Health & Safety in the Salon...

Are you running a workplace that complies with the health and safety regulation? Take a look through our checklist to be sure.

Written Policy: do you have a written health and safety policy in the salon? This is essential as it will allow you to brief and train staff according to the parameters you have in place.

Chemicals: make sure you chemical storage area is properly organised and adequately ventilated.

First Aid: keep a fully equipped first aid box in the salon, and train at least one of your stylists as a first aider by sending them on an official first aid course. One of the first aiders can then keep your box up to date.

Accidents/Incident Book: you must have an accident/incident book in the salon where any accidents or health incidents involving staff or clients are written up.

Heaters: make sure your heaters are not accessible to children, that they are located in a safe place and that every heater is switched off when you leave the room or the salon.

Fire Escapes: fire escape routes and other exits should be well signposted and should be clear of stock or any other obstructions.

Hygiene: all cutting equipment must be regularly cleansed and sterilised, with sterilisation equipment in use at every styling station.

Gloves and Hand Washing: gloves should be worn when working with chemicals to avoid allergies or dermatitis occurring. Staff should always practice correct hand washing and moisturising procedures.

Neatness: the salon should be well lit, neat and tidy, with no trailing cables or other hazards. Loose hair should be swept up and any water spillages mopped up immediately. All surfaces should be safe,

Water: water temperature should be controlled to avoid the risk of
accidental scalding, and staff should be trained to test water
temperature thoroughly before rinsing hair.

Staff room: staff welfare must be considered, including a well ventilated and
properly equipped toilet, and somewhere private to go for a break with adequate
seating.