Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyHard
A barber accidentally cuts their finger while using shears during a haircut. After stopping the bleeding and cleaning the wound, what is the IMMEDIATE next step for the barber, according to bloodborne pathogen exposure control plans?
- ADiscard the shears in a regular trash can and get a new pair.
- BApply a bandage and resume the service after washing hands.
- CImmediately report the incident to their supervisor or salon owner.
- DContinue the service, being careful not to touch the client with the injured finger.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Immediately report the incident to their supervisor or salon owner.
Any exposure incident involving blood or potentially infectious materials must be immediately reported to the supervisor or salon owner. This is a critical step in an exposure control plan to ensure proper documentation, post-exposure evaluation, and compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, which are often adopted or reflected in state regulations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Shears that have come into contact with blood must be cleaned and disinfected according to specific protocols, not discarded in regular trash.
- B. While bandaging is correct for the wound, resuming service without reporting or proper protocol for the shears is incorrect.
- D. Continuing service risks contamination of the client and is unsafe.
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Incident
An event where a barber is exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials, requiring specific immediate and follow-up actions.
- Requires immediate reporting to supervisor/owner.
- Triggers an exposure control plan.
- Designed to protect the exposed individual and prevent further spread.
Memory trick: Bleed, Clean, Report, Refer.