Salons and Med Spas Ensure Sanitation. Reduce Risks. Protect Employees. Elzey Insurance: Your Salon and Med Spa Partner Our agency can deliver the strategies, tools and resources that will help you manage your beauty salon risks, control workers compensation claim costs, advance safety and boost employee morale. Don't Let Your Employees Pick Up Scissors without Letting Us Protect You First! Our agency can help you build solid loss control and safety programs to help you stay on top of your biggest risk management and compliance challenges. Workplace Safety Programs Our employee safety manual and worker safety resources can provide your place of business with useful injury prevention information, such as handling chemicals used for hair coloring safely. Managing Risks We have the risk management expertise to help you plan and control resources and activities in order to costeffectively fulfill your objectives. Building a Safety Culture Though safety may not seem like a major issue of concern for your business, your employees are still engaging in activities that you could result in injuries. We have flyers, posters, payroll stuffers on such topics as nail technician sanitation, blood precautions, disinfecting hazards, and more! Identify Hazards Conducting a safety risk assessment has never been easier with our tools. Let us show you how to do so to identify areas of your business that could be potentially harmful to your employees and/or customers. BEAUTY SALON SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT There are many hazards present at a beauty salon that deserve your attention. Use this guide as a starting point for conducting a risk assessment at your facility to correct potential hazards and keep your employees safe. HAZARD: Slips, Trips and Falls Accidents can occur when employees trip on uneven flooring or fall when trying to reach items out of reach.
Solutions: Unplug equipment when not in use. Keep walkways, workstations and chairs clear. Clean up spills immediately after they occur. Provide adequate lighting. Provide proper stepladders for employees to reach items that are not accessible from the ground. HAZARD: Fire Many products used in beauty treatments, specifically aerosols, are highly flammable and potentially explosive, if they are exposed to high temperatures. Also, obstructed exit routes can prevent escape from a fire and can provide fuel to increase the blaze. Solution: Keep all escape routes and fire exits clear at all times. Conduct regular inspections of these areas to assure that they are safe. Store products away from sources of heat and ignition at or below room temperature, and in a dry place. Turn off and unplug electrical devices at night. Instruct employees on what to do in case of a fire and practice fire escape drills on a regular basis. HAZARD: Electrical Safety The electrical appliances used in beauty salons are subject to significant wear and tear due to their frequency and amount of use. Solution: Create a system of regularly inspecting equipment for wear and tear, and do not allow equipment to be used until it is repaired. Keep a maintenance log for all electrical equipment. Turn off and unplug electrical devices at night. Provide adequate sockets for all workstations. Instruct your employees to not overload sockets. HAZARD: Hazardous Substances Some products used in beauty salons contain harmful substances, which can cause skin irritations (dermatitis) and respiratory problems. Solution: Obtain and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous products used on your premises. Assess the risks of using new products before they are initially used. Store and use all products in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. Exercise extreme caution when disposing of surplus chemicals. If employees show signs of dermatitis or asthma, assist them in receiving proper medical treatment and offer solutions to minimize problems in the future, such as improving ventilation problems and making sure employees wear hand and body protection against hazardous chemicals. HAZARD: Manual Handling of Materials
Lifting and moving heavy stock materials and working at poorly designed workstations can cause injuries and muscle strains. Solution: Employees should avoid lifting items that are too heavy for them to safely lift. They should use lifting assist devices or seek assistance from another staff member instead. Train employees on the proper lifting techniques for various types and sizes of loads. Design workstations to ensure that employees have enough room to move around comfortably while working. Provide customer chairs that can be adjusted depending on the height of the customer and employee. HAZARD: Poor Hygiene There are risks of infection transmission when using equipment and products on clients with poor hygiene or transmittable illnesses. Solution: Make sure re-useable equipment is sterilized after each client. Use techniques to prevent cross-contamination when using creams, make-up products, wax pots, etc. Wash towels after each use. A Guide to Safety Policies & Procedures to Support a Safety-Conscious Work Environment EXAMPLE: [Your Company Name Here]. recognizes that our people drive the business. As the most critical resource, employees will be safeguarded through training, provision of appropriate work