Hairdressing Whs Manual

Style at SMYL
Hairdressing
Occupational
Health and
Safety Manual
Style at SMYL OH&S Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction
Health and Safety Legislation
The Workplace Health and Safety Act
Laws
Employers Responsibilities
Employees Responsibilities
Manufacturers Responsibilities
Legal Requirements
Hazardous Substances
Chemicals
Health Effects
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Hair Colouring Products
Other Health Issues
Prevention
Skin Tests
General Rules for Chemical Safety
First Aid Treatment for Hazardous
Substances
Infection
in the Workplace
Disinfection and Infection Control
Cleaning and Disinfecting Scissors,
Combs
Brushes
Cleaningand
and
Disinfecting Electrical
Tools Fluids Risks
Body
Waste Management
Resource management
A Safe Working Environment
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Tips
Correct Use of Electrical Appliances
Check and Maintain Tools and
Equipment
3
4
4
5
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
20
22
23
24
24
25
26
27
27
28
29
29
30
31
32
35
36
Risks and Hazards

Risk assessment
Strain and Fatigue
Common Fatigue and Posture
Problems Measures
Prevention
Control Measures
Manual Handling
Emergency Procedures
Fire Procedures
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Emergency Procedures
Using a Fire Extinguisher
First Aid in the Workplace
Common Workplace Injuries
37
38
39
39
40
41
41
42
42
43
45
46
47
48
First Aid Kit

Recording Accidents and Incidents
Contacting Emergency Services
Maintaining Occupational Health and Safety
50
51
52
53
Introduction
As a high quality business, Style at SMYL, provides safe and hygienic services to our
customers, clients in a clean and friendly environment.
To let our standards slip would be to risk the safety and health of our clients and us, the
hairdressers who work here.
In addition, there are laws and codes of practice, which help to ensure that our industry
remains safe. We are obliged to comply with these laws.
Therefore it is essential that we all understand and follow the health and safety procedures
outlined in this manual.
Please notify Lauren Trask if you do not understand anything contained in this manual or
have any questions.
Health and Safety Legislation

The Workplace Health and Safety Act
Why do I need to know
this?
Like any other workplace, Style at SMYL is required by law (Acts of Parliament) to follow
health and safety conditions. This is to make sure
that the store
and salon are both a safe place to work in for you
and your
customers and clients.
The purpose of this Act is to:
Secure the health, safety and welfare of all

work
Protect persons at work from risks to their health and safety
Assist in securing a safe and healthy work environment
people at
Laws
Laws are to protect people from occupational injury and disease.
Whotodoevery
theseworkplace.
laws apply
They apply
to?
It is the responsibility of all people who work in the hairdressing/beauty industry to take
steps to ensure health and safety. This includes the employer, employees, manufacturers
and suppliers of products and equipment.
Health and Safety Laws are to protect people from occupational illness and disease and
they apply to every workplace.
Health and Safety at work is everyones responsibility.
There are three parts to the Health and Safety legislation

1. Acts, particularly the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1984 (The Act)
2. The regulations made under the Act
3. Approved Codes of Practice
What is the
difference?
Acts
Acts are government laws, which set out the general duties that those in the workforce
must follow to maintain safe and healthy workplaces.
Which Acts of Parliament
relate to my current
industry?
Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984)
Dangerous Goods Safety Act (2004)
Regulations
Regulations set compulsory minimum requirements for specific hazards and work
practices in relation to work health and safety.
The regulations that apply to the hairdressing industry are:
Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996
Codes of Practice
These provide practical guidance and prevention strategies of how best to meet the
regulation and requirements of the act.
There are many Codes of Practice that apply to the hairdressing industry. These include:
Workplace Hazardous Substances (2007)

Helps manufacturers/suppliers and employers use these substances to meet the
requirements of the H&S (Hazardous Substances) Regulation 1994 to protect people
at work. This includes preparation of Safety Data Sheets and labelling of workplace
substances.
Workplaces (2007)
Provides practical guidance to employers in meeting certain minimum standards,
facilities/amenities in workplaces in prohibiting certain activities in workplaces, and in
maintaining the workplaces in a safe healthy condition.
Labelling of workplace substances (March 1994)

Provides practical guidance on meeting the requirements for the labelling of hazardous
substances used at work
First aid, Workplace Amenities and Personal Protection (July 2002)

Provides guidance to appropriate first aid facilities in the work place
Manual handling (Occupational Overuse Syndrome) (2010)

