Which of the following are examples of barrier protection?

• A. Wearing sunglasses.
• B. Disposable gloves; barrier films on surfaces.
• C. Throwing away jars.
• D. Cleaning with plain water.

Answer: (B)

Barrier protection focuses on creating physical barriers that prevent contamination from skin, fluids, and surfaces from moving between clients and workers. Disposable gloves act as a barrier between the hands and any client material or tools, so pathogens or chemicals can’t easily transfer. Barrier films on surfaces provide a protective layer that can be disposed of after use, keeping work areas uncontaminated and making cleanup more efficient. Together, these practices reduce the chance that contaminants are carried from one client to another or onto tools and surfaces.

Wearing sunglasses isn’t about preventing cross-contamination in the salon environment, so it doesn’t fit as barrier protection. Throwing away jars is a disposal action, not a barrier applied to prevent contact. Cleaning with plain water helps remove some contaminants, but it doesn’t create a lasting barrier between surfaces and future contact, whereas barrier protection involves having disposable or replaceable barriers that stay in place during service.