Whether or not hairdressers on the premises are self-employed or working for the salon, the Health and Safety at Work Act maintains that all business owners must provide a written policy statement, as all professionals on the premises, self-employed or otherwise, have a legal duty of safety towards their colleagues and customers.
Why is health and safety important in a hair salon?
Following proper hygiene, sanitation and safety practices will not only make customers happy and be good for business, but it will help keep employees safe and protect salon owners from potential liability issues. EMPLOYERS is committed to helping small businesses operate safer, more efficient work places.
What are hairdresser safety measures?
10 Sanitization & Safety Tips for Your SalonAsk Clients Health Questions Before Their Appointment. ... Take Client's Temperature Upon Arrival. ... Have Clients Wash Hands Upon Arrival. ... Ask Clients to Wear a Mask. ... Wear Your Own Protective Gear. ... Limit # Of People Who Come to the Salon. ... Have Clients Pay With Card Only.More items...
What is the best responsibility on safety as salon operator?
Personal Protective EquipmentWear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons and eye protection.Make sure equipment such as gloves are made of the correct material for the chemical or product you are working with. ... Wash immediately with water and soap after any skin contact with chemicals or products.
How will you maintain health safety and hygiene in the salon?
RULES OF SANITATIONKeep all containers labeled and covered.Wash your own hands thoroughly before and after each treatment or spray your hands with antibacterial disinfectant.Use clean and sterile towels for each client.Implements and tools must be sterilized the following way:Wash implements in hot soapy water.More items...•
Why is health and safety important in beauty?
Poor health and safety practices not only put staff at risk of injury but also put you and your business at risk of enforcement action in the event of breaches of the legislation.
What are the 3 main factors that influence health and safety in a hair and or beauty salon?
Treatments and health and safety. Dealing with hazardous substances. Keeping your salon and equipment safe. Checklist.
Why is it important to follow health and safety rules?
Following health and safety guidelines and maintaining a safe work place will reduce the risk of work-related illnesses and injuries, and therefore reduce staff absences. Employers therefore also save money on the direct costs of absences, such as paying salaries.
What are the main legislation that affects working in the hair industry?
The main piece of legislation is The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which places general duties on employers, employees and the self-employed. The basic idea is that the premises, equipment, and practices, whilst people are affected by your work activities, are as safe as reasonably practicable.
What safety precautions do you advise to avoid these unsafe measures?
General PrecautionsYour safety is your personal responsibility.Always follow the correct procedures.Never take shortcuts.Take responsibility and clean up if you made a mess.Clean and organize your workspace.Ensure a clear and easy route to emergency exits and equipment.Be alert and awake on the job.More items...
What are the hazards in a hair salon?
Hairdressing floors present ideal ground for a variety of dangers. Clipped hair, product spills, and wet surfaces can become a slip hazard. While loose cords on the floor from electrical tools, such as straighteners, blow dryers and curling irons can become a trip hazard.
What are the 3 different kinds of potential hazard in the salon?
There are three main types of nail salon hazards:Chemical Hazards. Salon staff constantly work directly with and around hazardous substances: ... Ergonomic risks. Many salon workers adopt a poor posture to carry out their job. ... Risk of infection.
What is salon policies and procedures?
A salon policy and procedures manual is made up of statements of principles and approaches to dealing with the general management and ministration of a salon.
What are the employee responsibilities for The Health and Safety at Work Act?
Employees have a common-law duty of care to exercise reasonable care and skill in the relationship with colleagues and the employer. Here are some of the areas where employees need to make sure they are compliant:
How do I comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act?
Firstly having a written down health and safety policy will help you establish how to have a safe workplace. Carrying out regular risk assessments will also help you manage hazards in your workplace.
What is The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?
The Health and Safety at Work Act is a key Act of Parliament which determines the framework by which all health and safety is managed in the workplace. The legislation covers both the obligations for employers and employees. These can be found in sections 2 and sections 7/8 respectively.
Why are RIDDOR regulations important?
the RIDDOR regulations are important in the world of health and safety as they cover the reporting of accidents and dangerous incidents/occurrences in the workplace. As an employer, you should ensure everyone has a good understanding of the RIDDOR regulations and why needs to fill out a report should an applicable incident occur in the workplace.
Why is PPE required?
