Health and safety regulation

Beauty businesses must identify and control risks, follow safe working practices and ensure staff are properly trained to protect the health and safety of both workers and clients.

The beauty sector offers a wide range of treatments designed to improve appearance and wellbeing. Some treatments can pose risks to both customers and employees, so it is important that beauty businesses follow good health and safety practices.

Professional advice and legal duties

We strongly recommend that all beauty businesses join an accredited professional organisation for reliable advice. Guidance for employers is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Employers are legally required to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees as far as reasonably practicable. They must also consult and inform staff about health and safety matters. 

Employees have a responsibility to follow safe working procedures and cooperate with their employer.

Ensuring good health and safety in your business

To manage health and safety effectively, identify the risks in your workplace and who may be affected.

Also you should check whether your premises are designed to support safe working, including:

• floors, walls and ceilings that are washable and easy to clean
• separate sinks for dirty and clean activities
• a dedicated handwashing sink with antibacterial soap and paper towels in treatment areas
• good lighting to allow safe working and effective cleaning
• smooth, non‑porous surfaces where clients may come into contact

Examples of potential risks

Examples:

• for workers: asthma, dermatitis, other skin conditions, slips and trips
• for the public: burns, chemical injuries, allergic reactions, infections, and slips and trips

Controlling hazards

Simple steps can significantly reduce risks:

• keep the workplace well ventilated
• use safe working methods that reduce contact with harmful substances and prevent spills
• practice good hand hygiene: clean hands properly, dry them thoroughly and moisturise regularly
• use personal protective equipment (PPE) where needed, such as gloves, aprons and eye protection

Training and staff knowledge

You and your staff must be trained in safe working procedures, including completing pre treatment health questionnaires when required. Training records and relevant documents should be kept up to date.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) offers a Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in Hair and Beauty, a one day course covering essential knowledge about hazards, precautions and control measures in salons.

Insurance and incident management

Make sure you have appropriate employers’ liability insurance and public liability insurance. You should also:

• know what to do if a claim is made against you
• keep an accident book
• train staff on how to respond to accidents or incidents