California Cosmetology Written ExamChemical Texture ServicesMedium
After completing a permanent wave service, a cosmetologist removes the plastic perm rods used on the client. Per California Code of Regulations Title 16, what must be done before these rods can be used on another client?
- AThe rods must be cleaned of all visible debris, then completely immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the required contact time
- BThe rods must be wiped once with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and reused
- CThe rods may be reused immediately since they only contact hair, not skin
- DThe rods must be rinsed with warm water and air-dried only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The rods must be cleaned of all visible debris, then completely immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the required contact time
California Title 16 regulations require that nonporous tools, including plastic perm rods, be pre-cleaned to remove debris and then fully immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade (bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal) disinfectant for the manufacturer's required contact time before reuse.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A single alcohol wipe does not achieve proper immersion disinfection per Title 16.
- C. All tools contacting hair or skin must be disinfected between clients regardless of contact type.
- D. Rinsing and air-drying alone does not meet disinfection requirements.
Disinfection of Nonporous Tools (Title 16)
California regulations require nonporous implements like perm rods to be cleaned of debris then fully immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the required contact time before reuse.
- Applies to all nonporous multi-use tools
- Clean first, then immerse fully in disinfectant
- Must use EPA-registered hospital-grade solution
Memory trick: 'Clean then Cover Completely' in disinfectant before reuse