Health and safety:

We all have a legal responsibility to keep ourselves, our colleagues and our clients safe at all times within the salon/treatment area. The legislation set out under the:

Health and Safety at Work Act (HASWAA)

Control of substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) COSHH basics

What is COSHH? 

COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by:

• finding out what the health hazards are

• deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment)

• providing control measures to reduce harm to health

• making sure they are used

• keeping all control measures in good working order

• providing information, instruction and training for employees and others

• providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases

• planning for emergencies. 

Most businesses use substances, or products that are mixtures of substances. Some processes create substances. These could cause harm to employees, contractors and other people. 

Sometimes substances are easily recognized as harmful. Common substances such as paint, bleach or dust from natural materials may also be harmful.

Local Council Bylaws in relation to waste disposal

The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles. They must make sure the information is:

• used fairly, lawfully and transparently

• used for specified, explicit purposes

• used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary

• accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date

• kept for no longer than is necessary

• handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage

There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as:

• race

• ethnic background

• political opinions

• religious beliefs

• trade union membership

• genetics

• biometrics (where used for identification)

• health

• sex life or orientation

There are separate safeguards for personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

Your rights

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to find out what information the government and other organizations store about you. These include the right to:

• be informed about how your data is being used

• access personal data

• have incorrect data updated

• have data erased

• stop or restrict the processing of your data

• data portability (allowing you to get and reuse your data for different services)

• object to how your data is processed in certain circumstances

You also have rights when an organization is using your personal data for:

• automated decision-making processes (without human involvement)

• profiling, for example to predict your behaviour or interests

Keeping equipment clean and sterile:

All waste should be disposed of into a lined pedal operated waste bin immediately after use. Waste should never be left on a trolley. All surfaces should be wiped down with sanitiser after each use. Methods of sterilisation and disinfection should be used for tools and equipment.

Disinfection – destroys some bacteria and organisms i.e. barbicide

Sterilisation – Destroys all bacteria and organisms i.e. an autoclave