Provides guidance on ways to reduce risks
Workcover administers these Acts and Regulations, which provides the legal basis for both
workplace health and safety and workers compensation.
Printed copies of the Codes of Practice are available from Western Australian Worksafe
Authority
Phone: 08 9327 8777
You can also use the following websites to find information regarding Codes of Practice.
WA - Worksafe
Vic - Workcover
Tas Workplace Standards
NSW - Workcover
Qld - Workplace Health and Safety
SA - Workcover Corporation
NT - Work Health and Electrical Safety
ACT - Workcover
Employers Responsibilities
What are the employers

responsibilities?
As your employer, Style at SMYL, is responsible (as far as practicable) to provide and
maintain:
The health and safety of themselves, their employees, and members of the public.
Provide safe equipment and work processes
Provide information on hazardous substances, safe use, handling, storage and

transportation
Adequate facilities for employees
Information, training and supervision for employees
Protective clothing and equipment.
For an employee to work safely, employers are required to provide:
Information on any known hazards found to be in the workplace, and store, salon
policies for carrying out safe work procedures.
Instruction and training in safe work procedures.
Supervision in making sure their employees are not exposed to hazards. Regular
checks should be carried out to ensure health and safety instructions are being
followed.
Employees Responsibilities
What are the employees responsibilities?
An employee is responsible to:
Perform their duties in a safe and responsible manner.
Comply with reasonable instructions from the employer to carry out a work procedure.
Wear supplied personal protective equipment as instructed
Report hazards and work related injuries to the employer
Manufacturers Responsibilities
What are the manufacturers/suppliers

responsibilities?
A manufacturer/supplier is responsible to:
Make sure equipment or substances are designed/manufactured to be safe and

without risks when used properly.
Arrange for any necessary testing to ensure equipment & substances are safe and
without risk.
Make sure adequate information is available on use of equipment/substances, such as

instructions for use and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Legal Requirements
The Workplace health and safety regulations set out the legal requirements that must be
observed in the workplace.
These regulations deal with procedures to be undertaken, physical working conditions and
specific aspects of industrial and constructional health and safety.
By law, every person in the workplace has a right to be involved in health and safety
through discussion and co-operation.
What if the Workplace Act

isnt followed?
The law provides heavy penalties for employers and employees who try to prevent this
process from happening.
Breaches of the Act include fines of up to $120,000, or imprisonment.
The maximum penalty applies if a person is killed or suffers a serious injury.
Hazardous Substances
As a hairdresser, you come into contact with chemicals every day.
Chemicals can be classed as relatively harmless or hazardous.
What is a hazardous
substance?
A Hazardous Substance can be any substance

that may cause harm to you, whether it is
solid, liquid or gas.
When used in the workplace these substances may generate vapours, fumes, dust and
mist.
How dangerous the substance is will depend on its type, what it is made of, how it enters
the body, and how much enters the body.
Chemicals
Chemicals can be dangerous because they might be:
Flammable
Explosive
Chemically reactive with each other
Poisonous (toxic)
Carcinogenic (cancer producing)
Some chemicals may have more than one of these characteristics.

How can they harm me?
If these substances are breathed in, absorbed through the skin or swallowed, you may
suffer immediate or long-term health effects.
Some hazardous substances used in the hairdressing/beauty workplace are:
permanent wave solutions and neutralisers
hair dyes
hydrogen peroxide
hair sprays
nail varnishes
cleaning agents
other solutions
Health Effects
Health effects may happen suddenly, such as itchy skin or eyes, nausea or dizziness.
Or they can happen gradually as with contact dermatitis or cancer. While many people will
not be affected, others will be susceptible.
Serious problems in the hairdressing/beauty industry are:
Dermatitis of the hands

Breathing problems caused by sprays and solution fumes
At Style at SMYL, we ensure that there is effective ventilation to control chemical

contaminants and odours.
It is important to know which chemical products can affect you and your client. (Appendix
2)
It is your employers responsibility to provide you with safe

work procedures for handling hazardous substances and to
provide information, training and supervision.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

What is it?
Manufacturers and suppliers of products are required, (under the Act); to supply you with a
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each hazardous substance supplied.
The SDS contains information on the hazards and risks associated with a substance. The
risk involved with a chemical will depend on the substance strength, its quantity, and the
time of exposure, the workplace tasks and other workplace conditions.
An SDS gives more information than what is on a label including:
Identification
Health hazard
Information
Precautions for use
Safe handling information.
A reference file of SDSs for all chemicals used in the salon is kept where chemicals are
stored, mixed or used. To minimise risks, it is important to know what chemicals you are
using so you can use them safely.
HAZCHEM means Hazardous Chemicals.

The government has specific regulations for the use and storage of these chemicals.
Information is available from Western Australian Worksafe Authority
Phone: 08 9327 8777
You can also use the following websites to find relevant information.
WA - Worksafe
Vic - Workcover
Tas Workplace Standards
NSW - Workcover
Qld - Workplace Health and Safety
SA - Workcover Corporation
NT - Work Health and Electrical Safety
ACT - Workcover
Hair Colouring Products

Hair colouring chemicals are probably the most dangerous chemicals you use. The longterm effects of these chemicals are continually being researched worldwide.
Manufacturers must not only list the dangerous chemicals on labels and packaging, but
also provide you with a SDS.
The dangerous ingredient in colouring products is toluene diamine or phenylene diamine
commonly known as Para.
Does only the para in hair colour cause

problems?
There are other ingredients in colouring products that may also cause skin irritations.
For example: perfume.
We are not qualified to know which ingredient may cause harm. However, by law, we are
required to do a skin test prior to the hair colour to check if the client is allergic to the whole
product.
Allergic reactions may vary from head to head and can happen after years of using the
same product.
Reactions can be
Minor: slight rash, itching or redness
Major: swelling, blisters or severe rashes
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)

