Health and Safety - Hair Stylist

Health and Safety in a Hair Salon

The main hazards asscociated with hairdressing are the use of high chemicals, dermatitis and the spread of infectious diseases and the safety of using and maintaining electrical equipment.

It is important to note that when using hair styling equipment it must be noted that the equipment used should be cleaned throughly in between clients. Such as the use of combs and hair brushes, all hair shouold be removed and combs placed in barbacide to remove any cross comtaminated hairs.

Use of electrical equipment:

To maintain the proper use of electrical equipment make sure that it gets regularly checked by a qualified electrician. It is also nimportant to note that the equipment does need to be cleaned after every use to maintain cleanliness. When using electrical equipment, you should note the space you are in. Make sure there are no trailing wires, that will cause injury to anyone. When using the equipment you should be aware of how to use it, if unsure or not 100% confident it is important to get advide and aid before using on a client.

Protective clothing:

This should be worn at all times to ensure that your clothes are protected at all time. Reduces the risk of any contamination and lets your client know you are clean and shows professionalism within the workplace. if you look after yourself, then the client is going to be well looked after too. As well as protecting yourself it is always good to use a cloak or a protective layer over the client. Because you are now working in the industry it is good to reflect a proffessional apperance for all clients, whilst you represent the industry.

- high heel shoes should not be warn, reduce accident and reduce comfort.

- no open toe shoes to protect toes from damage, spillage or an impact injury.

- shoes should be closed, smart and comfrortable.

- dangling jewellary is not permitted

Personal Health and Safety:

- avoid slouching as this will impact your posture severley in later life

- evenly distribute body weight by standing with both feet apart.

- Always wear the correct protective uniform.

- Wear gloves when using harsh chemicals

- Cover open cuts

- keep nails clean and tidy to avoid cross contamination

- WASH hands between clients

- hair should be kept up and out of the way to avoid cross contamination.

Dermatitis: This is an important occupational health problem that is faced by many hairdressers. This happens when the substance or chemical they are using damages the layers of the skin. Could be done from frequent shampooing which removes skin cells natural oils, which drys out the skin. To reduce the risk of this occuring, gloves should be worn. Allergic contact of dermatitis is irreversible and much more serious, it occurs when a person has been exposd to sensitising products over a long period of time. Again, to reduce the risk gloves should be worn and a COSHH assesment should be carried out.

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).

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Employers have duties under the above Act to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation's 2002 (COSHH)

These Regulation's are commonly known as COSHH and they lay down essential requirement for controlling the exposure to hazardous substances and for protecting people who may be affected by them.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulation's 1992

This Act requires all employers to ensure that the salon has adequate ventilation from chemicals such as hair spray or per lotion, a good standard of cleanliness is upheld, adequate lighting available and adequate toilet facilities, which are well ventilated and lit.

references:

http://hairdressing.ac.uk/node/120

(accessed 26/11/15)

http://www.fylde.gov.uk/business/health-safety/hairdressinghealthandsafety/

(accessed 26/11/15)