Introduction to Unit- Health and Safety

This unit is very important for your working day and focuses on the wellbeing of the

stylist, clients, colleagues and all other visitors to the salon. It is about how you can

help to make your workplace a safe, secure and healthy place for everyone.

you must consider the health and safety of the client every time you carry out a

treatment in whichever unit you are being assessed. Whether in the workplace or

college/training institution, you have a responsibility to follow health and safety

legislation. To help you, the most important aspects of health and safety laws are

explained in this unit. If you ignore health and safety procedures when carrying out

an assessment or treatment, at best the assessment cannot be competent, at worst your

actions could result in injury or damage, for which you may be legally responsible.

In this element you will learn about your responsibilities in relation to potential

hazards in the salon and how you should deal with them. In some cases you will be

able to deal with a hazard yourself, but in others you may need to ask the advice of a

more qualified member of staff. In these instances you need to know ‘who’ to

approach. You will also need to know your responsibilities for implementing the

health and safety policies used in your salon – if you do not know what they are, how

can you make sure you stick to them?

It may be helpful to give you the definition of a hazard and a risk:

Hazard = A hazard is something with potential to cause harm (something which

may cause harm).

Risk = A risk is the likelihood of the hazard’s potential being realised (the risk of the hazard actually happening

Almost everything may be a hazard, but it may or may not become a risk. For

example, a trailing lead from a hair-dryer is a hazard. If it is trailing across the

passageway of a client, it has a high risk of someone tripping over it: if it is safely out

of the path of the client, the risk is much less.

of the path of the client, the risk is much less.

Hairdressing products, such as hydrogen peroxide, stored in the salon are hazards and

because they are toxic and flammable may present a high risk. However, if they are kept

in a properly designed secure storage area and handled by trained stylists, the risk is

much less than if they are left out in a busy workshop for anyone to use – or misuse.

Heat stress

The HSE draws attention to heat stress at work. The best working temperature in

hairdressing salons is between 15.5 and 20°C.

Humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) should be within the range of 30–70 per

cent, although this will vary if your salon has a sauna and steam area. They should be in

a well-ventilated area away from the main workrooms, whilst still being accessible to

clients. There should also be sufficient air exchange and air movement, which must be

increased in special circumstances, such as chemical mixing and usage. There are

different types of ventilation that may be used within the salon.

Mechanical ventilation: extractor fans, which can be adjusted at various speeds.

Natural ventilation: open windows are fine, but be careful of a draught on the client.

Air-conditioned ventilation: passing air over filters and coolers brings about the

desired condition, but of course, this is the most expensive method!

A build-up of fumes, or strong smells from chemical preparations such as perm

lotion, bleach and tint, may cause both physical and psychological problems, which

affect not only clients, but staff too.

Protective clothing and equipment

This covers both equipment and protective clothing provisions to ensure safety for all

those in the workplace. The regulations also provide that workplace personnel must

have appropriate training in equipment use. Protective clothing ensures cleanliness,

freshness, and professionalism. For certain treatments it may be advisable to wear

extra disposable coverings. The client’s clothing must also be protected.

Protection against infectious diseases

Caution: It is important to protect against all diseases, which are carried in the blood

or tissue fluids. Protective gloves should be worn whenever there is a possibility of

blood or tissue fluid being passed from one person to another, i.e. through an open

cut or broken skin. Two specific diseases to mention are not only clients but staff, too!

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the

Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). The virus is transmitted through body

tissue. Most people are aware of AIDS because of media coverage. The virus

attacks the natural immune system, and therefore carries a strong risk of

secondary infection, such as pneumonia, which could be life threatening. As

there is no known cure, prevention through protection is vital.

Hepatitis variants (A, B and C)

This is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by a very strong virus also

transmitted through blood and tissue fluids. This can survive outside the body

and can make a person very ill indeed; it can even be fatal. The most serious

form is Hepatitis B and you can be immunised against it by a GP. If a person can

prove that he or she needs this protection for employment purposes, there is no

cost involved. Most training establishments will recommend this.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2003

(COSHH)

This law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances in the

workplace. Most of the products used in the salon are perfectly safe, but some

products could become hazardous under certain conditions or if used inappropriately.

All salons should be aware of how to use and store these products.

Employers are responsible for assessing the risks from hazardous substances and must

decide upon an action to reduce those risks. Proper training should be given and

employees should always follow safety guidelines and take the precautions identified

by the employer.

On the right are the symbols that show types of hazardous substances. COSHH

requires that they are found on packaging and containers in health, beauty and

hairdressing salons.

Here are some examples of potential hazards:

highly flammable substances, such as hairspray or alcohol steriliser are hazardous

because their fumes will ignite if exposed to a naked flame.

• explosive materials, such as hairspray, air freshener or other pressurised cans will

explode with force if placed in heat, such as an open fire, direct sunlight, or even

on top of a hot radiator.

• chemicals can cause severe reactions and skin damage. Vomiting, respiratory

problems and burning could be the result if chemicals are misused.