Peroxide is a chemical mixed with many colouring products. If not used safely it can be a
strong skin, eye and respiratory irritant.
Peroxide comes in different strengths:
3% = 10 vol
6% = 20 vol
9% = 30 vol
12% = 40 vol
When using peroxide remember to always:
Follow the manufacturers instructions (use recommended strength)
Keep out of reach of children
Store in a cool place
Your client is not exposed to colour chemicals as often as you are. You are the one at risk.
Wear gloves for protection.
Other Health Issues

As a hair and beauty operator you should be aware of different health conditions related to
your profession. When dealing with hazardous substances you could be at risk from fume
inhalation, dermatitis/skin disorders or allergies. By following safe work practices you can
largely prevent or minimise these conditions.
Contact Dermatitis
This health condition is most common in hairdressers. It is an inflammation of the skin
varying from a mild irritation and redness, to large weeping areas and severe swelling.
People react differently to substances; some workers will not be affected.
What causes it?
It can be caused by:
Frequent contact with a wide variety of hair products containing recognised irritants
and sensitisers.
Excessive contact with water, and degreasing agents such as shampoos, which dry out
the skin.
Contact with hand dryers, which dry out the skin.
Common sensitisers
Common sensitisers are certain chemicals found in hairdressing products, which are
known to cause skin irritations. Some of these are:
Ammonium thioglycolate, (in permanent wave solutions)
Formaldehyde/formalin, (low concentration found in some shampoos as a

preservative)
Hydrogen peroxide, persulphates (in bleaches)
P.phenylendiamine and paratoluenediamines (in tints and some hair colours, also
known as p.p.d./p.t.d.)
Glycerol monothioglycolate (in acid permanent wave solutions also known as (g.m.t.g.)
Thioglycolic acid (in hair straighteners)
So you can see that many of the hairdressing products we use daily have the ability to
cause skin problems unless we use them safely.
Prevention
At Style at SMYL, we recommend the following methods to prevent chemical irritation:
Reduce exposure to prolonged contact with water (shampooing)
Dry hands thoroughly when possible, particularly

jewellery
around
Wear protective gloves when in contact with

chemicals (If you are allergic to rubber gloves,
lined or cotton gloves under the rubber gloves)
irritating
use cotton
Wash off residue chemical products from the hands with a mild pH neutral soap
Use wet work protective creams or moisturisers (preventative care)
Apply barrier/treatment creams/hand care

end of the working day
creams at the
All of these things can help you prevent Contact

however, unfortunately some people will become
a substance and in severe cases may have to
profession.
Dermatitis,
sensitised to
change their
Skin Tests
How do I do a skin test?
1. Thoroughly clean a small patch of skin behind the ear or the inner fold of the elbow
with 70% alcohol wipes or eau de cologne.
2. Mix approximately 1 cap of tint to one cap of peroxide (H2O2)
3. Apply to the cleaned area with a cotton bud
4. Allow to dry and leave uncovered and without washing for 24 to 48 hours
If any redness or irritation occurs, the person has a positive reaction to the hair colour:
Do not use this product or any other product of similar nature on a

person who has a positive reaction or has any form of skin problem.
General Rules for Chemical Safety:
Follow safe work practices
Wear appropriate safety equipment, gloves etc
Keep chemicals in clearly labelled containers
Use and store chemicals as per SDS
Dont drink, eat, or smoke while working with hazardous substances
Dont keep food or drinks near the substance
Wash your hands, face and other exposed areas with

water before eating and drinking.
soap and
Dont put substances into unwashed containers as a

reaction may occur
chemical
Dont store incompatible substances together (eg hair spray and peroxide)
Wipe up spilt chemical immediately
Avoid chemicals coming into contact with the skin
Use barrier creams on exposed skin area
Wear dust masks when filing acrylic nails for protection
Wear safety glasses where there is a chance of chemicals splashing into eyes
Dont wear contact lens in nail technician work areas as it is difficult to clean the eye if
splashed with chemicals.
Read the SDS
First Aid Treatment for Hazardous Substances

Every chemical must be treated differently, so always read and follow the manufacturers
instructions carefully.
Risks associated with a chemical affect the way it should be used and stored. It is
important to be aware of the chemicals used in hairdressing products, because if used
incorrectly you or your client may be harmed.
Infection in the Workplace

During the course of their work, hairdressers come into contact with, and are exposed to, a
wide variety of diseases, some of which are infectious. It is important that you take the
necessary steps to ensure the safety of yourself and others in the workplace.
What is an infectious disease?
An infectious disease is caused by germs and can be passed on from one person to
another by breathing in, contact or eating.
Bacteria, fungi, virus or animal parasites can also cause infections.
Check your clients scalp for any diseases or disorders. Depending on the problem, some
clients can still be attended to, while more serious complaints may need to be referred to a
pharmacist or doctor.
Disinfection and Infection Control

