Health and Safety Legislation for Beauty Salons

Running a beauty salon or being a mobile nail technician can be daughting enough without having to worry about health and safety! Thats why Habia has issued clarification on new health and safety legislation that has been interpreted as allowing enforcement bodies to charge businesses for inspection.

Under The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will charge businesses found to be in material breach of health and safety laws for further re-inspection however Habia note that salons are no effected by this change as they fall under the Local Authority remit.

Wendy Nixon, Habia’s health and safety expert, said, “Whilst we encourage salons to remain vigilant on all health and safety matters, they should rest assured that these changes in no way affect them and that they are not going to be charged for inspection.”

If you have any questions or concerns you should contact your Local Authoriy and discuss directly with them.

Here are 10 top tips for running a safe and healthy salon.

1. Prepare a health and safety policy for your business. Visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/write.htm for more information.

2. Arrange to have all your electrical appliances tested (PAT test). This will ensure your appliances are in safe working order and may help to reduce insurance premiums.

3. Assess all the chemical products used in your salon (COSHH) and determine any safety risks.

4. Introduce steps to prevent dermatitis. Use vinyl or nitrile gloves, introduce good hand care routines and use a good moisturiser.

5. Check that all your fire exits and route ways are clear from obstruction and appropriately signed.

6. Good ventilation will reduce problems associated with products used in the salon.

7. Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked.

8. Salon hygiene is essential not only for health and safety purposes but also to attract and retain clients.

9. All work areas must be well lit and fit for purpose.

10. Employees must be given access to suitable and clean restrooms facilities.