California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlHard
A salon owner purchases an autoclave, believing California law requires all metal implements to be sterilized rather than disinfected. What does California Code of Regulations Title 16 actually require for non-electrical multi-use implements?
- ASterilization in an autoclave at 250°F for a minimum of 30 minutes
- BExposure to a UV light cabinet for at least one hour
- CBoiling in water for 20 minutes prior to each client
- DCleaning followed by disinfection with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant for the required contact time; sterilization is not required
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Cleaning followed by disinfection with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant for the required contact time; sterilization is not required
California regulations require cleaning and disinfection with an EPA-registered hospital-grade (or hospital/tuberculocidal) disinfectant for the labeled contact time — sterilization via autoclave, UV cabinet, or boiling is not the legal standard for salon implements.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Autoclave sterilization is not required or standard practice in CA salons.
- B. UV cabinets alone do not meet the disinfection standard and are for storage only.
- C. Boiling is not part of the required disinfection process.
Disinfection vs Sterilization (CA Standard)
California law requires disinfection of implements with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant for the proper contact time; full sterilization is not mandated for standard salon tools.
- Sterilization kills all life forms including spores; not required in CA salons
- Disinfection kills most pathogens but not necessarily spores
- UV cabinets are for storage of already-disinfected tools, not disinfection itself
Memory trick: CA salons 'disinfect,' hospitals 'sterilize' — don't confuse the two!