As a hairdresser, it is your responsibility to prevent the spread of infection in the salon with
careful cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
How will I know the correct

disinfection and infection control
procedures?
The Act outlines the sterilisation/disinfection control procedures, which must be carried out
to prevent the spread of disease in the salon:
Premises must be kept clean and hygienic, and

must keep themselves and their clothing clean.
Hairdressers should use good hygiene practices and

standard
precautions particularly washing and drying hands
before
and after contact with a client, before eating, drinking, smoking, and after using a toilet.
Before being used on another person all equipment, towels and wraps must be
cleaned.
Broken skin must be covered with a non-porous waterproof dressing.
Never use dirty or broken equipment
operators
Cleaning and Disinfecting Scissors, Combs and Brushes

a. Cleaning Method
Wipe or remove excess hair
Wash in warm water with soap or a suitable detergent to

loose hairs, flakes of skin, grease or product residue before
disinfecting
Rinse with hot water
Dry with a clean cloth or towel
remove
b. Disinfection/sterilisation Method
Soak for 30 minutes in:
Salon smart hospital grade disinfectant
Disinfectant with 70% alcohol, such as methylated spirits, or
A solution made up of 1 part of household bleach that contains 1% sodium hypochlorite

(for example, Domestos or White King) and 19 parts of water.
The solutions should be changed daily.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Electrical Tools
Remove loose hairs and skin flakes
Check manufacturers instructions on how to clean the particular tool
Some tools may be cleaned and lubricated by using special disinfectant oils
Electrical equipment such as clippers can be disinfected using single use sachets of
alcohol wipes (70% ethyl alcohol or 60% isopropyl alcohol).
Store or cover all tools to prevent re-contamination; ultraviolet cabinets are satisfactory for
storage however they are not effective for disinfection.
Disposable razor blades must be discarded directly into a special sharps container
designed for their disposal. Also see the Waste Management section.
Body Fluids Risks

Hairdressers and beauty operators are also at risk from exposure to blood and body fluids.
Therefore a high standard of personal hygiene is essential and additional precautions
should be taken to avoid exposure.
When you are dealing with blood, gloves should be worn to avoid contamination.
Any contaminated equipment must be cleaned and disinfected, as described on the
previous page. However, the strength of the sodium hypochlorite should be 5%.
Waste Management
Cleanliness and hygiene
are very important to prevent the risk

of disease and the spread of infection.
Disposing of waste materials (especially hazardous substances such as used permanent

not use
towels
your client
they have
waveDo
solutions
andequipment
hair colours)or
through
theon
sewage
systemunless
has a negative
impact on
been
treated.
local freshwater and marine ecosystems.
At Style at SMYL , we are trying to be as
environmentally friendly as possible. All unused
solutions and colours must be tipped into layers of
newspapers and wrapped up. This should then be
rubbish bin.
perm
old
placed in the
The use of scales or measuring cup is to be used

colour or chemicals. Be sure to be using the
PPE. Only mix small amount of colour/chemicals
when mixing
appropriate
at one time.
Disposing of unused
colour solution
Style at SMYL Ask suppliers to use eco efficient packaging, such as recyclable containers,
cardboard boxes that can be re used.
Recycling in the salon is encouraged, materials such as paper, foil, magazines and
product packaging is recycled. Style at SMYL has labelled boxes where these items can
be recycled.
Used razor blades should be disposed of into the Sharps container. To dispose of full
Sharps container, please advise Lauren Trask.
Resource Management
Style at SMYL encourages saving water and minimising power use. Please ensure all taps are turned
off at basins when not in use, only turn washing machine and dishwasher when full. A licensed
plumber will regularly check and maintain taps. Style at SMYL uses energy efficient washing machine
and air dries all linen, the use of energy efficient lighting is used and all electrical items are switched of
after use and power points need to be switched off at the end of the day.
A Safe Working Environment

Many accidents are the result of working in a cluttered untidy workplace. Poor
housekeeping can contribute to incidents such as slips, trips and falls, or infections from
unsanitary items.
How can I help?
Regularly inspect floors; keep them free from hair
Remove any spilt water, chemicals or oil
Remove boxes, electrical cords, rubbish etc from walkways
Wear stable non-slip footwear; avoid open toes such as sandals
Wear gloves, apron, goggles and masks when required
Have good lighting conditions
Report hazards and injuries to the appropriate person.

