What is the term for the protocols to minimize the spread of pathogens?

The term that best describes the protocols established to minimize the spread of pathogens is "infection control." Infection control encompasses a variety of practices and guidelines designed to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and to maintain a safe environment for both practitioners and clients in settings such as spas and salons. This includes measures such as proper sterilization, disinfection, hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and protocols for dealing with bloodborne pathogens.

While "sanitation" refers specifically to measures that maintain hygienic conditions, it is a subset of infection control practices that focuses on cleaning and reducing the number of pathogens to safe levels rather than minimizing their spread comprehensively.

"Hazard management" is a broader term that pertains to identifying and mitigating various risks in a workplace but does not specifically address pathogen transmission.

"Health regulations" refer to laws and rules set by governing bodies to safeguard public health but do not inherently provide the detailed processes used to manage infections directly. Thus, infection control is the most accurate term for the protocols aimed at minimizing the spread of pathogens.