Health and Safety in the Hairdressing Salon

Health and Safety and hygiene issues related to the operation of a salon.

- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of salon design and finishes
including:
• Walls
• Floors
• Ceilings


- Explain the importance of maintaining a suitable environment and be
aware of the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of:
• Heating
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Air conditioning

- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the selection, care and siting of:
• Seating
• Work surfaces
• Wash basins
• Toilets
• Equipment

- Explain the importance of hygienic waste storage and disposal.
- Describe how to prevent infestation of premises and explain the
procedures to follow should it occur and what remedial action should
be taken.
- Describe in detail the correct use, cleaning and storage of:
• Towels and gowns
• Hairdressing tools
• Salon equipment (including fire-fighting equipment)

- Describe the terms: sterilisation, disinfection and antiseptics
- Describe in detail the methods of carrying out sterilisation and
disinfection of salon equipment using
• Chemical disinfectants
• Dry heat

Introduction To hygiene In Beauty Therapy

Who are we protecting?

Infections caught as a result of beauty treatments are extremely rare. However,
the potential is there and good practice can significantly reduce the risk of
cross-infection in the salon.
The most common source of infection in a salon is the client but staff and visitors
can bring infection into the salon. It is important to make sure that infection is
controlled and not transmitted from person to person within the salon, or taken
out of the salon where a wide range of people could potentially be infected.
The transfer of infection from one person to another is called cross-infection.
People with active diseases are an obvious source of infection and anyone suffering
from obvious diseases should not treat clients or be treated. However, some people
may be harbouring disease or be symptomless carriers in which case they may not
be aware of the potential problems.