At Style at SMYL, report them to Lauren Trask.
Electrical Safety
Most accidents with electricity and electrical equipment can be avoided. Equipment checks
take only a few minutes but could ultimately save you, or others from an accident.
A person can get an electrical shock when they become part of an electrical circuit and the
current flows through their body.
Remember water and electricity

do not mix.
Electrical accidents are most often caused by:
Lack of maintenance
Lack of training and supervision
Unsafe work practices
Unauthorised electrical repairs
Electrical Safety Tips

When using an electrical appliance, you should check that:
There is no obvious external damage to connecting leads and plugs
The outer covering of the leads are not cut,

worn or otherwise damaged
frayed,
Connecting extension cords and power

have no exposed wires
boards
The connection of the lead to the appliance
is secure
The control knobs are secure
The appliance does not rattle or make strange noises
There is no burning smell or smoke
The power sockets are not cracked or broken
Appliances are switched off at the power point before you pull out the plug
Electrical cords are kept off the floor
Dont use too many appliances from the same power point
Blow dryers dont rattle or have a burning smell
If you become aware of a problem with an appliance, turn it off and report the
problem to Lauren.
Water and electricity

Water combined with electrical equipment is extremely dangerous because water acts as a
conductor. You must avoid:
Touching electrical equipment with wet hands
Working with electrical equipment while standing on wet hair or wet floors
Placing electrical equipment on benches or trolleys next to water sprays
Holding electrical equipment whilst spraying water on the hair
Keep electrical appliances away from water and wet

areas.
Remember electricity and water do not mix.
Heat generating appliances

Some of the electrical equipment you use becomes hot during use. The following
precautions should be observed:
Protect your clients scalp and ears with your comb or fingers to prevent burns
Direct hot air away from the scalp and keep the hair dryer moving so that hot air is not
concentrated on one particular area
Store hot appliances in a safe place, out of reach of children while they cool down
Do not wrap electrical cords around the hot barrel of an appliance
Follow manufacturers instructions on the label.

For example:
Many electrical appliances have safety labels with symbols indicating dos and donts.
Always check these before using an appliance if you are not familiar with the appliance.
Here is an example from a hair dryer label:
WARNING: Do not store or

leave this appliance in a
position where it may fall into a
bath, sink or trough. There is
danger of electrocution under
these conditions even with the
hair dryers switch being in the
off position. Switch off at the
socket-outlet and remove the
plug when not in use.
Use your appliances correctly

Read the instruction booklet
Follow the instructions
Correct Use of Electrical Appliances

Always check:
Electrical appliances are stored safely away from wet or moist areas when not in use
The power is switched off before you clean or adjust an electrical appliance
When disconnecting an appliance, switch it off, then switch off the power point. Pull the
appliance out by the plug, not by the cord
Never touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands
Flexible cords are fully unwound and kept clear of work traffic areas
Double adaptors or power boards are not stacked causing over loading problems
You dont use a wet cloth to clean power sockets
Air filters regularly to avoid blockage in blow dryers and air conditioners.
Check and Maintain Tools and Equipment

At Style at SMYL, everyone shares the responsibility for making sure sound housekeeping
procedures are in place to provide a healthy and safe working environment.
To make sure the workplace is safe, furniture, tools and equipment should be regularly
monitored and assessed for their continued effectiveness.
As well as being dangerous, broken or run down, equipment and fittings reflect a poor
salon image.
Electrical Maintenance
Only licensed electricians can inspect and test
equipment.
your electrical
Faulty electrical equipment must be withdrawn

labelled as being OUT OF SERVICE and sent for
Lauren Trask will arrange the repairs.
from service,
repair or disposal.
Risks and Hazards

Everyone at Style at SMYL needs to work together to eliminate workplace hazards and
find practical ways of protecting the safety and health of everyone in the salon.
What is the difference between a risk
and a hazard?
A hazard is exposure to danger which can affect:
People: illness, injury, trauma or death
Property: damage, wastage, contamination
Processes: disruption to work processes
A risk is the probability of you being hurt or an accident happening through exposure to
the hazard.
For example: Electricity is a hazard but may not be a risk unless wiring is exposed.
Risk Assessment
After a hazard has been identified the next step is to assess the risk.
Is the risk minor and unlikely to occur?
Is the risk minor but will occur frequently?
Is the risk great? If so, the solution might be to change your work arrangements.
When assessing a risk you need to consider the:
Nature of the hazard
Severity of the hazard and any health effects that may occur
Duration and how often a person may be exposed to the hazard
Probability that risk will occur
Reporting
In the event of an unsafe situation, a fire hazard or any breakdown of equipment in the
Style at SMYL, report it to Lauren Trask.
Strain and Fatigue

Injuries can occur as a result of many different activities that require force to lift, lower,
push or hold. These injuries include strains, sprains, neck and back injuries, slips, falls
cuts, bruises and broken bones.
In addition, Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS), previously known as RSI, is the
result of unnatural or repetitive movements.
Hairdressers and beauty operators work long hours. Most

of this time can be spent standing, bending over, and using
repetitive movements and awkward postures for a long time.
Common Fatigue and Posture Problems
Lower back - caused by standing for long periods of time, adopting awkward positions,
twisting and sitting on chair/stools without back rests or leg support, or lifting objects
with a bent back.
Leg discomfort - caused by standing still for long periods of time and uncomfortable
footwear.
Shoulders occur from working with arms held at or above shoulder level when cutting
or styling hair.
Neck - due to bending the head forward or turning to the side
Wrist and hand - caused by gripping repetitive or forceful movements eg cutting,

styling, blow-drying
Varicose veins caused by standing in one position for long periods, and they are also
hereditary.
Prevention Measures
Some of the ways you can prevent posture problems developing is by focusing on your
working posture and the salon layout and furniture.
Working Posture
You can help prevent strains and fatigue by:
Wearing comfortable footwear
Varying tasks; choose tasks that offer postural changes, for example, sitting to cut hair,
standing to blow dry
Adjusting chair/stool height to keep arms below

shoulder height
Positioning yourself to see the task with your

upright and facing forward
Avoiding standing for long periods
Keeping your back straight when lifting objects
Bending your knees not your back
head
Salon Layout and Furniture

