Beauty salon employees can get injuries from chemicals or working with hot tools, while customers may contract an illness from improper sanitation procedures. Because of these, it is essential for salon owners to carry out a risk assessment to identify any potential hazards and put measures in place to protect staff and customers. Training is also essential so that everyone knows how to stay safe in the salon. By following simple steps, you can help keep your salon safe and hazard free!
Sharp Objects
There are many sharp objects in a beauty salon that can cause harm if not used and stored correctly. These include scissors, blades, tweezers and nail files. It is important to keep these objects in a safe place when they are not being used and to ensure that they are sharpened and cleaned regularly.
Chemicals
Many chemicals are used in beauty treatments, including bleach, peroxide and nail polish remover. Chemicals can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even death if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. It is important to store chemicals properly and label them correctly so that employees know what they are dealing with. Chemicals should never be stored near heat sources or food prep areas.
When mixing chemicals, always wear gloves, a mask, and goggles. Make sure that the area is well ventilated, and do not smoke or eat while mixing chemicals. If unsure, seek experts that specialise in risk assessment for beauty salons in the UK to perform a comprehensive risk assessment. This will help you identify and mitigate any potential hazards in your salon. If you are located in another country, you can easily find risk assessment experts near you by searching through Google.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips and falls are other common hazard in beauty salons. To minimise the risk of these accidents, make sure your salon is kept clean and tidy at all times. Remove any clutter from the floor and keep walkways clear and free from obstruction.
Electrical Equipment
Electricity is used in a lot of beauty salons, including hairdryers and flat irons. These can cause serious harm if they are not handled correctly so it’s important to be aware of the dangers that may arise with using them. Avoid bringing electrical equipment into bathrooms or other wet areas as this could lead to an electric shock hazard. Don’t leave anything flammable near hairdryers such as towels or clothing because these items can catch fire easily. Lastly, always unplug any devices before leaving them unattended.
Fire Risks
Fire is a common hazard in any commercial setting, and beauty salons are no exception. There are several ways that a fire can start in a salon, including:
- The use of heaters or other electrical equipment
- Cooking or using hot appliances such as hair straighteners
- Smoking
- Flammable materials near heat sources
To mitigate the risk of fire, it is important to have working fire alarms and extinguishers available and to ensure that staff are aware of how to respond to a fire emergency. Employees should also be trained in safe cooking practices.
The health of your customers is paramount to their happiness, and it’s important to educate yourself on the risks of salon work and how you can lessen them. Make sure that your staff is aware of these hazards, too. We hope these hazard tips will serve as an eye-opening look into what could be harmful to both employees and clients alike. Remember that staying healthy starts with being informed!
