HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON GUIDELINES

Infection can occur during hairdressing procedures.

Items such as razors, scissors, combs, clippers and hairpins can accidentally penetrate the skin. Blood and body fluids do not have to be visible on instruments, equipment or working surfaces for infection to be transmitted. Both clients and operators are at risk. 

Operators should ask clients if they have any skin lesions such as prominent moles and require them to specify the location so appropriate care can be taken.

If hairdressing premises perform other personal care and body art procedures, including skin penetration, then the operators must comply with the NSW Health Department’s Skin Penetration Guidelines.

• Auburn City Council's Role Regarding Hair & Beauty Salons
• Risks
• General Hairdressing Equipment
• Cleaning and sterilisation of Hairdressing Equipment
• Sanitary Requirements of the Premises
• Regulated Premises Registration
• Making a Complaint
   

Auburn City Council's Role Regarding Hair & Beauty Salons

• To ensure the health of the public is protected when they receive treatments or services from a premises;
• To ensure operators are aware of their obligations to carry out safe, clean and hygienic procedures; and
• To ensure that the premises where procedures are undertaken comply with the relevant standards.

Infections

Infections that can be spread in hairdressing premises include skin infections on the scalp, face and neck such as impetigo (also known as school sores) and fungal infections such as tinea capitis and ringworm.

These infections can spread when instruments and equipment used on clients are not cleaned between client sessions or are not handled or used in a hygienic manner, and when structural facilities such as furnishings and fittings are not kept clean and in good repair.

Blood-Borne Viruses
The risk of transmitting a serious disease such as hepatitis B and C and HIV can occur when using razors, scissors or clippers, which can abrade the skin and/or cut accidentally.

Contaminated instruments can transfer infection directly to the blood of another individual (for example, the operator or next client) if that individual has open cuts, sores or broken skin.

Burns
Burns can occur during hairdressing procedures involving hot rollers, tongs and crimpers. They can also occur when hair is being washed with water that is too hot or when stationary or hand-held dryers are improperly used.

Pediculosis or Head Lice
People get head lice from direct hair-to-hair contact with someone who has head lice.

Head lice do not transmit any infectious diseases and there is no evidence to suggest that the environment is of significant concern in their transmission.

They are fragile insects, easily killed by water temperatures greater than 60°C. No disinfection or fumigation of the salon is required.

Single Use (disposable) Razors
If the razor is a single-use type, then it must not be used again on another client and must be disposed of into a suitable sharps container immediately after use.

Single Use (disposable) Blades
Where a safety-type razor is used, remove the blade from the razor body, taking care not to cut yourself. Dispose of the blade as above.

The blade holder must be cleaned and disinfected between clients. If contaminated, it must be sterilised or disposed of. Do not use the body of the razor again until these measures have been taken.

Electric Razors
Electric razor blades are considered contaminated with blood, body fluids or substances after use in the same way that other razors and blades are contaminated. The blades, mesh and the blade mechanism housing are difficult to clean and will not withstand the sterilisation process.

This difficulty is due to their design and the materials from which they are made. Debris from shaving, such as blood, hair and skin cells, have been found in the body and motor of electric razors.

Electric razors are therefore not recommended for use on clients and should not be loaned to clients.

Razor Haircutting
Razors should be used so the operator can see the blade at all times. Blades may scrape the skin and become contaminated.

Razor blades used for hair cutting should be changed after each client, and the blade should be disposed of into a sharps container. The handle should be washed and dried after the blade has been removed; if contaminated, it also requires sterilisation.

Clippers
Clippers should be used in such a way that the operator can see the tip of the clippers at all times. Clippers, including those with plastic attachments, should be dismantled after each use and thoroughly cleaned before being used on another client.

If contamination occurs, then the clipper blades must be dismantled, cleaned and sterilised. Plastic attachments must be disposed of into a sharps container.

Cleaning and Sterilisation of Hairdressing Equipment

Sanitary Requirements of the Premises

• The premises must be kept in a clean and hygienic condition at all times.
• All surfaces within the salon should be made of materials that are easily cleaned.
• Adequate lighting is to be provided within the salon.
• A hand wash basin must be provided within the salon with warm running water and a supply of disposable paper hand towels and liquid soap.
• An additional sink is to be provided for cleaning of equipment and surfaces.
• Smoking is not permitted in any part of the salon.   

Regulated Premises Registration