Infection Control & Sanitation

Infection control represents a critical component of the NIC Cosmetology Exam, accounting for a significant portion of the Scientific Concepts section (35% of the total exam). Understanding pathogens, decontamination levels, and proper sanitation procedures protects both you and your clients.

Types of Pathogens

Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms. In the salon environment, you must protect against four main types:

1. Bacteria

Bacteria are one-celled microorganisms with both plant and animal characteristics. They are the most common pathogens encountered in salons.

• Pathogenic bacteria cause disease and infection
• Nonpathogenic bacteria are harmless and may even be beneficial
• Most bacteria thrive in warm, dark, moist environments
• Some bacteria can form spores - protective shells that make them resistant to heat, chemicals, and drying

2. Viruses

Viruses are the smallest pathogens and can only replicate inside living cells.

• Cannot be killed with antibiotics
• Spread through blood, body fluids, and contaminated surfaces
• Examples: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, herpes simplex, human papillomavirus (warts)
• Require hospital-grade disinfectants that are virucidal

3. Fungi

Fungi are plant-like organisms that include molds, mildews, and yeasts.

• Thrive in warm, moist environments
• Examples: Tinea (ringworm), athlete's foot, nail fungus (onychomycosis)
• Can spread through contaminated tools, towels, and surfaces
• Require fungicidal disinfectants for elimination

4. Parasites

Parasites are organisms that live on or in another organism (the host) and benefit at the host's expense.

• Examples: Head lice (pediculosis), scabies mites
• Cannot perform services on clients with visible parasitic infections
• Require specialized treatment protocols

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Levels of Decontamination

Decontamination removes pathogens from surfaces and tools. There are three distinct levels, each providing different degrees of protection:

Level 1: Sanitation (Lowest Level)

Sanitation reduces microorganisms to safe public health levels but does not kill all pathogens.

• Method: Washing with soap and water
• Purpose: Removes visible dirt, debris, and some germs
• Requirement: Must be performed BEFORE disinfection
• Example: Washing hands for 20+ seconds, pre-cleaning implements

Important: Disinfectants become inactivated and ineffective when applied to visibly contaminated surfaces. Always sanitize (clean) before disinfecting.

Level 2: Disinfection (Middle Level)

Disinfection destroys most microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces but does not kill bacterial spores.

• Method: EPA-registered chemical disinfectants
• Purpose: Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on implements and surfaces
• Requirement: Implements must be cleaned first; disinfectant must remain wet for required contact time
• Example: Soaking metal tools in hospital-grade disinfectant

Level 3: Sterilization (Highest Level)

Sterilization kills or removes ALL forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.

• Method: Autoclave (steam under pressure), dry heat sterilizer
• Purpose: Complete elimination of all microorganisms
• Requirement: Only necessary for implements that penetrate skin or contact bodily fluids in medical settings
• Note: Sterilization is NOT required in most salon settings

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EPA-Registered Disinfectants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates disinfectants. Only EPA-registered products can be used for salon disinfection.

Types of EPA-Registered Disinfectants

Critical Requirements for Effective Disinfection

1. Pre-cleaning Required: All visible debris must be removed first
2. Proper Dilution: Follow manufacturer's instructions exactly
3. Contact Time: Disinfectant must remain visibly WET on the surface for the entire required time (typically 10+ minutes)
4. Fresh Solutions: Replace solutions daily or when visibly contaminated
5. Complete Immersion: Implements must be fully submerged

Contact Time (Dwell Time)

Contact time is how long a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to kill pathogens effectively.

• Most hospital-grade disinfectants require 10 minutes of wet contact
• The surface must remain visibly wet for the ENTIRE contact time
• Wiping or drying before contact time expires renders disinfection incomplete
• Always check the product label for specific contact time requirements

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Proper Sanitation Procedures

Hand Hygiene

The CDC recommends a minimum of 20 seconds of handwashing with soap and friction.

When to wash hands:

• Before and after each client
• After touching hair, face, or skin
• After using the restroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After handling contaminated items
• Before eating or drinking

Implement Disinfection Procedure

1. Clean: Remove all visible debris with soap and water
2. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse off soap residue
3. Dry: Wipe implements dry before immersing
4. Disinfect: Completely immerse in EPA-registered disinfectant
5. Wait: Allow full contact time (per manufacturer's directions)
6. Rinse (if required by product)
7. Store: Keep in clean, covered container until use

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Blood Spill Protocol

Blood exposure creates risk for bloodborne pathogen transmission, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

Immediate Response Steps

1. Stop the service immediately
2. Put on gloves before touching anything
3. Apply pressure to the wound with clean gauze or cotton
4. Clean the wound and apply antiseptic and bandage
5. Absorb the spill with disposable materials
6. Disinfect the area with EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant effective against HBV and HIV
7. Dispose of contaminated materials in a sealed plastic bag
8. Document the incident

Contaminated Implement Protocol

When an implement contacts blood or body fluids:

1. Immediately remove the implement from service
2. Clean the implement thoroughly
3. Soak in EPA-registered disinfectant that kills HBV and HIV
4. Allow full contact time (typically 10+ minutes)
5. Rinse and store properly before reuse

Single-Use Items

Items that cannot be properly disinfected must be discarded after one use:

• Cotton balls and pads
• Gauze and tissues
• Disposable gloves
• Wooden applicators
• Emery boards and porous files
• Any item that contacts blood

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State Board Sanitation Requirements

Practical Exam Sanitation Standards

During the NIC practical exam, you must demonstrate proper sanitation throughout the entire examination.

Continuous Sanitation Requirements:

• Proper draping of clients/mannequins
• Clean and disinfected implements before use
• Safe handling of all tools and products
• Proper disposal of waste materials
• Handwashing between procedures

Critical Violations (Automatic Failure):

• Dropping implements and reusing without disinfection
• Using visibly contaminated implements
• Improper blood exposure handling
• Failure to maintain sanitary conditions

Exam Tip: The practical exam awards or deducts points for sanitation at EVERY station. One critical sanitation violation can result in automatic failure of the entire practical exam.