California Barber Written ExamSafety and HealthMedium
A barber is using an electric clipper on a client. Between clients, what is the most appropriate method to sanitize the clipper blades according to California regulations?
- ABrush off hair, then immerse the detachable blades in an EPA-registered disinfectant solution.
- BSpray with a disinfectant and wipe clean with a paper towel.
- CBrush off hair, then spray or wipe the entire clipper with an EPA-registered disinfectant spray or wipe.
- DWipe the blades with a dry cloth to remove hair.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Brush off hair, then spray or wipe the entire clipper with an EPA-registered disinfectant spray or wipe.
Electric clippers cannot be fully immersed. The correct procedure involves removing hair with a brush, then applying an EPA-registered disinfectant spray or wipe to the blades and housing, ensuring proper contact time, as per manufacturer and regulatory guidelines.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Immersing electric clippers (even detachable blades) is generally not recommended as it can damage the motor or parts unless specified by the manufacturer for specific models, and often only the blades can be immersed.
- B. Spraying alone without proper contact time or thorough wiping may not achieve full disinfection.
- D. This only removes hair, it does not disinfect.
Electric Clipper Disinfection
Electric clipper blades and housing must be cleaned of hair and then disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant spray or wipe after each client, as full immersion is typically not possible or recommended.
- Remove hair thoroughly first.
- Use EPA-registered disinfectant spray/wipe.
- Ensure proper contact time.
- Do not immerse electrical components.
Memory trick: Brush, Spray, Wipe, Wait, then store away.