What must be done to any tool dropped on the floor before it can be reused?

When a tool is dropped on the floor, it must be disinfected before it can be reused. Disinfection is a process that reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms on a surface or object. This is especially important in a nail salon setting where maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is crucial to prevent the spread of infections.

While cleaning is the first step in the disinfection process, simply cleaning a tool does not eliminate all germs. Disinfecting goes further by using chemical agents to kill a significant number of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Sterilization is a more intensive process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is generally reserved for tools that penetrate the skin, like surgical instruments, rather than tools used in nail care. Therefore, to ensure the safety and health of clients, tools that have fallen on the floor must be disinfected before reuse, making disinfection the appropriate choice in this scenario.