Infection Control and Regulatory Agencies

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing key terms, definitions, and regulatory guidelines regarding infection control, federal/state agencies, and disinfectants.

Infection Control

Refers to the methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms from one individual to another.

Cleaning

A mechanical process using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs, as well as invisible debris that interferes with disinfection.

Sanitizing

A chemical process for reducing the number of disease-causing germs on cleaned surfaces to a safe level.

Disinfecting

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

The process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, generally with the use of an autoclave.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

An agency created as part of the U.S. Department of Labor to regulate and enforce safety and health standards to protect employees in the workplace.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A 16-category, standard-format document that replaces the MSDS/PSDS and is used by chemical manufacturers and importers to assess and communicate the potential hazards associated with their products.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

A federal agency that registers all types of disinfectants sold and used in the United States.

Disinfectants

Chemical products that destroy most bacteria (excluding spores), fungi, and viruses on surfaces.

Disinfectant Label Instructions

Mandated instructions for mixing, contact time, and applicable surface types that must be followed according to federal law.

State Regulatory Agencies

Agencies such as licensing agencies, state boards, commissions, and health departments that exist to protect beauty professionals' and their customers' health and safety during services.

Laws

Standards written by federal and state legislatures to determine the scope of practice and establish guidelines for regulatory agencies to make rules; also called statutes.

Rules and Regulations

Specific standards of conduct written by a regulatory agency or state board that determine how the law must be applied.

Bacterial Spores

Bacteria capable of producing a protective coating that allows them to withstand very harsh environments and to shed the coating when conditions become more favorable.

Bactericidal

Capable of destroying bacteria.

Virucidal

Capable of destroying viruses.

Fungicidal

Capable of destroying molds and fungi.

Efficacy Claims

The list of specific pathogens against which a product is effective, required to be displayed on disinfectant labels along with contact times and target organisms.

Tuberculocidal Disinfectants

Disinfectants required in some states that are proven to be effective against tuberculosis.