Hairdressers use certain muscle groups in a repetitive manner and often take on restricted
posture for lengthy periods.
To reduce strain, Style at SMYL provides:
Work stations/benches at a suitable height for the task
Room to move around to change your body

and reduce reaching
position
Adjustable chairs/stools on wheels to help you

around the client
move
Client chairs which are adjustable to cater for

of different heights
clients
Equipment and products within reach to eliminate bending or twisting
Work trolleys on castors to keep tools within easy reach and reduce carrying
Control Measures
Check that:
Furniture is in good repair; if broken or unsafe it needs to be replaced
Any wheels or castors are in proper working order (remove hair)
Replace light bulbs or tubes; keep them in a clean, efficient state to provide good
lighting
Manual Handling
At Style at SMYL, all staff may be involved in processing incoming boxes of products. To
help prevent strains when lifting or moving the boxes, you should:
1. Stand close to the box.
2. Bend your knees and lower your body.
3. Pick up the box, keeping your back straight
4. Make sure you are well balanced before you stand up
5. Lift yourself using the muscles in your legs, not your back
Emergency Procedures
Fire Procedures
Why do I need to know this?
Occupational Health and Safety laws are designed to make the workplace a safe
environment for all those at work.
To perform your job safely it is important to know what to do in case of an emergency.
Proper procedures and training can minimise the chances of an accidental fire and people
being hurt.
Many fires are started by human carelessness, and people have died or been
injured.
What is Fire?
Fire is the process occurring when heat, fuel and oxygen join together.
To have a fire three elements are necessary:
Fuel: something that will burn
Heat: enough to make the fuel burn
Oxygen: air
Heat
Fuel
FUEL + AIR + HEAT = FIRE

This is called a Fire triangle
If one element is removed, then the fire will go out.
Oxygen
Fire Extinguishers
Federal regulations require that employers who provide portable fire extinguishers in the
workplace should also provide training for how to use them.
Fire extinguishers in the workplace should be placed where they can be easily seen and
within easy reach. This ensures that they can be accessed quickly while a fire is still small.
We have fire extinguishers at Style at SMYL. You need
familiarise yourself with them and know when and
use them.
It is important to know how to use your fire extinguisher
to be
when not to
Types of Fire
The three most common types of fire with corresponding fire extinguishers are:
Fire Extinguisher
Label
Identifying Colours
Substance
Class A
ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES
A
Ordinary combustibles such
as wood, paper, cloth, rubber
and many plastics
Water
Class B
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Flammable liquids such as:

gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oilbased paints, lacquer, and
flammable gases
B
Foam
ClassC
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
C
Electrical equipment, wiring,
fuse boxes, circuit breakers,
machinery and appliances
Dry Chemical Powder
All fire extinguishers are labelled; using standard symbols for the classes of fire they can
be used on.
A red slash through any symbol tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of
fire.
Fire Prevention
Ways of preventing fire:
Keep all areas clear, and do not accumulate rubbish
Store and handle flammable liquids carefully
Keep electrical equipment in good working order
Fire Emergency Procedures

What should I do if a fire starts?
A safe workplace must have a safe means of escape during an emergency. Evacuation
procedures are the employers legal obligation. Local fire brigades can help access your
premises if required. It is vital that employees know what to do in case of an emergency.
Style at SMYL Evacuation Policy

Upon advice that an emergency exists and an evacuation is necessary
1. Close all doors and windows
2. Evacuate the workplace
3. Assemble in our designated emergency area report to assembly area 1 SMYL
Community College Car Park Tesla Road
4.
Provide assistance to Chief Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Wardens and assist in
evacuation if required
5. Provide first aid to injured persons/staff if appropriate

6. Do not leave your nominated evacuation area until the all clear has been given, or you
are instructed to do so by your chief warden/delegate
Make sure that you know the location of fire extinguishers, escape routes and any other
safety procedures.
Using a Fire Extinguisher

How do I use a fire
extinguisher?
Use the PASS method

P
PULL the pin that unlocks the operating handle (Some

extinguishers may have a lever).
AIM at the base of the fire
SQUEEZE the operating handle to discharge the fire fighting

agent
SWEEP from side to side, move carefully in on the fire, aiming

at the base until flames appears to be out. If the fire re-ignites
repeat the process
Before you think about fighting a fire, make sure the Fire Brigade has been notified and the
fire is small. Do not put yourself or others at risk.
First Aid in the Workplace