surroundings, and procedures that foster protection of health and safety. All work conducted by [Your Company Name Here] employees will take into account the intent of this policy. No duty, no matter what its perceived result, will be deemed more important than employee health and safety. [Your Company Name Here]. is firmly committed to the safety of your employees. We will do everything possible to prevent workplace accidents and we are committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees. We value our employees not only as employees but also as human beings critical to the success of their family, the local community, and [Your Company Name Here]. Employees are encouraged to report any unsafe work practices or safety hazards encountered on the job. All accidents/incidents (no matter how slight) are to be immediately reported to the supervisor on duty. A key factor in implementing this policy will be the strict compliance to all applicable federal, state, local, and company policies and procedures. Failure to comply with these policies may result in disciplinary actions. Respecting this, [Your Company Name Here]. will make every reasonable effort to provide a safe and healthful workplace that is free from any recognized or known potential hazards. Additionally, [Your Company Name Here]. subscribes to these principles:
1. All accidents are preventable through implementation of effective Safety and Health Control policies and programs. 2. Safety and Health controls are a major part of our work every day. 3. Accident prevention is good business. It minimizes human suffering, promotes better working conditions for everyone, holds [Your Company Name Here]. in higher regard with customers, and increases productivity. This is why [Your Company Name Here]. will comply with all safety and health regulations which apply to the course and scope of operations. 4. Management is responsible for providing the safest possible workplace for Employees. Consequently, management of [Your Company Name Here]. is committed to allocating and providing all of the resources needed to promote and effectively implement this safety policy. 5. Employees are responsible for following safe work practices and company rules, and for preventing accidents and injuries. Management will establish lines of communication to solicit and receive comments, information, suggestions and assistance from employees where safety and health are concerned. 6. Management and supervisors of [Your Company Name Here]. will set an exemplary example with good attitudes and strong commitment to safety and health in the workplace. Toward this end, Management must monitor company safety and health performance, working environment and conditions to ensure that program objectives are achieved. 7. Our safety program applies to all employees and persons affected or associated in any way by the scope of this business. Everyone s goal must be to constantly improve safety awareness and to prevent accidents and injuries. Everyone at [Your Company Name Here]. must be involved and committed to safety. This must be a team effort. Together, we can prevent accidents and injuries. Together, we can keep each other safe and healthy in the work that provides our livelihood. Beauty Salon Nail Technician Sanitation & Safety Guidelines: Basic Sanitation Practices Techs should clean their hands and their clients hands and feet prior to each service. (NOTE: Some states allow waterless hand sanitizers to be used, but hands should be washed with soap and running water if they are contaminated or dirty). All tools that come in contact with clients must be properly cleaned and disinfected before serving another client. If metal tools come in contact with blood, bodily fluids, infection or any other potentially dangerous fluid, it must be immediately cleaned and disinfected. If a nail file or other porous tool comes in contact with blood, it must be disposed of immediately. (NOTE: There may be further state regulations regarding bloodborne pathogens.) Store clean, disinfected tools in a clean container or lined drawer with the label disinfected on it. This area must be separate from soiled or used tools and files. Keep records of cleaning and disinfecting of foot spas. Use only EPA-registered, hospital-level disinfectant products that are virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal. They must be at least 10 percent bleach or have a 70 percent or higher isopropyl or ethyl alcohol content. Use clean towels and/or manicure mats for each client. Dispose of used or remaining products between clients. Use single-use, disposable tools to remove products from containers before application. Or, remove products from their containers with a clean, disinfected tool, and then put the product into a disposal container. Use an applicator bottle or dropper to apply products to clients body parts. If blood or bodily fluids come in contact with any salon surface, nail techs should put on protective, disposal gloves and clean the area with an EPA-registered, hospital-level disinfectant. Porous vs. Non-Porous Tools: Porous Tools: Items are made of cloth, wood or other absorbent materials. Includes nail files, orangewood sticks, cotton, paper mats, towels and buffer blocks. Damaged or destroyed by cleaning porous items must be disposed of after each use.
