Assessing safety and health knowledge and awareness of young cosmetology students using a Salon Safety Quiz

The New Jersey (NJ) Safe Schools Task Force on Cosmetology 2010-2012 developed a Salon Safety Quiz (SSQ) to assess baseline knowledge and awareness about safety and health (S&H) in salons, particularly concerning chemicals found in hair, nail and skin care products and ergonomics. A 25 question quiz was distributed to cosmetology students in Georgia (GA) and NJ. Most students selected correct answers regarding hygiene, personal protective equipment and S&H risks. Many students were able to identify procedures to prevent chemical exposures but only about 34% and 66% students in GA and in NJ, respectively, were aware that they should not provide pedicure services to customers with broken skin. While students answered some questions about ergonomics correctly, about 32% (GA) and 16% (NJ) of students thought high heels were appropriate occupational footwear. Moreover, 44% of GA students and 58% from NJ incorrectly reported fire extinguishers should be kept in back rooms. Future SSQ use as a learning tool or training pre-/post-test, not as a graded assessment, is recommended.