Sanitization

Question 1

What is a contaminant?

Answer 1

A substance that causes contamination.

Question 2

What is decontamination?

Answer 2

Decontamination is the killing of organisms or removal of contamination after use.

Question 3

What are some forms of decontamination?

Answer 3

Sterilization, disinfection, and sanitation are forms of decontamination.

Question 4

Define sterilization:

Answer 4

The process of decontamination by utilizing a combination of chemical application, heat,
and/or pressure to eliminate any and all pathogenic microbes and bacteria on a surface.

Question 5

Define disinfection:

Answer 5

The process of decontamination that almost completely reduces the pathogenic microbes
and bacteria on a surface.

Question 6

What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Answer 6

Chemical disinfection does not kill spores, unlike chemical sterilization.

Question 7

What are the main functions of disinfectant products?

Answer 7

Disinfectants must perform all these functions:
kill bacteria – bactericide
kill fungus – fungicide
kill viruses – viricide

Question 8

What does EPA mean?

Answer 8

Environmental Protection Agency.

Question 9

Define sanitation:

Answer 9

The lowest level of decontamination. Sanitizing will significantly reduce the number of
pathogens on a surface to a safe level

Question 10

What is a form of sanitation?

Answer 10

Cleaning with antibacterial soap and water is a form of sanitation. Hand washing for at least
15 -20 seconds is a form of sanitization.

Question 11

What is the best type of disinfectant to use in a salon?

Answer 11

EPA registered hospital-level disinfectants are perfect for salons.

Question 12

What are antiseptics?

Answer 12

Antiseptics are sanitizers that help prevent infection

Question 13

What are some examples of antiseptics?

Answer 13

Alcohol, tincture of iodine and hydrogen peroxide.

Question 14

What is a surfactant?

Answer 14

Surfactant and enzymatic cleaners are the best types of detergents.

Question 15

What are the main disadvantages of using alcohol and bleach to disinfect?

Answer 15

Bleach can discolor some materials and has almost no cleaning power. Alcohol is extremely
flammable, evaporates quickly, and is less effective than professionally designed disinfectant
systems.

Question 16

What are the advantages of Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)?

Answer 16

They are safe and fast-acting, they are the most cost-effective of all professional
disinfectants, Quats are highly effective for cleaning surfaces as well.

Question 17

What is bio-film?

Answer 17

A collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces.

Question 18

What is the recommended time to leave implements submerged in disinfectant to be effective?

Answer 18

All EPA registered disinfectants must have 10-minute contact time on pre-cleaned surfaces to
be effective.

Question 19

What is formalin and why is it dangerous

Answer 19

Formalin was used to disinfect as a fumigant in dry cabinet sanitizers. Formalin contains large amounts of formaldehyde, a suspected cancer-causing agent. It is poisonous to inhale or touch and is very irritating to the eyes, throat, nose, and lungs.

Question 20

What is the type of disinfectant that we should use when blood spill occurs?

Answer 20

If a blood spill occurs, many provinces/states require the use of a tuberculocidal disinfectant to clean up the visible blood. These disinfectants are considered to provide a little extra
protection based on phenolic compounds.

Question 21

What is universal sanitation?

Answer 21

Applying all the measures for sanitizing and disinfecting the nail salon and implements: use gloves and safety glasses, use disinfectants and detergents, personal hygiene, salon cleanliness practices, use of sanitizers and antiseptics.

Question 22

What are some examples of disposable items?

Answer 22

Cotton balls, gauze pads, wooden implements, disposable towels, toe separators, tissues, wooden sticks, arbor bands/sleeves for electric files and certain abrasive files and buffers.

Question 23

Why is it important to do a proper product application?

Answer 23

To avoid introducing bacteria into the product and cause contamination that can render products unsafe for use.

Question 24

What are the main pre-service steps for disinfecting implements?

Answer 24

Wash implements in hot soapy water, brush groove items if necessary.
2. Rinse implements in plain water to remove soapy residue, then dry with a clean towel.
3. Completely immerse implements in disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes avoiding skin contact.
4. Wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap. Liquid soaps are required as bar soaps breed bacteria.
5. Rinse implements and dry with a clean towel.

Question 25

What is the proper method for cleaning?

Answer 25

Proper cleaning requires liquid soap/detergent, water, and the use of a clean and disinfected
scrub brush to remove all visible debris and residue.

Question 26

What is the proper method for disinfection?

Answer 26

After proper cleaning, all reusable implements/tools must be disinfected by complete
immersion in an appropriate disinfecting solution. The item must be completely immersed so that
all surfaces, including handles, are soaked for the time required on the disinfectant
manufacturer’s label.

Question 27

Mention 8 guidelines to keep the salon clean and sanitary:

Answer 27

Always use clean linens and fresh towels for each client.
2. Professionals should not touch
their face or eyes during services.
3. Salons should never be used for cooking lunch or dinner.
4. Eating, drinking, and smoking in the salon is prohibited by federal regulations.
5. Clean sinks and
drinking fountains often.
6. Proper ventilation to control dust and filings.
7. Clean doorknobs
often, especially in the bathroom.
8. Restrooms must be clean and tidy.

Question 28

What are some measures to avoid product contamination?

Answer 28

Dispose of used or remaining product between clients. Use single-use disposable implements
to remove products from containers for application or remove product with a clean and
disinfected spatula and put product to be used into a disposable or disinfectable service cup. Use
an applicator bottle or dropper to apply the product.

Question 29

Why should you never use a tuberculocidal product containing phenol in pedicure
equipment?

Answer 29

Phenolics damage plastic surfaces and create areas where germs can accumulate.

Question 30

What factors are important to consider when choosing a disinfectant?

Answer 30

Effectiveness, kill time, safety, and ease of use.

Question 31

What does pathogenic means?

Answer 31

A microbe or other organism that causes disease.

Question 32

Why is cleaning properly before disinfecting is particularly important?

Answer 32

If cleaning is not done correctly or the wrong cleaner is used, disinfectants will not effectively
kill germs, including mycobacteria.

Question 33

What are the most common types of disinfectants used in a nail salon?

Answer 33

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats), chlorine compounds, alcohols, aldehydes,
iodophors, phenolic compounds, hydrogen peroxide.

Question 34

Explain why there is no need for sterilization in a nail salon?

Answer 34

Bacterial spores do not cause harm in the salon, so disinfection is just as effective in the salon
without the expense, danger, and hassle of sterilization. Sterilization is mostly required for
surgical procedures.