There are common hazards that exist in the Hairdressing Industry. It is important to learn about these hazards and how to work safely in these environments.
Within this industry you may be involved in a range of work activities such as customer relations, using chemical products on a daily basis, operating electrical appliances and carrying out cleaning duties.
Hazard identification is a key step in preventing injury and disease in the workplace. Where there's a risk, you need to stop and think. You need to think about what you are about to do, the potential risks and the likely effects on yourself and other people.
The 3 Step Approach to Hazard Identification:
1. Spot the hazard.
Be alert at work! Notice potential hazards and work out what the problem is.
2. Assess the risk.
Talk to your supervisor about the hazard and work out a way to solve the problem.
3. Make the changes.
Follow through. Carry out the agreed actions in order to solve the problem.
Hazardous Substances are dangerous. How dangerous depends on the type of substance, what it is made of, the way it enters the body, and the amount of substance that enters the body.
A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to you.
Your Workplace may use a lot of different hazardous substances. Some may be things you see every day such as hair dyes, hair spray, perming solutions and other solutions.
Harm to health may occur suddenly, such as dizziness, nausea and itchy eyes or skin, or it may occur gradually over years, such as dermatitis or cancer. Some people can be more susceptible than others.
Dermatitis of the hands and breathing problems caused by breathing in fumes from sprays and solutions is a serious problem in the Hairdressing Industry.
Personal Protective Equipment
Host employers are required to provide personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) when hazards in the workplace cannot be eliminated.
After receiving training, employees are required to use the PPE supplied by the host employer and follow all safety instructions.
Personal Protective Equipment and clothing used in the Hairdressing Industry can include such things as:
- Gloves.
- Coveralls.
- Aprons.
- Footwear with covered non-slip soles.
- Protective hand creams as appropriate.
Employees should be instructed and trained in the correct use of PPE provided by the host employer.
Slippery and uneven floors in the workplace are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply tripping or falling over.
- Surfaces are slippery (eg unswept hair), surfaces are wet, polished or oily
- The surface texture of the floor is unsuitable.
- Footwear is unsuitable.
- Moving from one surface to another.
- Floor levels change.
- Equipment, tools or rubbish are causing obstructions in work areas.
- Stock obstructs access ways.
- Steps and ladders are used incorrectly.
- Clothing is caught.
- Lighting is unsatisfactory.
- Struck by moving or falling object.
Other factors may have a detrimental effect on a person's behaviour or performance (eg exposure to chemicals or electricity) that may increase the risk of a fall.
In some workplaces floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and reduce the risk of falls.
Many slips and trips in the workplace have involved young workers aged less than 25 years and could have been prevented with training and safe work practices.
A fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many workers have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as a result of a fall.
A lack of ventilation is a hazard and can be a risk to the health and safety of hairdressers.
Many of the substances used by hairdressers are hazardous substances.
Effective ventilation is needed in the hairdressing industry to control chemical contaminants and odours.
Employees must be provided with a comfortable working environment including the control of heat and cold. (eg The use of hair dryers and other heating equipment can cause a build up of heat in the work area so air conditioning at a constant, appropriate temperature is needed.
Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit and the current flows through their body. A fatal shock is called electrocution.
Hairdressers frequently use electrical appliances in work areas where water may be present. It is important to remember that electricity and water do not mix.
Accidents and deaths can result from equipment becoming "live" due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance or short circuits. Electrical accidents are most often caused by a combination of factors such as:
- A lack of training.
- A lack of supervision.
- Inadequate work practices.
- Unauthorised repairs.
- Poorly maintained equipment or installation.
- A hazardous workplace environment.
General Electrical Safety Tips
Keep your appliances in safe working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs.
Disconnect broken appliances and have frayed cords or broken power points replaced.
Even after a piece of electrical equipment, appliance or machine has been disconnected from the power source it may still partially operate. This is because of stored energy within the equipment. After disconnecting the power source activate the appliance or machine to release the stored energy.
Always switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug.
Keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects. A damaged electrical cord can cause a fatal electric shock.
Know the location of your main electricity supply.
Use your appliance correctly. Read the instruction booklet and follow all instructions.
Electricity and water do not mix. Bare feet and wet skin lower the body's electrical resistance. Keep electrical appliances away from water and wet areas.
Do not overload circuits and fuses by using too many appliances from the one power point. Don't use double adaptors to "Piggy Back" plugs. Use a power board with individual switches.
Only licensed electrical workers can be legally contracted to perform electrical work.
Hairdressers often work long hours. Most of this time can be spent standing or bending over.
Where possible you should use appropriate seating such as ergonomically designed stools. You should also consider the importance of appropriate footwear such as low heeled, comfortable covered shoes.
It is important that regular rest breaks are taken. This includes allocating time for rest breaks, and allowing time to gradually get used to a new job.
Where possible, tasks should be varied throughout the day.
Even though you may be new to the job, as a new employee you have a responsibility to speak up if you feel your job is too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.
It is the host employer's responsibility to provide you with safe work procedures, and with instruction, training and supervision for tasks.
Tools of the Hairdressing Trade
A wide variety of tools and appliances are used by hairdressers in their daily work:
These include:
- Scissors.
- Dryers.
- Combs and clips.
- Styling rods and rollers.
- Rubber caps.
- Chemical products and other hazardous substances.
- Cleaning products and equipment.
Employees should take all reasonable, practicable steps to see that work is done safely.
These responsibilities include:
- Maintaining work areas, equipment and machinery in a safe condition.
- Organising ways of working safely.
- Providing information, instruction, training and supervision of employees to enable them to work safely.
- Making sure that employees are aware of potential hazards.
- Providing protective clothing and equipment.
Material Safety Data Sheets
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides detailed information on a hazardous substance. It gives more details than a label. MSDS are provided for your Host Employer by the manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances to the workplace.
Where you are to work with certain hazardous substances the appropriate MSDS should be available near the work area for consultation when required.
Read the MSDS before you use the product. Always consult with your supervisor before commencing work with any substance you might be exposed to and ensure you get proper training in its use.
If you require more information on what you are using, ask your supervisor or health and safety representative for an MSDS
It is important that hazardous substances in workplaces are used in accordance with:
- The manufacturer or supplier's written instructions (the MSDS)
- Agreed safe work procedures.
First aid treatment for hazardous substances should be part of your training.
Remember:
- Follow safe work procedures.
- Always correctly wear the appropriate safety equipment provided by your host employer.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with a hazardous substance.
- Do not keep food or drink near the substance.
- Wash your hands and face and other exposed areas with soap and water before going to the toilet or eating and drinking.
- Read the MSDS.
It is the responsibility of your host employer to provide you with safe work procedures for handling hazardous substances and to provide information, training and supervision.