Which of the following best explains the purpose of using PPE during salon procedures?

• A. To protect the client from fragrance
• B. To protect the worker from exposure to hazards
• C. To decorate the workspace
• D. To protect both client and staff from exposure to bloodborne or communicable hazards

Answer: (D)

PPE creates a barrier between skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and potential hazards encountered in salon work. In many procedures you can come into contact with blood, other bodily fluids, or chemical splashes, and PPE such as gloves, masks, goggles, and aprons helps prevent those hazards from reaching you or the client. The goal is to reduce risk for both people, not just one party. Fragrance protection isn’t addressing a hazard, decoration has no safety relevance, and while protecting the worker is part of the picture, PPE is intended to limit exposure for both client and staff to bloodborne or communicable risks.