Hairdressers, aestheticians, spa workers, and barbers all perform similar functions in a salon. They provide services to clients of all ages, backgrounds, and gender identities, adapting techniques and communication styles to meet individual needs. General tasks may include the following:
duty Talk to clients about their requirements and provide advice on hair care.
duty Shampoo, condition, and rinse hair.
duty Cut hair using clippers, scissors, or razors.
duty Mix, measure, and apply chemical products according to manufacturer instructions.
duty Perform patch tests or strand tests when required.
duty Monitor processing times and assess hair or scalp condition during treatments.
duty Provide services such as colouring, bleaching, applying treatment, permanent waving (with chemical solutions), straightening, and tinting.
duty Store and label products properly.
duty Set up and adjust equipment (chairs, sinks, dryers).
duty Dry hair and style it using brushes, combs, curling or straightening (flat) irons, and other equipment.
duty Clean and disinfect tools, equipment, and workstations between clients.
duty Launder towels and capes.
duty Operate a cash register and computer.
duty Perform reception duties, including answering telephone calls and scheduling appointments.
duty Recommend and sell retail hair care products and tools.
duty Maintain client records, including service history and known sensitivities or allergies.
duty Clean the salon, work areas, and equipment.
duty Supervise apprentices.
duty Participate in ongoing training to maintain licencing and stay current with techniques and safety practices.
duty Interact with customers who may be upset or angry (potential for harassment or bullying).
duty Be aware of customer actions while on the premises (be alert to potential issues or acts of theft).
There are several potential health and safety hazards associated with a hairdresser's duties, including:
Biological hazards
Chemical hazards
Ergonomic hazards
Physical hazards
Psychological hazards
Safety hazards
biological Exposure to blood or body fluids from nicks or cuts.
biological Skin infections such as bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
general Head lice transmission.
biological Respiratory infectious diseases (colds, flu) through close contact.
chemical Hair dyes and colourants - may contain ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or other chemicals.
general Bleaching agents with persulfates.
general Permanent wave and straightening solutions.
general Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing products are used in some smoothing treatments.
general Hair sprays and aerosols.
general Shampoos, conditioners, and treatment products with fragrances.
general Disinfectants and cleaning products.
chemical Exposure to chemicals such as:
chemical Inhalation of vapours, mists, or aerosols causing respiratory irriation.
general Inadequate ventilation.
general Allergic contact dermatitis or sensitization.
general Standing for long hours.
ergonomic Musculoskeletal disorders.
ergonomic Repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements.
general Forceful gripping of tools.
general Reaching across clients or over workstations.
ergonomic Working in awkward postures or performing repetitive tasks.
ergonomic Lifting or carrying heavy loads.
general Inadequate workstation design or improperly adjusted chairs and sinks.
psychosocial Fatigue and other health issues from long hours of work.
physical Inappropriate lighting levels, including glare or overly bright task lighting.
physical Noise due to equipment used, hair dryers, or people.
general Heat from blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and hot water.
general High workload, time pressure, back-to-back appointments
general Dealing with difficult, demanding, or dissatisfied clients.
psychosocial Risk of verbal harassment, verbal aggression, or inappropriate behaviour from clients.
general Long or irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends.
general Income instability.
general Limited control over scheduling or work pace.
general Workplace conflict or lack of supervisory support.
psychosocial Stress.
safety Risk of cuts, bruises, or punctures from scissors, razors, clippers, or other sharp tools.
general Burns from hot styling tools, steam, or hot water.
safety Slips, trips and falls from wet and untidy floors, spilled products, loose electrical cords, or hair on the floor.
safety Electrical hazards from using powered equipment near water or damaged cords and outlets.
chemical Fire hazards associated with flammable products, electrical equipment, or improper storage of chemicals.
requirement Routine cleaning and disinfection of tools and frequently touched surfaces.
requirement Proper hand hygiene - Wash hands regularly, especially before and after working with each client.
ppe Wear gloves when appropriate.
requirement Use routine practices and treat all body substances such as blood as potentially infectious.
requirement Stay home and wear a mask when sick.
requirement Determine which products contain hazardous chemicals or ingredients and label them properly.
requirement Use a less harmful product where possible.
requirement Read manufacturer's instructions on how to use products safely, including hair products, cleaners, etc.
requirement Avoid contact with products that contain known cancer-causing ingredients or sensitizers such as certain hair dyes.
