Professional: Your personal appearance allows a client to form an opinion or judgment regarding you and the salon, so make sure you present a consistent, positive image of yourself and the workplace
Courteous: Show clients respect in all manner of communication and contact (verbally and nonverbally)
Discreet: Use care and tact when communicating and expressing yourself. Avoid passing on personal opinions and, unless prior agreement is made, comply with the Data Protection Act (1998)
Personable: Be pleasant and employ people skills by having a positive attitude. Co-operate, communicate and be a team-player
Enthusiastic: Show you have high aspirations by working hard to achieve them
Responsible: Think carefully and have selfdiscipline, avoiding error and completing tasks competently and on time
Lifestyle: Employ a healthy lifestyle to maintain and replenish your energy and stamina
Hygiene: Maintain a high standard of hygiene to prevent cross-infections and present a hygienic, professional, caring image to your clients. This includes protecting yourself with relevant inoculations (including tetanus and hepatitis), and the client from secondary infections by covering any cuts/abrasions on your body correctly
Ethics: Being aware of Industry Codes of Practice may be useful should improper practice lead to criminal proceedings. Behaviour and expected standards uphold the reputation of the business, and ensure best working practice for the safety of the industry and members of the public. Although not a legal requirement, check if your salon has its own code of practice.
You should use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect yourself against potentially hazardous substances such as:
 Disinfectants – direct contact can cause chemical irritation to the skin
 Body tissue fluids – direct contact can lead to skin infections and disease
 Other harmful products and materials, such as the fumes and dust created during the application of artificial nails
PPE includes aprons, gloves, particle masks and safety glasses. For example:
 If you are to come into contact with body tissue fluids or with chemicals, wear protective disposable surgical, nitrile or PVC gloves (latex gloves can cause allergic reaction/asthma)
 Waxing is a treatment where, not only can it be somewhat messy, but there is a risk of contamination and cross-infection, therefore protective equipment such as gloves and an apron should be available and worn
 During manicures, pedicures and nail art, dust or vapour masks can reduce the amount of dust or vapour being inhaled
Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham
07890 835 469
Suzanne Cowling
Beauty Therapist
Health and Safety Assignment
Task 1c http://www.thebeautybay.co.uk beauty@thebeautybay.co.uk http://www.facebook.com/thebeautybay http://twitter.com/thebeautybay

Sterilization is the total destruction of all living microorganisms from metal tools and equipment.
Disinfection is the destruction of most living microorganisms from non-metal tools, equipment and work areas. These techniques involve the use of physical agents i.e. radiation and heat, and chemical agents i.e. antiseptics and disinfectants. These procedures must be performed between each client
Radiation: A quartz mercury-vapour lamp is a source for ultra-violet (UV) light, which minimizes harmful microorganisms. However, this has limited effectiveness and cannot be relied upon for complete sterilization. A UV cabinet is a good place to store previously sterilized equipment.
Heat: Dry and moist heat may be used for sterilization. The proper time for dry-heat sterilization is from 1 to 2 hours, thereby limiting its effectiveness in a salon. An autoclave
(similar to a pressure cooker), due to increased pressure, increases the water temperature to 121-134 o C. This method is highly recommended for sterilizing objects in the salon.
If sterilization is not possible, use a chemical disinfectant solution.
Disinfectants will destroy most (but not all) microorganisms. Hypochlorite, e.g. bleach, is suitable for work surfaces but is corrosive and unsuitable for sterilizing metals and should be used as per manufacturers direction.
Ammonium compound, e.g. Barbicide, may be used with metals and plastics. Isopropyl alcohol- impregnated wipes can be used to sanitize the skin.
Antiseptics prevent multiplication of micro-organisms (it doesn’t kill them) so has limited action.
Methods used in the salon to ensure hygiene include:
Following Health and Safety policies; maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene e.g. wash your hands with chlorhexidine gluconate based detergent followed by the use isopropyl alcohol disinfectant; cover cuts with protective dressing; take care to avoid cross-infections; use hygienic tools and disposable applicators; disinfect and cover all working surfaces with clean, disposable paper tissue; use clean gowns and towels; place dirty laundry in covered container; never eat/drink in the service area of the salon; and never carry out a service under the influence of drugs/alcohol as this is termed negligent and you would be held liable for putting clients and colleagues at risk
Waste including clinical and non-clinical is to be disposed of complying with COSHH procedures and guidelines as per your training provided by your employer.
Contaminated waste disposal must comply with the
Controlled Waste Regulations (1992). A waste container lined with a disposable bag is suitable for general salon waste. A yellow ‘sharps’ container or heavy duty yellow bag should be available for clinical waste contaminated with blood or tissue fluid. Protective gloves should be worn to avoid risk of contamination. Contact your local environment health department to check on disposal arrangements.
Determine whether the breakage/spillage is hazardous to health and what action is necessary, to whom it should be reported, what action is necessary to remove it safely and how it should be disposed of safely. Always comply with your COSHH regulations.
Accidents at work are usually caused by negligence by a member of staff, or unsafe working conditions. This affects a business’s insurance and can lead to prosecution, or even an employer/employee being sued.
A workplace policy should be in place in accordance with
RIDDOR and Health and Safety First Aid Regulations. Any injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences are to be recorded on a report form. These are then entered into an accident book. Incidents in the accident book should be reviewed regularly (about every 3 months) to assess where improvements to working practices can be made.
The accident form is to include the following information:
 Date and time of the accident
 Date of entry into the book
 Name of person/people involved
 Accident details
 Injuries sustained
 Action taken
 Events affecting the victim immediately after the incident (i.e. hospitalized or went straight home)
 Name and address of staff member who provided the service
 Signature of person making the entry
First Aid is only to be administered by an employee qualified to do so.
Take adequate precautions to secure the salon against theft (during business hours) and burglary (after hours).
Inadequate security measures affect the business’s
insurance cover. In relation to theft by a member of staff, this is termed gross misconduct and may lead to dismissal and prosecution. An Employer should have a formal policy and procedure to secure:
 People and possessions
 Premises
 Tools and equipment
 Stock