California Barber Written ExamSafety and HealthHard
A barber is using an electric clipper on a client. What is the most effective method to ensure the clipper blades are properly disinfected between clients, according to California regulations?
- ABrushing off hair and then applying alcohol to the blades.
- BWiping the blades with a dry cloth after each use.
- CSpraying the blades with an EPA-registered disinfectant spray and allowing it to air dry.
- DImmersing the entire clipper in a liquid disinfectant solution for 10 minutes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Spraying the blades with an EPA-registered disinfectant spray and allowing it to air dry.
For electric clippers, which cannot be fully immersed, the most effective and compliant method is to first remove all hair and debris, and then spray the blades with an EPA-registered disinfectant specifically formulated for electric tools. The disinfectant must remain on the blades for the manufacturer's recommended contact time (typically air drying) to be effective.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Alcohol is a sanitizer, not a high-level disinfectant, and may not meet regulatory standards for efficacy on bloodborne pathogens.
- B. Wiping with a dry cloth only removes hair; it does not disinfect.
- D. Immersing an electric clipper in liquid will damage the tool and is unsafe.
Electric Clipper Disinfection
The specific procedure for cleaning and disinfecting electric tools that cannot be immersed in liquid, such as clippers.
- Remove hair first.
- Use EPA-registered spray disinfectant.
- Follow contact time (often air dry).
- Do not immerse.
Memory trick: Buzz and spray, keep germs away, for every client, every day.