Top tips for health and safety in a salon

Need some tips for health and safety in a salon? If you’re looking to brush up on your knowledge for keeping clients and staff safe in your salon, here’s everything you need to know.

 

 

Why is health and safety important in a salon?

Ensuring health and safety measures are in place in your salon is important for both clients and staff. First and foremost, these measures protect clients from potential infections and adverse reactions by implementing hygiene practices and proper sterilisation of tools. Chemical treatments, such as hair dyes and nail products, pose risks if not used correctly, making it incredibly important to adhere to safety protocols.

Equally important is the well-being of salon staff, who are exposed to various hazards in their daily work. Safety measures help prevent musculoskeletal issues caused by repetitive tasks, along with respiratory and skin problems associated with chemical exposure. Prioritising staff health not only fosters a positive work environment but also ensures the sustainability of the salon by reducing absenteeism and turnover rates.

Maintaining high health and safety standards enhances the salon's reputation and instill confidence in clients. A salon known for its commitment to cleanliness and safety attracts more clients and builds long-term trust and loyalty.

Compliance with regulatory requirements and insurance standards not only mitigates legal risks but also demonstrates professionalism and responsibility, supporting the salon's credibility within the industry.

By reducing accidents, illnesses, and associated costs, such as healthcare and legal expenses, the salon can operate more efficiently and sustainably. Moreover, a safe and healthy work environment helps with staff morale and productivity, ultimately contributing to the salon's overall success and competitiveness in the market.

 

 

Tips for salon health and safety

Here are some of the best tips to help improve health and safety in a salon. Remember, there may be local laws and guidance you need to be aware of, so keep up to date with the requirements in your region.

 

General hygiene

Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential in every salon. Clean and disinfect all tools, equipment, and surfaces between each client. Also make sure that you use EPA-registered disinfectants to ensure effective elimination of pathogens.

Hand sanitisers should be provided throughout the salon, and frequent handwashing (with soap and hot water) should always be followed. This includes both staff and clients alike.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

You need to provide your team with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks and aprons. Staff should wear gloves when performing treatments and use face masks or shields, especially when working close to clients' faces.

 

Client safety

Implement a health screening process for clients before their appointments to ensure they are not symptomatic or have been exposed to contagious diseases. Ensure good ventilation to reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants too, and use air purifiers if needed, especially in areas where chemicals are used.

 

Safe chemical handling

Store chemicals properly, away from direct sunlight and in well-ventilated areas. Ensure that all products are clearly labelled and have safety data sheets available, and that there’s a designated area to dispose of chemicals.

Provide regular training for staff on health and safety protocols, including proper handling and disposal of chemicals. You should also stay updated with the latest health and safety guidelines from relevant health authorities.

Related: How to dispose of different types of salon waste

 

Equipment

Staff should have training on how to use all equipment, following manufacturer guidelines for the use and maintenance of all tools and machines. They also need regular breaks and stretches to prevent repetitive strain injuries. Work areas should be set up to minimise strain and ensure comfort.

Perform routine checks and maintenance on all equipment to ensure they are in good working condition. Replace faulty or worn-out tools promptly.

 

Emergency preparedness

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit accessible and ensure staff know how to use it. Display health and safety policies, as well as equipment and policies, clearly in the salon.

Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Conduct regular fire drills and ensure all staff are familiar with evacuation procedures.

 

Documentation and compliance

Maintain accurate records of cleaning schedules, equipment maintenance, and staff training.

Ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations and keep documentation up to date.

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards. Make sure these are saved, documented and any risks are handled or minimised.

Related: Beauty salon regulations for UK businesses

 

 

The risks of not complying with health and safety regulation

Failing to follow health and safety protocols in a salon can have serious consequences, impacting both the business and the wellbeing of clients and staff

Regulatory authorities may impose fines for non-compliance with health and safety regulations, varying in severity depending on the violation. Negligence or accidents resulting from poor health and safety practices can lead to lawsuits from clients or employees seeking compensation for injuries or damages.

News of safety breaches can spread quickly, damaging the salon's reputation and eroding trust among clients and the community. Clients may choose to avoid the salon altogether, leading to a decline in revenue and potential closure if the damage to reputation is significant. It can be disruptive for business in more ways than one.

Addressing safety violations, paying fines and defending against legal claims can incur significant financial costs, impacting the salon's profitability. Non-compliance with health and safety standards may result in higher insurance premiums or denial of coverage, further straining the salon's finances.

Poor hygiene practices or unsafe procedures can lead to infections, allergic reactions, or other health issues among clients, damaging their trust in the salon and potentially causing long-term harm.

Employees exposed to hazardous chemicals or unsafe working conditions may suffer from respiratory problems, skin irritations, or musculoskeletal injuries, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity. Failure to maintain a safe work environment increases the risk of accidents and injuries, resulting in staff downtime, disrupted operations and potential legal liabilities.

Staff morale may suffer in an unsafe environment, leading to decreased job satisfaction, higher turnover rates, and difficulty attracting and retaining skilled employees. Salons have a moral and ethical obligation to prioritise the health and safety of their clients and employees. Neglecting these responsibilities can damage trust and credibility within the community.

Persistent non-compliance with health and safety regulations may result in temporary or permanent closure orders from regulatory authorities, causing significant disruption to the salon's operations and reputation.

Related: Ways to improve your salon reputation

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Specialist beauty salon insurance through Ripe

Applying the latest health and safety regulations in your salon can help keep your clients and staff safe. For additional peace of mind, insuring your beauty salon through specialist beauty salon insurance can help provide financial protection should the worst happen.

Through Ripe, you can get specialist salon insurance that provides up to £10m Public and Products Liability cover and up to £5m Treatment Risk cover as standard to protect you against third-party claims for injury or property damage.

You can also choose additional cover options, such as Employers' Liability and Buildings cover, so you're only ever paying for the cover you need. 

Learn more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote.