health and safety and your business

- a guide for small and medium sized businesses

risk assessment (hairdressing)

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 Health and safety and your business

Risk assessment (hairdressing)

1. Introduction

It is a legal requirement for all employers and self-employed persons to carry out risk
assessments. Employers are required to assess risks to their employees and anyone
else that may be affected by the business. The self-employed must assess risks to
themselves and anyone else that may be affected by their work. If a business employs
five or more people the assessments must be recorded.

There is a general requirement for risk assessment. Some regulations also specifically
require risks to be assessed. These include regulations relating to manual handling,
use of hazardous substances and noise.

2. Risk assessment in practice

There are no fixed rules about how a general risk assessment should be carried out. It
will depend upon the nature of the work or business. There is a simple ‘five step’
approach to risk assessment:

• Look for the hazards

• Decide who might be harmed and how
• Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or
whether more should be done
• Record your findings
• Review your assessment periodically and revise it if necessary

It is important to evaluate or ‘rate’ the risks and deal with the highest risks first.

• A hazard is anything that can cause harm.

• A risk is a combination of the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity or
consequences should it occur.

There is a hazard check sheet, a blank risk assessment form and a completed example
at the end of this booklet. The risk assessment form is based upon the ‘five step’
approach. On the back of the form is a risk rating system to allow you to evaluate and
prioritise the risks so you can address the highest risks first. Remember that risk
assessments are a preventive approach to risk management – the precautions that you
identify by risk assessment must be implemented and monitored to ensure that a safe
working environment is achieved and maintained.

3. Common Hazards and where to find more information

Table 1 identifies the hazards commonly found in hairdressing. It is not a complete

list and you may find additional hazards that require assessment.

There are many sources of information about controlling hazards and employers and
the self employed are expected to take reasonable steps to identify risks by looking at
relevant legislation, guidance, supplier manuals, manufacturers instructions, reading
trade press and seeking advice from competent sources. They should also use
relevant examples of good practice from within their industry. Trade associations may
be able to help.

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The sources of further information in column 2 of table 1 are mainly drawn from the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and those marked with a * are freely available from
HSE books (telephone 01787 881165) or the HSE website free leaflets index
(www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/index.htm). You will generally find references to more detailed
guidance within these documents.

Table 1 – Hazards and information sources

Hazard Where can I find more information?

Fire – fire is a significant hazard for most London Fire Brigade

businesses. There are three main causes: • Telephone: 020 7587 4601
• They are started deliberately • Website: www.london-fire.gov.uk
• They occur because people are not
alert to fire hazards
• They occur because people are
careless
Some workplaces require a fire certificate.

Electric shock – there are hazards HSE guidance booklets:

presented by the electrical installation (the
fixed wiring, plug sockets, distribution
boards, etc.) and portable electrical
equipment (any equipment that plugs into
the electrical installation such as clippers,
hairdryers etc.).
• *INDG231 – Electrical safety and
you
• *INDG236 – Maintaining portable
electrical equipment in offices and
other low risk environments

Ergonomics – many employees each HSE guidance booklets:

year suffer conditions and injuries caused • *INDG90 – Understanding
by poor working postures and repetitive ergonomics at work
wrist/arm movements.

Workplace environmental conditions – HSE guidance booklet:

temperature and ventilation, lighting, • *INDG 293 – welfare at work
overcrowding, cleanliness, toilets, washing
facilities, facilities for rest and meals,
drinking water, etc.

Use of mains gas appliances – every HSE guidance booklet:

year people die from carbon monoxide • *INDG238 – gas appliances, get
poisoning caused by faulty gas them checked, keep them safe.
appliances. Escapes of gas present a
danger of explosion.

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Use and storage of LPG gas appliances
– LPG forms a flammable mixture with air
in concentrations of between
approximately 2% and 10%. It is heavier
than air and will sink into drains and
cellars. It can be a serious fire or explosion
hazard. LPG is commonly used as a fuel
for heating.
HSE guidance booklets:
• *Chemical sheet 5 – Small scale
use of LPG in cylinders
Bexley Council information leaflet:
• Storage of small quantities of LPG
containers (less than 400 kg)
LP Gas Association Code of Practice 7

Hazardous substances – there is a wide HSE guidance booklets:

range of substances in use or in buildings • *INDG136 – COSHH, a brief guide
that present hazards to health. These to the regulations
include asbestos, chemicals and biological • *INDG223 – A short guide to
agents. Hazardous substances specific to managing asbestos in premises
hairdressers may be found in hair dyes, • COSSH essentials website:
bleaches, permanent wave solutions, www.coshh-essentials.org.uk ;
straighteners and many other products. guidance sheet SR11
Hazardous substances may be used for (hairdressing)
cleaning.

