QUESTION:Which of the following is an example of a work practice control?POSSIBLE ANSWERS:Dispose of sharps in appropriate containers.Store infectious materials in leak-proof containers.Use self-resheathing needles to avoid needlesticks.Flush exposed mucous membranes with water.

QUESTION:Which of the following is an example of an engineering control?POSSIBLE ANSWERS:Use disposal containers for needles and other sharps.Flush exposed mucous membranes with water.Avoid smoking, eating, or grooming in work areas.Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.

Which of the following is an unsafe work practice?Immediately discarding used sharps into a trash canTreating all bodily fluids as possible bloodborne pathogens (BBPs)Washing hands with soap and water after working around bloodborne pathogensWearing personal protective equipment (PPE) required for specific job tasks

Which of the following is an example of a nursing intervention that is implemented to reduce a reservoir of infection for a client? Covering the mouth and nose when sneezing Wearing disposable gloves Isolating client's articles Changing soiled dressings

QUESTION:Which of the following is a universal precaution concerning the disposal of sharps?POSSIBLE ANSWERS:Non-disposable sharps should be sterilized once every day.Sharps should be disposed of in properly labeled, puncture-resistant containers.Needles should be carefully recapped immediately after use.Sharps disposal containers should be located in an area separate from the area of use.

Explain Infection Control State boards and other regulatory agencies require that infection control measures and safe work practices be applied while serving the public. Infection control (in-FEK-shun con-TROL) refers to the methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious (in-FEK-shus) organisms from one individual to another. Since transmission can also occur when using contaminated implements, tools, or equipment, the performance of effective infection control procedures must be a top priority in the salon, spa, and barbershop. Safe work practices require that implements, tools, and equipment be used safely and that you be aware of situations that can cause accidents. This chapter provides some helpful guidelines to minimize potential risks and accidents. It is your responsibility as a beauty professional to use proper and effective infection control methods that help safeguard your health and the health of your clients. You are also responsible for employing safe work practices to help prevent accidents and injuries from occurring in the workplace. Focus On Infection Control Vocabulary Before we discuss infection control and safe work practices, the terms cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing need to be properly differentiated: Cleaning is a mechanical process using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs. Cleaning also removes invisible debris that interferes with disinfection. Sanitizing is a chemical process for reducing the number of disease-causing germs on cleaned surfaces to a safe level. Infection control professionals consider sanitation (san-ih-TAY-shun) to be a layperson’s term or a product marketing term (as in hand sanitizers), preferring cleaning to describe the step before disinfecting. Disinfecting is a chemical process for use with nonporous items that uses specific products to destroy harmful organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi (except bacterial spores) on implements and environmental surfaces. Sterilizing is the process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, generally with the use of an autoclave. Beauty professionals should study and have a thorough understanding of infection control because: It is important to know about the pathogens professionals and their clients may be exposed to and their modes of transmission. Understanding and practicing proper infection control within the laws and rules will help safeguard professionals’ health, the health of their clients, and their business. Practicing safety precautions on a daily basis protects their clients and their license. A responsible beauty professional is conscientious about infection control and safety. Activity Infection Control on the Home Front Consider the following questions and then discuss your answers with the rest of the class in comparison to how often you think a salon, spa, or barbershop environment should be cleaned and disinfected. How often do you sweep the floors of your home? How often do you mop the floors of your home? How often do you clean/disinfect the bathroom? How often do you clean/disinfect the bathroom doorknob? How often do you remove hair and debris from your hairbrush or comb and wash it with soap and water?