The purpose of first aid in the workplace is to provide emergency treatment and life
support for people suffering injury or illness at work.
Employees should always have access to first aid facilities, and at least one person with
current training in first aid should be available to treat injured employees. In small
workplaces arrangements could be made with a local doctor or nurse.
It is the employers responsibility to:
Provide first aid facilities and access to trained personnel.
Select, locate and maintain first aid facilities
Any accident or incident must be documented on Style at SMYL accident report form.
(Appendix 1)
Common Workplace Injuries

Hairdressers and beauty operators can suffer from soft tissue injuries because they often
use repetitive movements over long periods. Soft tissue injuries affect joints and muscles
of the limbs and also include strains, sprains and dislocations.
How can these be treated?
To treat soft tissue injuries, use the RICE treatment method:

Rest the injured part
Ice: Apply ice packs (repeat every 10 mins) to limit swelling and reduce pain
Compression: Apply a firm compression bandage as support
Elevation: Raise the limb
Eye injuries
Chemicals accidentally splashed in the eye
Gently flush the eye with water from the nearest tap for approximately 20 mins. Do not
attempt any other form of first aid. All eye injuries must be seen immediately at the eye
hospital.
Cuts
If the skin is cut:
Wear rubber or plastic gloves to avoid contact with the blood
Apply pressure with a dry sterile dressing until bleeding has stopped
Wash the area with cool water
If required, apply antiseptic and cover with a Band-Aid
Wash and disinfect any bloodstained surfaces
If the cut is severe, seek medical assistance
Serious injury
Contact a first aid officer or dial 000 and ask for the ambulance. While waiting for medical
assistance to arrive:
Check the airway is clear
Move the patient as little as possible to prevent
Do not give the patient anything by mouth
further injury
First Aid Kit

Style at SMYLs first aid kit complies with the requirements for a Basic Occupational First
Aid Kit. Additional items may be added to this kit, provided personnel having access to the
kit understand their use. Please see Lauren Trask if you would like anything added.
Container
The kit is in a solid, dust proof container, which has a white cross on a green background
prominently displayed on the outside. It is not locked and is located in the Staff Room.
Contents
Emergency Services Telephone Numbers and Addresses.
Name, telephone number and extension of the nearest first aider.
Basic First Aid Notes
Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressing (Band

minor wounds
Sterile eye pads
Sterile covering for serious wounds (where appropriate)
Triangular bandages for slings
Safety pins to fasten bandages
Small sterile unmedicated wound dressing to control bleeding/cover large wounds
Medium sterile unmedicated wound dressing
Large sterile unmedicated wound dressing
Adhesive tape 1.25 cm wide to fasten dressings
Rubber thread or crepe bandage for joint and muscle support
Scissors for cutting dressings/bandages
Disposable gloves for protection
Tissues for cleaning up
Plastic bags for used dressings
Eye wash container (one use only) and sterile eye pads (for flushing out chemicals)
Aids) for
Recording Accidents and Incidents

Legislation requires that records be kept of all work injuries, work-related illnesses or
dangerous occurrences that happen in the workplace. If the injury causes death or
hospitalisation, the Division of Workplace Health and Safety must be notified.
This information may be required if legal action is brought against you as result of an
action in the workplace. It can also be used to identify risk groups, detect causes of work
related injury/illness, and assess methods of how the incident could have been prevented.
Records should be kept to help recall:

1. Who was injured
2. How much work time was lost
3. What type of injury/illness it was
4. How often this type of injury/illness occurred
Any accident or incident must be documented on Style at SMYLs accident report form.
(Appendix 1)
Contacting Emergency Services

If you are involved in an emergency requiring either the fire brigade, police or ambulances
use the following procedures:
1. Dial 000
2. Tell the operator which emergency service you want
3. When you are connected to the service speak clearly and calmly
4. Give the full address of where help is needed, and provide any additional information,
such as landmarks, which may assist in faster location
5. Wait for emergency service to arrive
Maintaining Occupational Health and Safety

Some workplaces have an occupational health and safety representative elected by their
co-workers to resolve issues.
At Style at SMYL, the best way to solve problems at work is to simply talk to each other
and work out a constructive course of action.
If you believe the task you are working on is unsafe, then you must:
Talk to your employer
Agree on ways to resolve the problem
It is the employees responsibility to report hazards.

It is the employers responsibility to provide a safe workplace.
Accident/Incident Report Form

All accidents and incidents must be reported immediately to Lauren Trask.
After completion, give the original copy to the Lauren Trask and make a copy to give to the injured person.
PERSON INVOLVED
Full Name: ...........................................................................................................................................
.
Home Address: .................................................................................................................
.
.......................................................................................................
Postcode: ....................................
Tel (H) : ..................................Tel (W) : ...............................
Male
Female
Date of Birth: .................................
Employee
Client
ACCIDENT/INCIDENT DETAILS
Time of Accident/Incident: ........................................................
Date of Incident/Accident: .
../ ......./ .......

