Blood Exposure Protocols & Managing Biohazards
4 CEU Hours – State Board Approved Course
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Method
100% online
Duration
4 hours
Custom Kit
Included
Access
12 months
Language
English
Upon completion, the student will be able to:
Understand the structure and authority of the SC Board of Cosmetology
Identify key SC Board regulations for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology
Explain sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination methods.
Perform proper blood exposure incident protocols.
Identify bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and bloodborne pathogens.
Recognize skin disorders and nail infections related to improper sanitation.
Implement state board-compliant infection control practices.
Apply knowledge to real-world salon scenarios.
Introduction
Welcome to License. Protect. Thrive., a comprehensive 4-hour online course designed for South Carolina cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians. Whether you're renewing your license, managing a salon, or just beginning your career, this course will guide you through the critical knowledge needed to operate legally, safely, and professionally in today’s beauty industry. We’ll cover South Carolina Board laws and regulations, professional ethics, client safety, and infection control—including the latest sanitation and disinfection standards. Expect real-life case studies, practical examples, and guidance you can use immediately in your salon or spa.
(Understanding the Legal Foundation)
Blood Exposure Protocols & Managing Biohazards
One of the most critical safety issues faced in salons is blood exposure incidents. No professional should ever provide services to a client with visible open wounds, cuts, or abrasions. However, accidents such as nicks and cuts can happen during shaving, waxing, or nail care. Therefore, understanding and following strict bloodborne pathogen protocols is non-negotiable.
If an exposure incident occurs, immediate steps must be followed: stop the service, put on disposable gloves to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens, and apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel to stop bleeding. Once bleeding is controlled, clean the wound with an antiseptic and cover it with an adhesive bandage. Equally important is thoroughly disinfecting the workstation using an EPA-registered disinfectant specifically labeled for blood and bodily fluids. All contaminated single-use items like cotton balls, gloves, and wipes must be safely discarded in a biohazard container to prevent disease spread.
In this section, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the most common bloodborne
pathogens: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), Hepatitis B and C viruses, and COVID-19. HIV attacks the immune system and is spread through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, not by casual contact such as hugging or sharing personal items. Hepatitis viruses are even more resilient, able to survive on surfaces for days, making rigorous disinfection critical. Hepatitis B and C cause liver damage and are especially relevant in salons due to their transmissibility via blood.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of infection control on an unprecedented scale. As of April 2022, over 500 million cases had been reported globally, teaching us the ongoing necessity of maintaining strict hygiene standards to protect clients and staff.