Cosmetology Infection Control and Salon Safety

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering sanitation, microbiology, regulatory standards, chemical safety, and exposure protocols for cosmetology and salon professionals.

Cleaning

A mechanical process using soap and water to remove all visible dirt and debris from tools, implements, and equipment.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)

An international standard agreed upon by OSHA and the United Nations in 2012 that gives workers the right to understand safety concerns associated with chemicals.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document required by federal and state laws since June 2015 for all chemical products manufactured and sold, which must be kept available in the salon for all products used.

Identification (SDS Section)

The section of the Safety Data Sheet (formerly MSDS) that lists product restrictions and use information.

Disinfectants

Chemical products that destroy all bacteria, fungi, and viruses (but not spores) on surfaces.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The agency responsible for designating disinfecting agents as being effective enough to be used in a hospital setting and effective for cleaning blood and body fluids.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

A safe and useful type of disinfectant commonly used in salons and spas.

State Regulatory Agencies

Governmental bodies that create the rules determining how laws and statutes are applied in salons and spas.

Statutes

Another formal legal term for laws.

Infection

The invasion of body tissues by disease-causing pathogenic bacteria.

Bacteria

One-celled microorganisms that possess both plant and animal characteristics.

Nonpathogenic Bacteria

Harmless microorganisms that do not produce disease.

Cocci

Round-shaped bacteria that rarely show any active motility.

Staphylococci

Pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters resembling bunches of grapes.

Bacilli

Short, rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirilla

Spiral- or corkscrew-shaped bacteria.

Protoplasm

A fluid contained within the outer cell wall of bacteria.

Life Cycle of Bacteria

The combination of the active stage and the inactive, or spore-forming, stage of bacteria.

Inflammation

A bodily condition characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.

Pus

A fluid byproduct created by an infection whose presence indicates a bacterial infection.

Local Infection

An infection confined to a specific part of the body, such as a pimple or an abscess.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

A drug-resistant bacterial pathogen that initially presents as a skin infection.

Communicable Disease

A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another.

Virus

A parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides within the cells of a biological organism.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms carried throughout the body in blood or body fluids.

Hepatitis

A bloodborne disease that causes damage to the liver.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The pathogen responsible for causing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Fungi

Single-cell organisms that include molds, mildews, and yeasts.

Mildew

A fungus that affects plants or grows on inanimate objects but does not produce human infections in a salon setting.

Toxins

Poisonous substances produced by certain microorganisms.

Tinea Pedis

The most frequently encountered fungal foot infection resulting from nail services.

Healthy, Uncompromised Skin

The human body's first line of defense against infection.

Parasites

Organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or within another living host organism.

Scabies

A contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite.

Acquired Immunity

The type of immunity that the body develops after overcoming a disease or through inoculations.

Sterilization

The process that completely destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores.

Allergy

A reaction resulting from extreme sensitivity to certain foods, chemicals, or other normally harmless substances.

Efficacy

The measure of effectiveness with which a disinfecting solution kills germs when applied according to the manufacturer label instructions.

Phenolic Disinfectants

A category of disinfectants recognized as known carcinogens.

Sodium Hypochlorite

The chemical name for household bleach.

Multi-Use Items

Reusable salon tools and implements, such as nippers, that can be cleaned and disinfected after each client use.

Single-Use Items

Disposable items that cannot be disinfected after client use and must be discarded immediately.

UV Sanitizers

Salon units that do not disinfect nor do they sterilize salon implements.

Whirlpool Foot Spa

A type of pedicure basin that has come under scrutiny because disease-causing microorganisms tend to proliferate inside its internal components.

Chelating Soaps

Detergents formulated to break down stubborn films and remove residues left by pedicure products such as scrubs, salts, and masks.

Antiseptics

Chemical germicides formulated for application directly to the skin, registered and regulated by the FDA.

Waterless Hand Sanitizers

Products that may be used after washing with soap and water, but cannot substitute for soap and water in a salon.

Standard Precautions

Infection control guidelines published by the CDC requiring employers and employees to assume that all human blood and body fluids are potentially infectious.

Nitrile Gloves

Durable gloves considered the best choice for nail services to eliminate the risk of latex allergy.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee to protect against occupational hazards.

Hand Washing Duration

The sanitation practice of lathering and rubbing hands together for a minimum of $20\,\text{seconds}$.

Exposure Incident

A specific incident involving contact with blood or body fluids, such as a cosmetologist cutting herself while providing a service to a client.

Contaminated Disposable Waste Disposal

The protocol of placing all disposable contaminated items into a plastic bag, which is subsequently placed into a closed trash container with a liner bag.