Health and safety

General health and safety

Below I have summarized some important health and safety considerations that are used when creating any look. There is a more in detail section on general health and safety rules under my units 3 and 4 tab.

Client consultation:

Client consultations are extremely important as they allow you to rule out any contra-actions that may prevent or restrict a treatment, as well as allowing you to become aware of any factors to consider when choosing products (occasion, venue, lighting, age, lifestyle, skin types) and gain a clear insight into what your client wants (makeup trials are also extremely useful for this.)

Furthermore, consultations allow you to book in patch tests, where needed. If using a product that is likely to cause an allergic reaction, a client must have a patch test 24-48 hours before their treatment to ensure the product is safe for use on them. A consultation also allows time before a treatment for a client to obtain a medical consent letter, which may be needed in rare circumstances.

COSHH

Meaning – Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health.

COSHH is a law that requires employers to train all of their employees on how to safely use, store and dispose of any substances that could potentially cause harm. This law also requires establishments to own a COSHH cupboard in order to safely store these materials. A COSHH cupboard should be hidden away from the public eye, and should be made from metal and kept locked at all times. All of this is in place to hopefully prevent harm to staff, clients or members of the public. 

PAT Testing

Meaning – Portable Appliance Testing

PAT testing is a way of testing electrical equipment, in order to ensure it is safe for use. These tests should be renewed every 6 months, by a professional firm or trained individual. Even though these checks happen regularly, and therefore there should be no problem in between, employers and employees are responsible for carrying out visual checks on equipment before and after use, to ensure there is no visible damage. If a piece of equipment does happen to be faulty, it should be disposed of correctly.

PPE

Meaning – Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is used to prevent damage to a person, or a person’s belongings, as well as preventing cross contamination. Here are some examples of PPE that may be used in a salon, and their purpose.

Gloves – Helps protect the therapist from developing contact dermatitis and prevents cross contamination.

Apron – Worn by staff to protect their skin and clothing.

Gown – Worn by a client to protect their skin and clothing.

Mask – Prevents contraction or transmission of airborne diseases, and prevents inhalation of potentially harmful products.

Visors/Goggles – Prevents fluids from entering the eyes, therefore protecting against cross contamination. Also prevents any sharp or potentially hazardous products entering the eye area.

Preparation of the work space:

Below I have listed some of the important steps to take when preparing the work space for a client.

Sterilize all equipment – using products such as IPA and/or Barbicide.

Cleaning the work using the correct cleaning products.

Complete a visual check on all products and equipment.

Clearly lay out products on your workstation.

Label any unlabeled products.

Ensure all electrical equipment is turned on in good time, allowing it time to heat up.

Turn on the lights around your work station.

Prepare the photographing station to ensure you appear organized.

Adjust the chair height, to prevent causing a strain injury.

Personal hygiene:

Staff must be wearing clean, ironed uniforms.

Clothes sizing must be unrestricted, allowing the therapist full movement.

No overpowering odor should be let off by the therapist ( No bad smells, No overpowering perfumes)

If a member of staff smokes, they must ensure they do not smell like cigarettes during a treatment.

Staff must have clean and tidy hair and nails.

Long hair must be tied back out of the face.

Nails must be kept at a manageable length. If painted, you must ensure there are no chips in the polish as they can harbor bacteria.

Aftercare:

A therapist must educate their client on any potential contra actions, explain signs, symptoms and what to do. This should be spoken about, and the information must also be given either via a leaflet, or a pinned social media post on the business account.

Advise a client to continue a healthy, balanced lifestyle to ensure their hair, and skin is always at its best.

Talk about when is a good time for a client to re-visit, if regular appointments are wanted/needed.

Educate the client on how to correctly remove products.

Unit 8 Specific health and safety considerations

Below is a list of products and equipment I may be using during my assessment for my FMP, and what I must consider when doing so .

• Face paint – Check all ingredients to ensure a client is not allergic to any of the contents, carry out a skin sensitivity test.
• Eyeshadows – Ensure to tap excess product off of the bush to prevent any product entering the yes, or being inhaled. Do this while facing away from your client.
• Cream foundation – Check all ingredients, and ensure the product is suitable for the clients skin type.
• Loose setting powder – Don’t apply too much product, as inhalation could be dangerous. Similar to eyeshadow, if applied with a brush ensures to tap off excess, facing away from the client.
• Primer – Check ingredients, and consider what is suitable for a client’s skin type.
• Setting spray – Consider any medical conditions. If a client is asthmatic it would be more suitable to use a water based setting spray than an aerosol spray.
• Mascara – Ensure the client doesn’t have overly sensitive eyes, and always check the ingredients.
• False eyelashes – Consider how well they will fit the eye shape, and therefore how comfortable they will be for the client.
• Eyelash glue – This product should always be Patch tested for, and you should always check the ingredients before use.
• Lip products – Consider the consistency of the product, and how suitable this will be for the clients lip shape and type.
• Eyeliner – Ensure a client doesn’t have overly sensitive eyes, ensure they are comfortable; and always check ingredients.
• Temporary hair color – spray – This may not be suitable for use on a client with asthma
• Temporary hair color – chalks and powders – These products would be more suitable for someone with respiratory problems
• Curling iron – Must have an in date PAT test. I must complete a visual inspection before use.
• Hair bands and grips – Must be fully intact, with no sharp edges.
• False flowers – Must not be damaged, or have any sharp corners.
• Makeup brushes/tools – Must be thoroughly cleaned before and after every use, with IPA.
• I must have a pot set aside, so if I happen to drop any tools, products of equipment on to the floor, I can keep them separate from the rest of my products.
• Prosthetics – If applied, prosthetics must be removed correctly, using MME.
• I must ensure I set my clients chair at the right height, to prevent causing a strain injury.
• I must use an antibacterial spray to wipe down my work station before and after each use.