Location of Accident/Incident: ...........................
........................................................
................................................................................................................................
.
How Accident/Incident Occurred (Describe injury if applicable): ......................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
......
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......
Part of Body Injured (If applicable) : ............................................................................................
............
....................................................................................................................................................
......
WITNESS DETAILS
Name of Witness 1: ........................................................................................
Tel: .......................
......
Name of Witness 2: ........................................................................................
Tel: .............................
TREATMENT
Returned to Work
YesNo
First Aid only
YesNo
Sent to Doctor
YesNo
Sent to Hospital
YesNo
First Aid treatment given: .................................................................................................................

...
.............................................................................................................................................................................
..
Time and date when work:
..
Ceased: .am/pm /../..
Resumed: .am/pm /../
Signed (First Aid Officer): ..

Name of Doctor or Hospital: .............................................................
Tel: ....................
.........
Signed (Person Involved): .........................................................................
Date: ......../ ........./ ........
Common Hazardous Substances in the Hairdressing Industry

Product
Ingredient
Health Effect
Hair Dyes
General
Bladder cancer
Leukaemia
Lymphoma
Multiple myeloma
Specific Hair Dyes
Benzidine
Bladder cancer
2,4-toluene diamine
Allergic contact dermatitis
2,5-toluene diamine
Allergic contact dermatitis, aplastic anaemia
p-toluene diamine sulphate
m-phenylene diamine
o-nitro-p-phenylene diamine
(2-nitro-p-phenylene diamine)
4-nitro-o-phenylene diamine
4-amino-2-nitrophenol
2,4-diaminoanisole
Henna
Asthma
Hydrogen peroxide
Strong skin, eye and respiratory irritant, potential

sensitiser
Detergents
Dermatitis
Zinc pyridinethione
Dermatitis
Lavender oil (geraniol, linalool,

linalyl-acetate)
Dermatitis
Quatemium-15
Dermatitis
Ammonium thioglycolate
Glyceryl monothioglycolate
Thioglycolic acid
Shampoos
Permanent Wave
Solutions
Permanent Wave
Neutralisers
Hydrogen peroxide,
Ammonium persulphate,
Potassium persulphate,
Sodium persulphate,
Strong skin, eye and respiratory irritants, potential

sensitisers.
Sodium perborate,
Sodium bromate,
Potassium bromate,
Hair Sprays
Hair Bleaches
Ethanol (alcohol)
Eye irritant
Glutaraldehyde
Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, headaches,

nausea, respiratory problems and asthma
Aerosols (LPG)
Eye irritant, fire and explosion risk
Ammonium persulphate
Asthma
Hydrogen peroxide
Potassium persulphate
Sodium persulphate
Strong skin, eye and respiratory irritant, potential

sensitisers.
Setting Lotions
Ethanol (alcohol)
Glutaraldehyde
Eye irritant
Perfumes
Balsam of Peru
Antiseptics
Glutaraldehyde

Rubber Gloves
Thiuram
Mercaptobenzothiazole
Dermatitis
From: Workplace Health and Safety Department of Training and Industrial Relations
http://www.whs.qld.gov.au/information/96-i-43.pdf

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Style at SMYL

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Risks and Hazards

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

First Aid Kit

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Health and Safety Legislation

The purpose of this Act is to:

Secure the health, safety and welfare of all

Protect persons at work from risks to their health and safety

Assist in securing a safe and healthy work environment

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Health and Safety at work is everyones responsibility.

There are three parts to the Health and Safety legislation

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984)

Dangerous Goods Safety Act (2004)

Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Workplace Hazardous Substances (2007)

Labelling of workplace substances (March 1994)

First aid, Workplace Amenities and Personal Protection (July 2002)

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Manual handling (Occupational Overuse Syndrome) (2010)

Tas Workplace Standards

Qld - Workplace Health and Safety

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

NT - Work Health and Electrical Safety

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

What are the employers

Provide safe equipment and work processes

Provide information on hazardous substances, safe use, handling, storage and

Adequate facilities for employees

Information, training and supervision for employees

Protective clothing and equipment.

For an employee to work safely, employers are required to provide:

Instruction and training in safe work procedures.

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

What are the employees responsibilities?

An employee is responsible to:

Perform their duties in a safe and responsible manner.

Wear supplied personal protective equipment as instructed

Report hazards and work related injuries to the employer

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

What are the manufacturers/suppliers

A manufacturer/supplier is responsible to:

Make sure equipment or substances are designed/manufactured to be safe and

Make sure adequate information is available on use of equipment/substances, such as

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

What if the Workplace Act

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

A Hazardous Substance can be any substance

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Chemically reactive with each other

Carcinogenic (cancer producing)

Some chemicals may have more than one of these characteristics.

Some hazardous substances used in the hairdressing/beauty workplace are:

permanent wave solutions and neutralisers

Style at SMYL OH&S Manual

Serious problems in the hairdressing/beauty industry are:

Dermatitis of the hands