Health and safety rules

These will encompass all aspects of the Health and Safety at Work Act, plus COSHH

and the Electricity at Work Act.

You should be in no doubt about:

• your responsibility

• salon procedures

• treatment safety

• equipment safety

• protection against cross-infection.

Salon procedures for health and safety

Client safety:

• positioning of client

• minimum risk of hazard within the salon

• correct use of equipment and products

• correct use of products

• correct evacuation procedures

Storage procedures:

• electrical equipment

• chemicals

• valuables

• stock

• money.

Stock regulations:

• COSHH regulations are followed

• first aid procedures in place

• stock rotation

• spillage management

• correct storage and containers.

Your employer or head of the training establishment should have all these standard

procedures in place. If you are not instructed within your first few weeks of beginning

your new post, then ask!

Salon/workplace policies

All salons will have their own individual policies in place and it is your responsibility

to follow them, so make sure you know what your salon’s policies are. All salons will

require employees to follow basic rules, like reading and following manufacturers

instructions. If this rule is not followed, treatments could go wrong, resulting in loss of

clients and the salon’s good reputation. Other salon policies will include:

• Smoking – some salons are completely non-smoking zones and clients would

need to be informed of this by members of staff (you). You must be fully aware of

the rules and enforce them if a client decides to light a cigarette.

• Eating and drinking areas – the preparation of food and drinks should not be in

the same area as the mixing and preparation of products. This would cause an

environmental health and safety issue, as many chemical products in hairdressing

are caustic and if accidentally mixed with food or drinks would cause internal

medical problems.

• Drug policies – remember, only fully qualified, medically trained personnel are

allowed to administer drugs or medicines.

Cleaning, sterilising and general care of salon tools and equipment

Sterilisation means the killing of all organisms, for example, bacteria, fungus such as

ringworm, and parasites such as head lice.

Brushes should be washed in warm soapy water to remove grease and products,

then soaked in a disinfectant solution (barricade) for at least 20 minutes.

• Combs should be washed in warm soapy water to remove grease and products,

then soaked in a disinfectant solution (barbicide) for at least 20 minutes.

• Scissors should be cleaned regularly to remove hair cuttings and sterilised using

medic-wipes or sterilising spray.

• Razors and hair shapers should be brushed free of cut hair after use. The

replaceable blade must be disposed of in a sharps bin to avoid piercing the skin;

this is then collected by the local health authority for incineration. The handle

can be sterilised by either wiping with a medic-wipe or sterilising spray.

• Fixtures and fittings, all chairs, workstations, mirrors, hood dryers, climazones and

steamers must be wiped clean daily to remove any hair cuttings, chemical and

styling products, and general dust and dirt.

• Floors should be swept at regular intervals throughout the day to avoid slippery

surfaces. All spills must be wiped up immediately. Floors should be bleached at the end of each day.

Personal conduct

Good conduct cuts down any risks.

• Do not run or rush around the salon.

• Use equipment properly.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions at all times.

• Ensure salon and equipment are cleaned thoroughly.

• Always leave equipment ready for use by the next person.

• Do not block fire exits for any reason.

• Do not endanger anyone, even as a joke.

• Behave sensibly.

• Use proper lifting procedures.

• Take responsibility for yourself, machinery and problems such as spillage

that may occur – do not expect someone else to clean up after you!

• Always treat your clients with the utmost respect.

Personal presentation

Hairdressing is part of the fashion industry and the image you portray should reflect

this. However, your personal appearance should always combine safety with

professionalism. For example, high-heeled shoes are not only uncomfortable after a

day’s standing but also not particularly stable to walk in and open-toed sandals will

not protect the toes from damage, spillage or impact injury. Shoes should be smart

but essentially comfortable.

• Do not wear dangling jewellery which may be a hazard.

• Avoid stooping and slouching, which will prevent back problems occurring

• Hairdressers often have arms and shoulders raised when cutting, perm winding,

and setting. This awkward and unnatural posture often leads to hairdressers

becoming round shouldered and in old age can lead to a hunched back. It is

important to learn to stand with good posture while working to prevent this

from occurring.

• Evenly distribute body weight by standing with both feet slightly apart – this will

prevent accidents and body damage.

• Always wear the correct protective clothing to shield a uniform.

• Always wear gloves when using chemicals or if there is a possibility of coming

into contact with body fluids.

• Always follow the correct disposal regulations for waste materials.

• If a salon provides a uniform as part of a corporate image, wear it with pride!

• Your hair should not interfere with any treatment you carry out to avoid the

possibility of cross-infection.

• A high standard of cleanliness will ensure no cross-infection can occur:

– Wash your hands between clients.

– Keep your nails tidy.

– Cover cuts or open wounds.

– Do not attend work with an infectious disease.

– Do not spread germs with a cold or flu.

References;

hair train UK. (2014). Health&Safety. Available: http://hairdressing.ac.uk/node/119. Last accessed October 2014.