Lead is used as a primary disinfectant in pedicure baths
d.Some imported pigments and decorative items can contain lead contaminants, which must be controlled to keep airborne and skin exposure below permissible limits

Cal/OSHA §1532.1 limits occupational lead exposure. While lead is not an approved cosmetic ingredient, trace contaminants can appear in imported pigments, decorations, or older inventory; employers must control exposure below the permissible exposure limit.

Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §1532.1

84. A typical quaternary ammonium ("quat") concentrate used in salons is most often diluted at approximately what ratio, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise?

a.Approximately 1:200 (e.g., about 0.5 oz per gallon) per the product label
b.1:1, equal parts concentrate and water
c.Always 1:10 regardless of label
d.1:1000 in cold water only

Quat concentrates are commonly labeled around 1:200 (often ~0.5 oz per gallon of water). California regulations require following the manufacturer's label directions exactly, which take legal precedence over generic ratios.

16 CCR §979

85. Which of the following best describes the required record-keeping for infection-control activities at a licensed salon?

a.No records are required as long as the salon looks clean
b.Maintain a log of cleaning and disinfection (such as foot-spa, autoclave, or whirlpool cleaning) available for inspector review
c.Records are required only for client phone numbers
d.Only annual records are required, kept in a sealed envelope

California regulations under §979 expect licensees to maintain dated logs of cleaning/disinfection events (especially foot-spa Phase A/B and sterilization equipment) for at least 30 days, available to BBC inspectors on request.

16 CCR §979

86. A client accidentally cuts a finger during a manicure. What is the correct immediate procedure?

a.Continue the service so the client is not inconvenienced
b.Apply alcohol to the implement and reuse it on the same client immediately
c.Stop service, put on gloves, control bleeding with clean gauze, clean and disinfect the contaminated area, discard single-use items, and disinfect any reusable implements that contacted blood
d.Send the client home without further action

Per Cal/OSHA §5193 exposure-control procedure and BBC infection-control rules, the licensee must don gloves, control bleeding, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, discard contaminated single-use items into biohazard waste, and disinfect any reusable implements before reuse.

16 CCR §979

87. While the BBC does not enforce HIPAA, California licensees still owe clients a duty of confidentiality regarding which type of information?

a.The brand of shampoo used
b.The salon's hours of operation
c.How many clients the licensee saw that day
d.Personal health disclosures (e.g., skin conditions, medications, pregnancy) shared on intake forms for service safety

Although salons are not HIPAA-covered entities, client intake disclosures about medical conditions, medications, allergies, or pregnancy are private information. California consumer-protection principles and standard professional ethics require keeping such disclosures confidential.

88. Why is a UV (ultraviolet) cabinet not acceptable as a disinfection method on its own in California salons?

a.Because UV light is not recognized by the BBC as an EPA-registered disinfectant; it may be used only for storage of already-disinfected tools
b.Because UV light is too dangerous to operate
c.Because UV light is too expensive for salons
d.Because UV cabinets are illegal to own in California

Per 16 CCR §979, only EPA-registered, hospital-grade liquid disinfectants meet the legal requirement. UV cabinets are not approved disinfectants because uneven exposure and lack of contact penetration prevent reliable kill rates; they may only be used as clean storage.

16 CCR §979

89. Cal/OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (§5194) requires that, for every chemical product used in the salon, the establishment maintains what?

a.A printed photograph of the bottle only
b.A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) accessible to all employees during all work shifts
c.A verbal description from the owner
d.An advertising brochure from the manufacturer

§5194 (HazCom) requires employers to keep a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for every hazardous chemical onsite and to make it readily accessible to employees during all work shifts, along with employee training.

Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §5194

90. A single-use item (such as an emery board, wooden orangewood stick, or paper neck strip) must be:

a.Disinfected and reused on the same client only
b.Used on up to three clients before discarding
c.Discarded immediately after use on one client
d.Stored in disinfectant overnight for reuse

Per 16 CCR §979, porous single-use items cannot be effectively disinfected and must be discarded after a single client. Reusing porous items between clients is a common citation.

16 CCR §979

91. Which of the following is the BEST example of an engineering control for chemical safety under Cal/OSHA?

a.Asking employees to hold their breath while applying products
b.Posting a sign that says "be careful"
c.Issuing employees one pair of nitrile gloves per month
d.Installing a local source-capture ventilation system at nail tables to remove vapors at the source

Engineering controls remove or reduce a hazard at its source (e.g., source-capture ventilation, ventilated nail tables). They sit above administrative controls and PPE in the hierarchy of controls because they do not depend on worker behavior.

92. The minimum contact time for an EPA-registered salon disinfectant is determined by:

a.The specific time printed on the product's EPA-registered label and SDS
b.Whatever the previous client recommended
c.Always exactly 60 seconds, regardless of product
d.How long the implement looks wet to the naked eye

16 CCR §979 requires the licensee to follow the manufacturer's label directions, including the EPA-approved contact (dwell) time. Contact time varies by product (commonly 1, 5, or 10 minutes), and tools must remain fully submerged for that period.

16 CCR §979

93. A licensee finishes a haircut and notices a small amount of blood on the shears from a nick on the client's ear. What is the correct sequence?

a.Wipe with a towel, place in drawer, and use on the next client
b.Clean visible blood with detergent and water, then fully immerse the shears in an EPA-registered, tuberculocidal/bloodborne-pathogen-claim disinfectant for the labeled contact time, then rinse and dry before reuse
c.Throw the shears into the general trash
d.Spray with hairspray and dry on the workstation

When implements are contaminated with blood or OPIM, 16 CCR §979/§982 and Cal/OSHA §5193 require the licensee to first clean visible debris, then disinfect with an EPA-registered product that carries a tuberculocidal and bloodborne-pathogen claim for the full labeled contact time.

16 CCR §979 / §982