Slips and trips and Falls – are the cause HSE guidance booklets:
of many workplace injuries, many of which • *INDG 225 – Preventing slips, trips
are foreseeable and preventable. This is a and falls at work
particular hazard where floors may HSE Guidance notes:
become wet or contaminated with • HS(G) 155 – Slips and Trips -
shampoos or cleaning materials. Guidance for employers on
identifying hazards and controlling
risks.
HSE web pages:
• www.hse.gov.uk/slips/index.htm

Falling objects – injuries can be caused HSE guidance booklet:

from small items such as scissors and • *INDG244 – workplace health,
razors. safety and welfare

Stress – is the adverse reaction people HSE stress web pages

have to excessive pressure. If stress is
intense and goes on for some time it can
lead to mental and physical ill health

Work equipment – the term ‘work HSE guidance booklet:

equipment’ is wide ranging and covers all • *INDG291 – Simple guide to the
equipment provided for use at work provision and use of work
including hand tools, such as scissors, equipment regulations 1998
razors, hairdryers and clippers.

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Maintenance – presents particular HSE guidance:
hazards due to the nature of the work and • Safe use of work equipment:
exposure to hazards in situations other Provision and Use of Work
than ‘normal’ working conditions Equipment Regulations 1998 L22

Infection control – particularly relevant to HSE guidance booklet:

hairdressing where infections can be • Infection at work: controlling the
passed directly between people and via risks
equipment that is not properly cleaned. If •
the skin is accidentally broken there is a Guidance (contact Bexley Council):
risk from viruses, in particular Hepatitis ‘B’. • Guidelines for control of infection in
Hairdressers may have contact with special treatments (tattooing, body
customers affected by parasites such as piercing and acupuncture) –
head lice. Working party of London
Consultants in Communicable
Disease Control and Infection
Control Nurses

4. How can I control hazards?

Your risk assessment should identify the ways in which you control the identified
hazards and reduce the risk. These are usually called ‘control measures’ or
‘precautions’. Because risk management is about preventing loss or injury it is vitally
important that the precautions that you identify are put in place, maintained and
reviewed in the light of experience or when working conditions or practices change.

Because it is not always possible to put in place the precautions that are needed
immediately, you may need to consider short, medium and long-term solutions.

Keeping good records (for maintenance, repair, inspection and training) will enable you
to show that the precautions you have identified are in place.

5. Some examples of the precautions that can be applied

Table 2 gives examples of precautions that can be applied to common hazards. This
will help you identify the steps you need to take to reduce the risk. The examples
given are not a complete list; you may identify additional or alternative precautions
for your particular work activity and workplace.

You should take into account precautions that you already have in place and identify
any additional precautions that are required.

When looking at most hazards supervision, employee consultation, provision of

adequate safety information, training and employee awareness are common
precautions and have not, therefore, been included separately in each example
overleaf.

The use of personal protective equipment should be considered as a last resort –

effective risk management means avoiding, controlling and reducing risks at source.

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Table 2 – Examples of precautions

Hazard What precautions can be taken?

Fire • Fire fighting/protection equipment

• Maintain fire exit routes
• Fire drills
• Routine checks/end of day checks
• Security/visitor control
• Safe storage of materials

Electric shock • Routine inspection of equipment

• Routine inspection of installation
• Inspection, maintenance and
testing carried out by competent
person
• Effective defect reporting system

Ergonomics • Improve positioning e.g. wash hair

from back and not from side.
• Provide suitable styling stools.
• Ensure enough workspace
available.
• Vary tasks whenever possible.

Workplace environmental conditions • Walkthrough inspections

• Temperature monitoring
• Cleaning schedules
• Good housekeeping

Use of mains gas appliances • Any work on gas appliances must

be by CORGI registered engineers
• Maintain equipment in accordance
with manufacturers
recommendations
• Annual gas safety check

Use and storage of LPG gas appliances
• Ensure cylinders properly stored
• Any work (other than
connecting/disconnecting
cylinders) on gas appliances must
be by CORGI registered engineers
• Maintain equipment in accordance
with manufacturers
recommendations
• Annual gas safety check

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Hazardous substances • Assess the risk; follow the steps
outlined in HSE guidance
• Do your assessments on line using
the COSHH essentials website
• Maintain precautions identified
through assessments
• Use protective equipment

Slips, trips and falls • Good housekeeping

• Floor surfaces fit for purpose
• Effective maintenance/cleaning
• Effective stock management

Falling objects • Safe storage arrangements

• Effective stock management
• Good housekeeping

Stress • Talking and listening to employees

• Identify common, persistent
pressures
• Use questionnaires, but check
they are relevant to your business

Work equipment • Risk assess dangerous equipment

• Limit use to trained employees
• Develop a safe system of work

Maintenance • Maintenance often entails unique

hazards (e.g. difficult access,
exposure to moving parts, use of
hazardous substances) and
requires careful assessment
• Consult manufacturers information
manuals

Infection control • Effective cleaning, disinfection and

sterilisation procedures
• Identifying and risk assessing
specific infection sources
• Effective waste management

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6. Checklists and forms

At the end of this booklet there are forms and checklists to help you identify hazards,
carry out risk assessments and check that you have all you need in place. There are
three forms:

• A basic hazard checklist;

• A blank risk assessment form;
• An example of a risk assessment for mains gas appliances

The forms and checklists may be copied, used as they are or adapted to suit your
business.

