Hairdressing Safety: Preventing Hazards in Salons
Occupational Hazard Prevention in Hairdressing
One of the first requirements for implementing a prevention system in any business is a risk assessment to identify health and safety hazards specific to the activity.
There are many dangers associated with hairdressing that may pose a risk to the safety of both customers and employees.
This study examines the most common risks in the hairdressing sector and provides practical tips to combat them. One of the most frequent risks is falls.
Common Causes of Falls
The most common accidents are caused by tripping or slipping due to the following factors:
- Uneven floors with cracks, holes, or unevenness.
- Slippery floors.
- Water-wet floors or accidental spills.
- Inappropriate footwear for the job.
- Disorder and obstacles in busy areas and work areas.
- Lack of space, excess furniture, product displays, etc.
Preventive Measures for Falls
- Verify that the floor is slip-resistant, smooth, and even.
- Ensure floors are easy to clean, using non-skid cleaning products.
- Keep the floor dry constantly.
- Use non-slip footwear.
Prevention of Risks Related to Tool Use
Cuts with Hand Tools
Injuries can be caused by incorrect or improper handling of sharp tools or tools with sharp or pointed edges.
This risk is present when using tools such as scissors with straight or curved blades, toothed blades, razors, combs, knives, etc.
The most common injuries are caused by:
- Using these items incorrectly.
- Using tools with damaged handles.
- Using dull utensils.
- Leaving stabbing and cutting tools anywhere instead of in their designated place.
Electrical Safety
The health damage from electric shock is a risk when working with electrical equipment such as dryers, curling irons, thermal brushes, etc.
These risks are due to:
- Broken plugs.
- Wiring of the installation or equipment in disrepair.
Preventive Measures for Electrical Safety
- Before starting work, assess the general condition of the installation and electrical appliances.
- Ensure grounding and isolation of the active parts.
- Do not connect multiple devices to the same outlet.
- Never use electrical appliances with wet hands or on wet soil.
Chemical Safety
Prevention through contact with hazardous chemicals, physical hazards, and the climate in the workplace are some of the risks in this sector.
Working in contact with products containing hazardous substances or chemicals poses a significant risk.
Approximately 30% of products used in hairdressing are classified as toxic, and the most common injury is caused by skin contact.
Many of the products and mixtures used in dyeing, bleaching, perming, straightening, etc., are harmful, irritating, sensitizing, and dangerous to the environment.
Therefore, it is important to properly handle the products, knowing their properties, risks, and employment standards.
Injuries resulting from these chemicals may include:
- Skin sensitization: dryness, redness, and itching of the skin.
- Allergic reactions.
- Contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic.
- Eye injuries.
Minimizing Chemical Risks
- Replace toxic products with non-toxic alternatives.
- Read labels carefully before using products.
- Maintain workplace ventilation.
Mª Carmen Romero Rodriguez