administrative Train workers in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and safe handling of hazardous products.
requirement Review the safety data sheet of the products before use.
requirement Safely store and dispose of products.
engineering Provide local exhaust ventilation where there is a risk of exposure to hazardous vapours.
requirement Make sure the equipment is made of the correct material for the chemical or product you are working with. There is no material that will protect against all types of chemicals or products.
requirement Wash immediately with water and soap after any skin contact with chemicals or products.
ppe Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and aprons or eye protection, when handling, mixing, or applying chemical treatments.
requirement Provide workbenches, reception desks, washbasins (for tasks such as cutting, styling, shampooing, etc.) at the right height, and adjustable stools and chairs for sitting.
requirement Rearrange the work area so that the task, materials (shampoos, conditioners, dyes, etc.), equipment (scissors, blow-dryers, etc.) and controls are within easy reach and do not require stretching or twisting.
requirement Design the salon ergonomically:
requirement Position clients at an appropriate height.
administrative Provide training on how to adjust the workstation.
requirement Take regular rest breaks to stretch and change posture.
requirement Avoid holding arms above shoulder height for extended periods.
requirement Use anti-fatigue mats.
administrative Rotate job functions to prevent overuse injuries.
administrative Rotate washing and basin duty (to avoid prolonged contact with water).
ppe Purchase scissors, blow-dryers, styling rods and rollers, gloves, etc., which are easy and safe to use.
requirement Store frequently used heavy objects and materials between knee and shoulder height.
ppe Wear supportive footwear.
requirement Shift weight regularly while standing.
requirement Ensure adequate, evenly distributed lighting and minimize glare and harsh reflections.
requirement Purchase equipment that is quieter.
engineering Install sound enclosures or use noise-reducing surfaces (sound-dampening materials).
requirement Ensure temperature regulators are used on hot water heaters so they do not exceed safe temperatures set out in the building code (usually around 49 degrees Celsius or 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
requirement Design jobs to allow reasonable workloads and adequate rest breaks.
requirement Develop and enforce policies addressing workplace harassment and violence.
requirement Treat all workers fairly and respectfully.
requirement Encourage open communication and worker participation in decision-making.
requirement Promote positive mental health and supportive workplace culture.
requirement Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs or other support programs where available.
administrative Inspect tools and equipment to make sure they are in good condition. Remove damaged tools from service.
requirement Read the manufacturer's instructions for using equipment, tools, and appliances safely.
requirement Follow safe storage practices for chemicals and aerosols.
requirement Make sure all sharp equipment is disposed of safely.
requirement Clean the floor frequently, and always as soon as there is a spill.
requirement Clean and disinfect all equipment after each use.
requirement Wear comfortable shoes with non-skid soles.
requirement Maintain proper lighting levels.
requirement Follow electrical safety measures. Ensure the electrical panel and outlets are rated for the equipment used.
requirement Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) where required.
requirement Secure and manage electrical cords to prevent tripping. Do not overload outlets or use extension cords.
requirement Allow heated tools to cool before storage.
requirement Keep flammable products away from heat sources.
administrative Train workers on fire safety.
administrative Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible and workers are trained in emergency procedures.
administrative Maintain a first-aid kit and provide opportunities for first aid training.
requirement Hair products, equipment and tools.
requirement Electrical safety.
requirement Fire safety, including fire extinguishers.
requirement Manual material handling and safe lifting practices.
requirement Workplace harassment and violence prevention.
requirement Good hygiene practices.
administrative Follow safety procedures for:
requirement Practice safe lifting techniques.
administrative Practice good housekeeping procedures.
requirement Keep floors clean and dry to prevent slips and falls.
ppe Wear supportive, non-slip footwear.
ppe Use, maintain and store personal protective equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.
requirement Learn about chemical hazards, WHMIS and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
requirement Know how to clean equipment and tools properly.
engineering Ensure adequate ventilation when using chemical products.
requirement Maintain good posture and adjust workstations for each client.
requirement Take regular breaks and vary tasks where possible.
requirement Know first aid.
administrative Participate in health and safety training and follow workplace policies and procedures.
requirement Consider the increased risk of hazards for pregnant workers and adjust work when needed.
administrative Know how to report hazards to your employer.
general Know how to report injuries to your employer and the Workers' Compensation Board.
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Diseases, Disorders, Injuries
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