7. Information sources

For further information contact:

• Bexley Council (www.bexley.gov.uk/healthandsafety ) (telephone 020 8303

7777, email health.safety@bexley.gov.uk)
• HSE Infoline for telephone enquiries on health and safety issues (telephone
0845 345 0055)
• The Health and Safety Executive website (www.hse.gov.uk)
• HSE Books (for free leaflets and priced publications) (telephone 01787 881165)
• The London Fire Brigade (www.london-fire.gov.uk) (telephone 020 7587 4601)

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 Hazard Checklist - Which hazards are present in my workplace?

Date………………………… Checked by………………………………………………..

Hazard checklist Relevant to my Risk assessment

workplace? complete?

Fire

Electric shock

Ergonomics

Workplace environmental conditions

Use of mains gas appliances

Use and storage of LPG gas

appliances

Hazardous substances

Slips and trips

Falls

Falling objects

Stress

Work equipment

Maintenance

Infection control

Other (list)

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 RISK ASSESSMENT RECORD (STEP 4)

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3(i) STEP 3(ii) STEP 3(iii)

NEW RISK
IDENTIFY THE WHO MIGHT BE LIST EXISTING RISK IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS RATING
HAZARD HARMED AND PRECAUTIONS RATING NEEDED AND DATE FOR COMPLETION
HOW (see over)

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR…………………………………………….. DATE…………………………………………………………..

CARRIED OUT BY……………………………………………………… REVIEW DATE (STEP 5)………………………………….

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RISK RATING – Risks need to be prioritised to ensure the most serious risks are dealt with first. The following is one of many
methods that can be used. Risk rating often uses some kind of formula to help prioritisation. The formula given below is based on a
judgement of the severity of harm or consequences and the likelihood or probability of an event occurring.

USING THE RISK RATING FORMULA - Assign a letter from box 1 (A to C) to denote the severity of harm or consequences of the hazard.
Assign a number from box 2 (1 to 3) to denote the likelihood of the event occurring. Look up the combination in the risk rating chart (table 1) and
link it to the action phrase.

TABLE 1 – RISK RATING CHART

BOX 1 – RATE HAZARD BOX 2 – RATE RISK
SEVERITY/CONSEQUENCE A B C

A = death, major injury, major 1 = extremely likely to occur 1

damage or loss to property or
equipment 2 = frequent, often or likely to 2
occur
B = over 3 day injury, damage 3
to property or equipment 3 = slight chance of occurring
ACTION PHRASES:
C = minor injury or minor
damage to property or A1 – unacceptable; must receive immediate attention to reduce risk
equipment
A2/B1 – urgent; must receive attention as soon as possible to
reduce risk

A3/C1 – must receive attention to verify if risk can be reduced

B2 – should receive attention to verify if risk can be reduced

B3/C2 – lower priority

C3 – lowest priority

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 RISK ASSESSMENT RECORD (STEP 4)

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3(i) STEP 3(ii) STEP 3(iii)

NEW RISK
IDENTIFY THE WHO MIGHT BE LIST EXISTING RISK IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS RATING
HAZARD HARMED AND PRECAUTIONS RATING NEEDED AND DATE FOR COMPLETION
HOW (see over)
Mains gas Any person on None A2 – Annual maintenance C3
appliances site: employees (current
and visitors condition Annual gas safety check
and safety The above to be carried out by CORGI
Harm could arise of registered engineer – two weeks followed
from gas leakage appliance by annual service/check. Records to be
(explosion) or not known kept in health and safety file.
incorrectly
operating Training of staff so they know how to use
appliance (carbon appliance safely – one month and periodic
monoxide refresher.
poisoning)
Procedure for gas emergency – one month

Supervisory checks (ongoing)

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR……Smiths Supplies Ltd…………….. DATE…………………..17.04.03……………………..

CARRIED OUT BY……………John Smith……………… REVIEW DATE (STEP 5)……17.04.04…………….

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RISK RATING – Risks need to be prioritised to ensure the most serious risks are dealt with first. The following is one of many
methods that can be used. Risk rating often uses some kind of formula to help prioritisation. The formula given below is based on a
judgement of the severity of harm or consequences and the likelihood or probability of an event occurring.

USING THE RISK RATING FORMULA - Assign a letter from box 1 (A to C) to denote the severity of harm or consequences of the hazard.
Assign a number from box 2 (1 to 3) to denote the likelihood of the event occurring. Look up the combination in the risk rating chart (table 1) and
link it to the action phrase.

TABLE 1 – RISK RATING CHART

BOX 1 – RATE HAZARD BOX 2 – RATE RISK
SEVERITY/CONSEQUENCE A B C

A = death, major injury, major 1 = extremely likely to occur 1

damage or loss to property or
equipment 2 = frequent, often or likely to 2
occur
B = over 3 day injury, damage 3
to property or equipment 3 = slight chance of occurring
ACTION PHRASES:
C = minor injury or minor
damage to property or A1 – unacceptable; must receive immediate attention to reduce risk
equipment
A2/B1 – urgent; must receive attention as soon as possible to
reduce risk

A3/C1 – must receive attention to verify if risk can be reduced

B2 – should receive attention to verify if risk can be reduced

B3/C2 – lower priority

C3 – lowest priority

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