Explain Infection Control State boards and other regulatory agencies require that infection control measures and safe work practices be applied while serving the public. Infection control (in-FEK-shun con-TROL) refers to the methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious (in-FEK-shus) organisms from one individual to another. Since transmission can also occur when using contaminated implements, tools, or equipment, the performance of effective infection control procedures must be a top priority in the salon, spa, and barbershop. Safe work practices require that implements, tools, and equipment be used safely and that you be aware of situations that can cause accidents. This chapter provides some helpful guidelines to minimize potential risks and accidents. It is your responsibility as a beauty professional to use proper and effective infection control methods that help safeguard your health and the health of your clients. You are also responsible for employing safe work practices to help prevent accidents and injuries from occurring in the workplace. Focus On Infection Control Vocabulary Before we discuss infection control and safe work practices, the terms cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing need to be properly differentiated: Cleaning is a mechanical process using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs. Cleaning also removes invisible debris that interferes with disinfection. Sanitizing is a chemical process for reducing the number of disease-causing germs on cleaned surfaces to a safe level. Infection control professionals consider sanitation (san-ih-TAY-shun) to be a layperson’s term or a product marketing term (as in hand sanitizers), preferring cleaning to describe the step before disinfecting. Disinfecting is a chemical process for use with nonporous items that uses specific products to destroy harmful organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi (except bacterial spores) on implements and environmental surfaces. Sterilizing is the process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, generally with the use of an autoclave. Beauty professionals should study and have a thorough understanding of infection control because: It is important to know about the pathogens professionals and their clients may be exposed to and their modes of transmission. Understanding and practicing proper infection control within the laws and rules will help safeguard professionals’ health, the health of their clients, and their business. Practicing safety precautions on a daily basis protects their clients and their license. A responsible beauty professional is conscientious about infection control and safety. Activity Infection Control on the Home Front Consider the following questions and then discuss your answers with the rest of the class in comparison to how often you think a salon, spa, or barbershop environment should be cleaned and disinfected. How often do you sweep the floors of your home? How often do you mop the floors of your home? How often do you clean/disinfect the bathroom? How often do you clean/disinfect the bathroom doorknob? How often do you remove hair and debris from your hairbrush or comb and wash it with soap and water?