Spring Semester February 2026 Cosmetology Safety
& Sanitation Exam Prep | Infection Control,
Disinfection & Sterilization Procedures, Blood Spill
Protocols, OSHA Guidelines, Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), Salon Health Regulations & State
Board Licensing Success Study Guide
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of sanitation in a cosmetology setting?
A) To improve product sales
B) To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the salon
C) To prevent the spread of infectious diseases
D) To ensure employee satisfaction
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Sanitation is vital in a cosmetology environment to minimize the risk of
infection and the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Proper sanitation practices
protect both clients and stylists, maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
Question 2:
What should be used to disinfect tools and equipment in a salon?
A) Soap and water
B) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
C) EPA-registered disinfectant
D) Essential oils
Correct Option: C
Rationale: An EPA-registered disinfectant is designed specifically to eliminate
pathogens effectively in environments where sanitation is crucial. Using an appropriate
disinfectant ensures that all tools and surfaces are adequately sanitized, reducing the
risk of cross-contamination.
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects the effectiveness of a
disinfectant?
A) Contact time
B) Temperature
C) Color of the disinfectant
D) Concentration
Correct Option: C
Rationale: The color of a disinfectant does not influence its effectiveness. Factors such
,as contact time, temperature, and concentration are critical, as they directly impact
how well the disinfectant can kill pathogens.
Question 4:
When should gloves be worn in a salon setting?
A) Only during chemical treatments
B) Only when working with nail services
C) Whenever there is potential contact with blood or bodily fluids
D) Only if the client requests it
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Gloves should always be worn when there is potential exposure to blood or
bodily fluids, as this is essential for personal protection and hygiene. Wearing gloves
consistently helps prevent the spread of infections and maintains a professional
standard of sanitation.
Question 5:
What is the first step in the process of cleaning and disinfecting tools?
A) Rinse with hot water
B) Place in a sanitizing solution
C) Pre-clean with soap and water
D) Use a UV sterilizer
Correct Option: C
Rationale: The initial step of pre-cleaning tools with soap and water is crucial as it
removes organic matter and debris. This ensures that the disinfectant can effectively
reach and kill any remaining pathogens during the disinfection process.
Question 6:
Which microorganism is commonly targeted by disinfectants in a salon
environment?
A) Fungi
B) Viruses
C) Bacteria
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Disinfectants are designed to eliminate a wide range of microorganisms,
including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This broad-spectrum activity is essential for
maintaining a safe and sanitary environment in cosmetology settings.
,Question 7:
What is the recommended minimum concentration of alcohol for effective
disinfection?
A) 40%
B) 60%
C) 70%
D) 90%
Correct Option: C
Rationale: A concentration of 70% alcohol is recommended for effective disinfection,
as it effectively penetrates cell walls to kill bacteria and viruses while allowing for
optimal contact time. Higher concentrations may evaporate too quickly to be effective.
Question 8:
Which of the following is essential for properly sanitizing non-porous tools?
A) Rubbing with a cloth
B) Air drying
C) Rinsing with cold water
D) Immersion in disinfectant solution
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Immersion in a disinfectant solution is essential for effectively sanitizing
non-porous tools, as this method ensures that all surfaces are thoroughly exposed to
the disinfectant for the required contact time.
Question 9:
In case of a blood exposure incident, what should the first step be?
A) Wash hands with soap and water
B) Disinfect the area with alcohol
C) Apply a bandage
D) Notify a colleague
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Washing hands with soap and water is the first step to prevent infections
after a blood exposure incident. This reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and
helps maintain hygiene in the salon.
Question 10:
, How often should tools be sanitized?
A) Once a week
B) After each use
C) Every month
D) Only when visibly dirty
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Tools should be sanitized after each use to prevent cross-contamination
between clients and to uphold a standard of cleanliness in the salon environment.
Question 11:
Which of the following is a characteristic of an effective disinfectant?
A) Pleasant smell
B) Low cost
C) Fast-acting
D) Broad-spectrum efficacy
Correct Option: D
Rationale: An effective disinfectant should have broad-spectrum efficacy, meaning it
can effectively eliminate a variety of pathogens. Fast action can also be beneficial, but
the ability to target multiple types of microorganisms is crucial.
Question 12:
What is the purpose of using capes and towels in a salon?
A) To protect the client’s clothing
B) To make the stylist's job easier
C) To display the salon's branding
D) To absorb hair products
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Capes and towels are primarily used to protect clients' clothing from hair,
dyes, and products, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience during services.
Question 13:
Which method of sterilization uses steam under pressure?
