California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A technician places freshly cleaned metal cuticle nippers into an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant solution labeled bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. Per California Code of Regulations Title 16, how long must the implements remain fully immersed?
- A3 minutes
- B10 minutes
- C5 minutes
- D20 minutes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 10 minutes
California Title 16 requires nonelectrical multi-use implements to be completely immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the full contact time listed on the label, which for most salon disinfectants is a minimum of 10 minutes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Too short to meet the required disinfection contact time.
- C. Also insufficient; does not meet CA's 10-minute minimum standard.
- D. Exceeds requirement; not the standard mandated time (though not harmful, it's not the required minimum).
Disinfectant Contact Time
The minimum time an implement must stay immersed in an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant to be considered properly disinfected.
- CA requires full immersion, not just wiping
- Standard minimum contact time is 10 minutes
- Implement must be pre-cleaned of debris before immersion
- Disinfectant must be changed daily or when visibly contaminated
Memory trick: 'Ten minutes to shine' — implements soak like tea bags.