The PPE Regulations attempt to protect employees who operate in a dangerous environment that presents additional risks during working operations. Employers must provide PPE where harm cannot be reduced through other methods; in this way, PPE acts as a last line of defence against hazards.
What should employers do to ensure safety?
They should appoint a ‘competent person’ to oversee the health and safety. Employers must consult with workplace safety representatives and set up a workplace safety committee if a union is recognised.
How long can you use DSE at work?
These regulations cover those who use DSE at work for more than one hour at a time. Employers should take risks to reduce the health risks associated with DSE equipment such as ergonimical issues and RSI (Repetetive Strain Injury ).
How many hairdressers have skin problems?
It is reported that up to 70% of hairdressers suffer from work-related skin damage, such as dermatitis, at some point throughout their career. Skin damage like this is unsightly, unpleasant and unprofessional looking but it can be prevented.
What is the responsibility of a hair salon?
If you own a hair salon then you are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of your staff members, customers and anyone else who visits the premises. Not only does this mean considering COSHH in hairdressing, but you’ll also need to carry out a risk assessment for:
What Does COSHH Mean?
COSHH stands for the ‘ Control of Substances Hazardous to Health ‘. The COSHH Regulations requires all employers to ensure that they are sufficiently controlling harmful substances in the workplace. This means that any dangerous substances need to be identified and precautions should be taken to ensure that workers know how to use and handle them safely.
Why is it important to know about COSHH?
Consideration of COSHH in hairdressing is essential for health and safety. If you work in a hairdressers or beauty salon then you will be working with hazardous substances on a daily basis. You may not realise that the products you use have the potential to cause ill health, but even the most ordinary of substances, including shampoo and water, can cause damage to your skin overtime.
What is PPE in hair salons?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is recommended as a hair salon health and safety measure. Protective gloves help to keep water and hair products off your skin and thus prevent dermatitis.#N#The HSE recommends that the gloves you use at work are: single use, all-round smooth, powder-free, non-latex gloves, ideally around 300mm length (top to tail). These are available in different#N#sizes and it is important to use the size that fits properly. Choose long-length gloves with folded cuffs to prevent water running down your arm where possible.
What is occupational asthma?
Asthma can be brought on by certain work activities, including those involved in hairdressing. When asthma is caused by work, it is known as occupational asthma.
What is the legal requirement for a product to be labelled with appropriate hazard symbols?
If a product is dangerous to your health, then the manufacturer has a legal requirement to ensure that it is labelled with appropriate hazard symbols, warnings, health and safety advice and any personal protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn when handling it.
What are the risks of being a hairdresser?
Hairdressers normally handle water, chemicals, electrical appliances, blades and cutting instruments. Dermatitis, asthma, an eye or throat irritation, arthritis and even cancer are some of the risks that stylists face during their career. Besides, they are in close contact with members of the public. There are lots of health and safety hazards ...
What are the health problems that hairdressers can cause?
There are several health-related problems that hairdressing work can cause, such as venous disorders and varicose veins.
Why is stress bad for hairdressers?
The causes of stress in a hair salon can be varied: overwork and long hours, poor management, or something more serious such as bullying or harassment by other staff or clients. Hairdressers can recognize stress from different physical symptoms, ranging from sleepless nights and panic attacks to depression, moodiness, and weight loss.
What tools do hairdressers use?
Blades and sharp instruments. Hairdresser’s most frequently used tools such as scissors and razors can cause injuries when not handled correctly or if they are placed carelessly. Working with sharp instruments is always a prerequisite for cuts and grazes not only to the staff, but also the clients.
What are slip hazards?
Clipped hair, product spills and wet surfaces can become a slip hazard while loose cords on the floor from electrical tools , such as straighteners, blow dryers and curling irons can become a trip hazard.
Is it safe to work at a hair salon?
A hair salon might not have the same high level of risk as a construction site or an offshore oil rig, but there are still plenty of dangers that can cause serious injury or even death. By taking out hairdressing insurance and following strictly safety procedures in the workplace the above side effects, injuries and accidents could be reduced to a minimum. P lease check our new blog next month on how to avoid these hazards and stay safe and healthy in the hair salon.
Can hairdressers cause back pain?
Moving furniture or heavy lifting. Hairdressers may suffer unintentional accidents, including musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting or moving furniture in the salon. It can put severe stress on back muscles leading to extreme pain and discomfort.