A) Chemical sterilization
B) Dry heat sterilization
C) Autoclaving
D) Radiation sterilization
& Sanitation Exam Prep | Infection Control,
Disinfection & Sterilization Procedures, Blood Spill
Protocols, OSHA Guidelines, Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), Salon Health Regulations & State
Board Licensing Success Study Guide
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of sanitation in a cosmetology setting?
A) To improve product sales
B) To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the salon
C) To prevent the spread of infectious diseases
D) To ensure employee satisfaction
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Sanitation is vital in a cosmetology environment to minimize the risk of
infection and the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Proper sanitation practices
protect both clients and stylists, maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
Question 2:
What should be used to disinfect tools and equipment in a salon?
A) Soap and water
B) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
C) EPA-registered disinfectant
D) Essential oils
Correct Option: C
Rationale: An EPA-registered disinfectant is designed specifically to eliminate
pathogens effectively in environments where sanitation is crucial. Using an appropriate
disinfectant ensures that all tools and surfaces are adequately sanitized, reducing the
risk of cross-contamination.
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects the effectiveness of a
disinfectant?
A) Contact time
B) Temperature
C) Color of the disinfectant
D) Concentration
Correct Option: C
Rationale: The color of a disinfectant does not influence its effectiveness. Factors such
,as contact time, temperature, and concentration are critical, as they directly impact
how well the disinfectant can kill pathogens.
Question 4:
When should gloves be worn in a salon setting?
A) Only during chemical treatments
B) Only when working with nail services
C) Whenever there is potential contact with blood or bodily fluids
D) Only if the client requests it
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Gloves should always be worn when there is potential exposure to blood or
bodily fluids, as this is essential for personal protection and hygiene. Wearing gloves
consistently helps prevent the spread of infections and maintains a professional
standard of sanitation.
Question 5:
What is the first step in the process of cleaning and disinfecting tools?
A) Rinse with hot water
B) Place in a sanitizing solution
C) Pre-clean with soap and water
D) Use a UV sterilizer
Correct Option: C
Rationale: The initial step of pre-cleaning tools with soap and water is crucial as it
removes organic matter and debris. This ensures that the disinfectant can effectively
reach and kill any remaining pathogens during the disinfection process.
Question 6:
Which microorganism is commonly targeted by disinfectants in a salon
environment?
A) Fungi
B) Viruses
C) Bacteria
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Disinfectants are designed to eliminate a wide range of microorganisms,
including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This broad-spectrum activity is essential for
maintaining a safe and sanitary environment in cosmetology settings.
,Question 7:
What is the recommended minimum concentration of alcohol for effective
disinfection?
A) 40%
B) 60%
C) 70%
D) 90%
Correct Option: C
Rationale: A concentration of 70% alcohol is recommended for effective disinfection,
as it effectively penetrates cell walls to kill bacteria and viruses while allowing for
optimal contact time. Higher concentrations may evaporate too quickly to be effective.
Question 8:
Which of the following is essential for properly sanitizing non-porous tools?
A) Rubbing with a cloth
B) Air drying
C) Rinsing with cold water
D) Immersion in disinfectant solution
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Immersion in a disinfectant solution is essential for effectively sanitizing
non-porous tools, as this method ensures that all surfaces are thoroughly exposed to
the disinfectant for the required contact time.
Question 9:
In case of a blood exposure incident, what should the first step be?
A) Wash hands with soap and water
B) Disinfect the area with alcohol
C) Apply a bandage
D) Notify a colleague
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Washing hands with soap and water is the first step to prevent infections
after a blood exposure incident. This reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and
helps maintain hygiene in the salon.
Question 10:
, How often should tools be sanitized?
A) Once a week
B) After each use
C) Every month
D) Only when visibly dirty
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Tools should be sanitized after each use to prevent cross-contamination
between clients and to uphold a standard of cleanliness in the salon environment.
Question 11:
Which of the following is a characteristic of an effective disinfectant?
A) Pleasant smell
B) Low cost
C) Fast-acting
D) Broad-spectrum efficacy
Correct Option: D
Rationale: An effective disinfectant should have broad-spectrum efficacy, meaning it
can effectively eliminate a variety of pathogens. Fast action can also be beneficial, but
the ability to target multiple types of microorganisms is crucial.
Question 12:
What is the purpose of using capes and towels in a salon?
A) To protect the client’s clothing
B) To make the stylist's job easier
C) To display the salon's branding
D) To absorb hair products
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Capes and towels are primarily used to protect clients' clothing from hair,
dyes, and products, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience during services.
Question 13:
Which method of sterilization uses steam under pressure?
A) Chemical sterilization
B) Dry heat sterilization
C) Autoclaving
D) Radiation sterilization
