SECTION 83.100. Health and Safety Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Chlorine bleach solutions--A chemical used to destroy bacteria and to disinfect implements and non-porous surfaces; solution should be mixed fresh at least once per day. As used in this chapter, chlorine bleach solutions fall into three categories based on concentration and exposure time:

(A) Low level disinfection (100 - 200 ppm)--Add two teaspoons household (5.25%) bleach to one gallon water. Soak 10 minutes minimum.

(B) High level disinfection (1,000 ppm)--Add one-third (1/3) cup household (5.25%) bleach to one gallon water. Soak 20 minutes minimum.

(C) Blood and body fluid cleanup and disinfection (5,000 ppm)--Add one and three-quarters (1 3/4) cups household (5.25%) bleach to one gallon water. Also referred to as a 10% bleach solution.

(2) Clean or cleansing--Washing with liquid soap and water, detergent, antiseptics, or other adequate methods to remove all visible debris or residue. Cleansing is not disinfection.

(3) Disinfect or disinfection--The use of chemicals to destroy pathogens on implements and other non-porous surfaces to render an item safe for handling, use, and disposal.

(4) Disinfectant--In this chapter, one of the following department-approved chemicals:

(A) an EPA-registered bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal disinfectant used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; or

(B) a chlorine bleach solution used in accordance with this chapter.

(5) EPA-registered bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal disinfectant--When used according to manufacturer's instructions, a chemical that is a low-level disinfectant used to destroy bacteria and to disinfect implements and non-porous surfaces.

(6) Multi-use items--Items constructed of hard materials with smooth surfaces such as metal, glass, or plastic typically for use on more than one client. The term includes but is not limited to such items as clippers, scissors, combs, nippers, tweezers, and some nails files.

(7) Single-use items--Porous items made or constructed of cloth, wood, or other absorbent materials having rough surfaces usually intended for single use including but not limited to such items as tissues, orangewood sticks, cotton balls, thread, surgical tape, extension pads, some buffer blocks, and gauze.

(8) Sterilize or sterilization--To eliminate all forms of bacteria or other microorganisms by use of an autoclave or dry heat sterilizer.

(9) Sanitize or sanitization--To reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level by use of an ultraviolet sanitizer.

Source Note: The provisions of this §83.100 adopted to be effective March 1, 2006, 31 TexReg 1280; amended to be effective August 1, 2006, 31 TexReg 5952; amended to be effective January 1, 2008, 32 TexReg 9970; amended to be effective February 17, 2012, 37 TexReg 681; amended to be effective July 1, 2014, 39 TexReg 4650; amended to be effective January 1, 2023, 47 TexReg 8640