Porous items contaminated with blood, bodily fluids or touched by broken skin must be disposed of immediately. Porous tools used on healthy nails can be cleaned by manually brushing off visible debris and then immersing the tools in disinfected (must be 70 percent or higher isopropyl or ethyl alcohol or 10 bleach solution). Wash towels, chamois, buffing bits and other similar items in a washing machine with normal detergent after each use. Non-Porous Tools: Items are made of metal, plastic or glass. Includes nippers, scissors, combs, metal or fiberglass-backed files and drill bits. All non-porous tools must be disinfected after each use. Clean off visible debris and then immerse tools in an EPA-registered disinfectant, bleach solution or solution that is 70 percent or higher isopropyl or ethyl alcohol for 10 minutes. Clean and disinfect brushes that are used to remove debris from foot spas, tubs or basins. Chemical Safety for Nail Technicians Nail techs should follow all manufacturers guidelines for using chemicals. Local, state and federal guidelines for chemical disposal must also be followed. Have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on file for every product used at the salon that could potentially cause injury or harm. MSDSs provide information regarding reactions, spills, ingredients and disposal. Make sure your employees read and understand this information. Make sure that your ventilation system provides fresh air intake and exhaustion of stale air. Use a system that directs airborne debris away from the breathing area (two feet square area between the mouth and nose and the work area) of nail techs and their clients. Provide metal trash receptacles with a lid to reduce vapors from soiled materials. Do not permit smoking in the salon. Also do not light candles near areas where nail products are used. Store nail care products away from sources of heat or ignition in closed containers. NOTE: Each state has regulations governing your legal responsibilities regarding safety and care in beauty salons. It is your responsibility to read, understand and comply with your state s rules and regulations, and keep up with any modifications to those regulations. For reference use only. Not intended to identify all hazards, or reflect all requirements of federal, state, or local law. Cosmetology Self-Inspection Checklist Conducting a monthly self-inspection will help your facility remain compliant with cosmetology rules and regulations, and will reduce and eliminate state and federal law violations. Facility License Yes No Inspection Point Do you have a facility license?
Is the license properly posted and visible to the public? Is the name on the facility license correct? Does the address on the facility license match the physical business address? Is the license current and not expired? Has the facility licensed been altered in any way? If so, corrective actions need to be taken. Practitioners and Independent Contractor License Yes No Inspection Point Do all employees and independent contractors have proper licenses? Are all employee licenses and independent contractors licenses properly posted and visible to the public? Are the names on the licenses correct? Are the licenses current and not expired? Have the employee and independent contractors licenses been altered in any way, other than blocking out their personal/home contact information? If so, corrective actions need to be taken. Have all employees and independent contractors been listed with the state as working for your facility? Work Stations Yes No Inspection Point
Are high and low disinfectants being used properly? Are all implements, tools and single-use items being properly disinfected, stored and discarded properly? Are work station surfaces and equipment clean, and made of non-absorbent materials? Are all drawers, cabinets and storage areas clean? Are customer records properly maintained, obtained and retained for later use? Are customers using neck strips and clean capes? Are employees thoroughly washing their hands with soap and water between clients? Common Areas Yes No Inspection Point Are shampoo bowls and sinks clean? Are walls, ceilings and floors clean? Is there hot and cold running water? Are chemicals and products stored properly and are properly labeled? Is the clothes washer and dryer set on the proper settings? Are chemically-saturated items placed in fire retardant containers with lids? Are items saturated with blood and/or bodily fluids placed in sealable bags prior to disposal?
Are towels clean before they are given to clients? Are soiled towels placed in a covered container for washing? Are clean towels and linens stored in a clean storage area? Is the employee restroom properly cleaned and maintained? Is there any fire hazards present on the premises? Are employees, customers and contractors smoking on the facility premises? Are foot spas cleaned and disinfected properly? Note: This checklist is merely a guideline. It is not meant to be exhaustive nor be construed as legal advice. It does not address all potential compliance issues with Federal, State, local OSHA or any other regulatory agency standards. Consult your licensed Commercial Property and Casualty representative at or legal counsel to address possible compliance requirements. Content 2008-2010 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Retail Safety Checklist Safety Recommendations for Employers Environmental Factors YES NO NA Do employees exchange money with the public? Is the business open during the evening or late night? Is the business located in a high crime area? Has the site experienced a robbery in the past three years? Has the experienced other violent incidents in the past three years?
