California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlHard
During a Cal/OSHA inspection, the compliance officer finds that a salon's rear emergency exit door is blocked by stacked boxes of retail inventory. This is primarily a violation of what safety requirement?
- AEmergency exits must remain clear and unobstructed at all times to allow safe evacuation
- BFire extinguishers must be mounted near the register
- CThe IIPP must list all inventory storage locations
- DRetail inventory must be stored only in a locked closet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Emergency exits must remain clear and unobstructed at all times to allow safe evacuation
Cal/OSHA workplace safety standards require that emergency exits remain unobstructed so employees and clients can evacuate quickly in a fire or other emergency. Blocking an exit with boxes is a direct violation of this requirement, regardless of other unrelated storage or documentation rules.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Fire extinguisher placement is a separate requirement, not the issue here.
- C. IIPP documentation doesn't address physical exit obstruction.
- D. Storage location of inventory itself is not the specific violation cited.
Emergency Egress Requirement
Cal/OSHA requires that all emergency exits remain unobstructed and accessible at all times to allow rapid evacuation during emergencies.
- Exits must be free of storage, furniture, or equipment
- Applies to all workplaces including salons
- Blocked exits are a common citation during safety inspections
Memory trick: Never block the exit — it's the salon's lifeline in an emergency!