Under California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 9, what must a cosmetologist do with metal tweezers immediately after using them on a client?
- ARinse them under hot running water for at least 10 seconds
- BClean them and completely immerse them in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant for the full required contact time
- CWipe them with a dry paper towel and place them back in the tray for the next client
- DWrap them in a clean towel and disinfect them once at the end of the business day
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Clean them and completely immerse them in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant for the full required contact time
California regulations require all non-porous multi-use implements, including metal tweezers, to be cleaned of debris and then completely immersed in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade (bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal) disinfectant for the manufacturer's specified contact time after each use on a client. Wiping, rinsing, or delaying disinfection does not meet the regulatory standard.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hot water rinsing alone does not disinfect implements per Title 16 standards.
- C. Wiping with a dry towel does not disinfect or kill pathogens.
- D. Disinfection must occur after each client use, not batched at day's end.
Tweezer/Implement Disinfection (CA Title 16)
California regulations require metal implements like tweezers to be cleaned and completely immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the full contact time after each client use.
- Applies to all reusable, non-porous metal implements
- Disinfectant must be EPA-registered and hospital-grade
- Full immersion for the manufacturer's contact time is required
Memory trick: 'Dunk it fully, every single time'