Gold-Standard Education & Public Trust Statement
This chapter is part of the Louisville Beauty Academy Gold-Standard Licensing Series.
Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) develops and publishes this educational content as part of its commitment to public education, transparency, and professional responsibility in state-licensed beauty training.
Our curriculum is built on a simple principle:
licensure is a public trust.
To honor that trust, LBA continuously adapts, adopts, evolves, and improves its educational materials based on:
- Changes in state law and regulation
- Updates to licensing exams and standards
- Real classroom instruction and outcomes
- Ongoing regulatory oversight and compliance
Each chapter in this book is intentionally written, reviewed, and updated to reflect current standards at the time of publication.
Important Notice on Use
This material is made freely accessible to the public for educational understanding and transparency.
However, it is not authorized for copying, reproduction, or redistribution as curriculum, course material, or commercial content without written permission from Louisville Beauty Academy.
For Students
This chapter represents the Gold-Standard expectation:
- Learn with discipline
- Respect scope of practice
- Prioritize safety and compliance
- Prepare to earn licensure correctly
For Partners & Educators
This chapter reflects LBA’s belief that quality education is living education — continuously refined, documented, and accountable.
Louisville Beauty Academy does not claim perfection.
We commit instead to constant improvement.
Gold-Standard education is not static.
It evolves with the law, the exam, and the responsibility we carry to the public.
— Louisville Beauty Academy
CHAPTER 4 – Infection Control
(Highest-Weight PSI Topic — Safety Always Comes First)
4.1 Why Infection Control Is the #1 PSI Priority
The PSI exam places more weight on infection control than on any other topic.
Why?
Because unsafe practices can:
- Harm clients
- Spread disease
- Create liability
- End careers
📌 PSI assumes all licensees are responsible for preventing infection at all times.
4.2 What Infection Control Means
Infection control refers to all procedures used to prevent the spread of:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Bloodborne pathogens
These procedures include:
- Proper sanitation
- Proper disinfection
- Use of PPE
- Safe work habits
- Service refusal when necessary
4.3 Types of Microorganisms (PSI Recognition)
Bacteria
- One-celled microorganisms
- Some are harmless
- Some cause infection
- Can multiply rapidly
Viruses
- Smaller than bacteria
- Require a living host
- Include bloodborne pathogens
Fungi
- Include molds and mildew
- Thrive in warm, moist environments
- Common in hair and scalp conditions
📌 PSI tests recognition — not medical detail.
4.4 Bloodborne Pathogens (Critical)
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease.
Examples include:
- Hepatitis
- HIV
📌 A Shampoo & Styling licensee does not diagnose or treat — but must prevent exposure.
4.5 Universal Precautions
Universal precautions mean:
Treat all blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious.
This applies to:
- Every client
- Every service
- Every time
PSI expects universal precautions to be followed without exception.
4.6 Exposure Incident — What To Do (Order Matters)
An exposure incident occurs when:
- Blood or body fluids contact broken skin
- Blood contacts mucous membranes
- A cut or puncture occurs during service
Correct PSI-Approved Response:
- Stop the service immediately
- Put on gloves
- Clean the area
- Disinfect tools and surfaces
- Dispose of contaminated materials properly
- Wash hands thoroughly
📌 PSI tests order of operations.
4.7 When to REFUSE Service (PSI Favorite)
Service must be refused when:
- Open sores are present
- Active infection is visible
- Bleeding cannot be controlled
- Contagious conditions are suspected
📌 Refusal protects both client and licensee.
4.8 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE includes:
- Gloves
- Masks (if required by situation)
- Protective coverings
Gloves must be worn:
- When blood is present
- When contact with body fluids is possible
- During cleanup of contaminated materials
📌 PSI may test glove use scenarios.
4.9 Handwashing (Often Tested)
Proper handwashing includes:
- Warm water
- Soap
- Scrubbing all surfaces
- Drying with a clean towel or air dryer
Hands must be washed:
- Before and after each client
- After removing gloves
- After contact with blood or fluids
4.10 Single-Use Items
Single-use items:
- Are used once
- Must be discarded
- Must never be disinfected for reuse
Examples:
- Cotton
- Tissues
- Neck strips
- Disposable towels
📌 Reusing disposable items is a violation.
4.11 PSI Sample Questions — Infection Control
A licensee accidentally cuts their finger and begins bleeding. What is the FIRST action?
A. Apply a bandage
B. Continue service carefully
C. Stop service and put on gloves
D. Disinfect tools later
✅ Correct Answer: C
What should be done with towels contaminated with blood?
A. Wash separately
B. Disinfect and reuse
C. Place in a sealed container
D. Dispose of properly
✅ Correct Answer: D
4.12 Common PSI Traps in Infection Control
Trap #1: Continuing Service
❌ PSI never allows service continuation during exposure.
Trap #2: Client Permission
❌ Client consent does not override safety.
Trap #3: Partial Cleanup
❌ All contaminated tools and surfaces must be addressed.
4.13 Chapter 4 Key Takeaways
✔ Infection control is always the top priority
✔ Universal precautions apply to all clients
✔ Stop service immediately when exposure occurs
✔ PPE protects everyone
✔ Safety overrides speed, comfort, and preference