Has the site experienced threats, harassment or other abusive behavior in the past three years from patrons? Engineering Controls YES NO NA Do employees have access to a telephone with an outside line? Are emergency telephone numbers posted adjacent to the telephone? Is the entrance to the building easily visible from the street and free of heavy plant growth? Is the lighting bright in the parking lot and adjacent areas? Are all indoor lighting fixtures working properly? Are windows and views to the outside and inside clear of advertising and other obstructions? Is the cash register in plain view of customers to deter robberies? Is there a working drop safe or time access safe to minimize cash on hand? Are security cameras and mirrors placed in locations that would deter thieves or provide greater security for employees? Are there height markers on exit doors to help witnesses provide more complete descriptions of assailants? Are employees protected through the use of bullet-resistant enclosures in locations with a history of robberies or assaults in high-crime areas? Administrative and Work Practice Controls YES NO NA Are there emergency procedures in place to address robberies and other acts of potential
violence? Have employees been instructed to report suspicious behavior or persons? Are employees properly trained on emergency responses for robberies and other crimes that may occur on the premises? Are employees trained in conflict resolution when faced with violent situations? Is cash control a staple in the violence and robbery prevention program? Does the site have a policy concerning the number of cash registers open during evening hours? Does the site have a policy requiring less than $50 in the cash register? Are signs posted notifying the public that limited cash is on hand? Do employees work with at least one other co-worker throughout the entirety of their shifts? Are there protective measures in place for employees who must work alone? Are there procedures in place to ensure the safety of employees who open and close the establishment? Disinfect with Care Recommendations for Nail Technicians Since you are working with tools that touch your clients skin, you must disinfect these items frequently throughout the day to prevent the spread of disease and bacteria. While doing so, you must be careful, because some of the disinfectants used to kill germs can be dangerous for you to use if you don t take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Here are some things to consider when disinfecting your work tools at the salon: You must use an EPA-registered liquid disinfectant that is bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and hospital-grade. Store, mix, use and dispose of disinfectants according to the manufacturers instructions. It is against federal law to use EPA-registered products contrary to the directions on the label.
Prepare disinfectants every day and replace them if the solution becomes visibly contaminated. Completely submerge tools in disinfectant for 10 minutes after cleaning off all visible debris. All areas of the surface should be covered with the solution. (Follow the label instructions if it requires some procedure other than submersion). EPA-registered disinfectants may be used to disinfect pedicure equipment if: They are EPA-registered or are suitable for hospital use, and contain the words bactericidal, fungicidal and veridical on the label. Tools and equipment are cleaned off first to remove visible residues. They are used exactly as the manufacturer outlines. If disinfectants are taken out of their original containers, the new containers must be properly labeled with the product name, concentration and date of mixing. Record the time of each cleaning for pedicure equipment. Keep this log available for your clients in case they inquire about such cleaning. Keep Your Workstation Clean! Note: This is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Go Ergo! Stretch it Out to Reduce Pain! Lower back exercises, combined with good overall physical fitness, will keep you out of the doctor s office. Here s how: Ankle Pumps: Lie on your back and move your ankles up and down. Do 10 reps. Heel Slides: Lie on your back, then bend and straighten your knee. Do 10 reps. Abdominal Contractions: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands resting below your ribs. Tighten your stomach muscles to squeeze your ribs towards your back. Hold this for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times. Wall Squats: Stand with your back against the wall and move your feet so they are about a foot away from the wall. Keep your stomach muscles tight while bending your knees in a 45-degree angle. Hold position for 5 seconds and then stand upright. Do 10 reps. Heel Raises: Stand with your weight even on both feet and then raise your heels up and down. Do 10 reps. Straight Leg Raises: Lie on your back with one leg straight and one bent. Tighten your stomach muscles and slowly lift your leg straight up about 6 to 12 inches from the floor. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then lower your leg. Do 10 reps. Single Knee to Chest Stretch: Lie on your back with both knees bent. Hold your thigh behind your knee and bring one knee up to your chest. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat. Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back with your legs bent. Hold one thigh behind your knee and then slowly straighten your knee until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold position for 20 seconds and repeat. Pelvic Tilt: Lie down with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your stomach muscles and press your lower back into the floor and raise your pelvis off the ground. Hold for 10 seconds and do 10 reps. Leg Lift: Lie on the floor with one leg straight in front of you and then slowly raise your leg as far as you can. Hold position for 10 seconds and then lower your leg to the floor. Do 10 reps on each leg.
In addition to these stretches, consider doing sit-ups to strengthen your back and your abdominal muscles. Lie with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and gradually lift your shoulders off the ground. Stand up Straight A simple thing like practicing good posture can go a long way in promoting back health. Here are some ways to improve your standing posture and consequently limit the strain your back: Keep your head positioned directly over your shoulders with your chest out and your head back. Position your shoulders directly over your pelvis. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Place your feet slightly apart on the floor with one foot in front of the other. Keep your knees slightly bent so they are not locked. If standing with good posture feels too tiring, use light weights or elastic bands to work your muscles between your shoulder blades. Wear shoes with good support and cushioning if you must stand for long periods of time at work or at home. Also place a rubber mat on concrete flooring to ease the pressure on your back. Note:This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. Content 2008-2010 Zywave, Inc. Blood and Beauty Do Not Mix! Blood borne Pathogen Precautions for Cosmetology Professionals Blood borne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and AIDS. If you come in contact with contaminated blood while performing a service at your job, you can contract the infected person s disease in one of two ways: The infected blood (or other body fluid) can make contact with broken skin, such as a cut or rash OR The infected blood (or other body fluid) can make contact with a mucus membrane, such as your nose, eyes or mouth. Since you cannot tell from looking at someone if they are infected with a blood borne pathogen, you must treat all blood and other bodily fluids as if they are infectious. Here are some other precautions to consider: Always wear gloves if you must clean up a client s blood in the event that they hurt themselves or open up an existing wound while at the salon. Clean and sanitize all work surfaces that were in contact with blood and other bodily fluids immediately. Wash your hands immediately after cleaning up or being exposed to blood with soap and warm water. Place blood-soiled towels and linens in red biohazard bags for disposal. Exposure Recommendations
If another person s blood or bodily fluid makes contact with your skin or mucus membranes, follow these steps to remain safe: Wash your skin with large amounts of soap and warm water. Flush the mucus membranes with large quantities of warm water. Report the incident to your supervisor immediately. Seek follow up medical care, if necessary. Be On Guard! It may seem extreme to worry about blood borne pathogens when working at a beauty salon, but the hazards are real. Exercise tremendous caution when working with clients to protect yourself and your body. Note: This is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Beautifying with Care Tips for Working with Chemicals in Cosmetology Though the beauty industry may seem like it s all about glam, there are real hazards for those working in this field. In fact, exposure to certain chemicals can actually increase the risk of potentially dangerous health conditions. Here are the some of the products that can be dangerous to work with: Hair dyes Bleaches Permanent wave solutions Shampoos Hair styling agents Nail and skin care products Straightening products Brow and lash tints Chemical peels Peroxides Wax solvents Disinfectants in cleaning products Unprotected exposure to these chemicals can cause the following reactions: Dermatitis This is a general term meaning inflammation of the skin; however, people can either develop an irritant reaction to chemicals or have an allergic reaction to chemicals. Asthma Chemicals common in hairdressing and nail services may aggravate pre-existing asthmatic conditions or cause occupational asthma. Cancer Though there is limited data to support this claim, some products used in the cosmetology industry are suspected of
causing some forms of cancer. Hazardous chemicals can enter the body through the skin, through inhalation or by swallowing. Generally, eye and throat irritation will begin right away upon exposure, followed by potentially dangerous reactions depending on certain specific factors. Not everyone will develop a negative reaction to cosmetology products. The following factors affect how you will react: Toxicity of the substance Amount of the substance that you are exposed to Length of exposure Frequency of exposure Route of entry into the body Assess Your Risks Read all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any and all chemicals that you work with on the job. These sheets will provide information on how to properly handle, store, discard and care for potentially hazardous chemicals. MSDS also provide information on what to do if you or a co-worker is exposed to the chemical and has a bad reaction. Do not take any chances on your health. Read and understand MSDS, and ask your supervisor for clarification if you do not understand the directions. Also, always wear protective clothing, such as gloves and aprons, and wash your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking after handling hazardous chemicals. Labels are Important! If you transfer a chemical substance from its manufactured packaging into another container, you must label the new container. This will alert others that they need to exercise caution when handling the product. Note: This is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Content 2008-2010 Zywave, Inc.