COSHH guide
COSHH risk assessment for hair and beauty salons
Hairdressers and beauty therapists handle products that can cause dermatitis and asthma, and many salon workers develop skin problems early in their careers. A COSHH assessment for each product helps you put simple, effective controls in place.
Products to assess
- Permanent hair dyes, many containing skin sensitisers such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD)
- Bleach powders containing persulfates, which can cause asthma
- Perm and relaxer solutions, and neutralisers
- Nail products: acrylic and gel monomers (methacrylates, which are sensitisers) and acetone removers
- Cleaning and disinfecting products for tools and surfaces
Typical controls
- Single-use nitrile gloves for rinsing, colouring and washing, and moisturise after work
- Dust-free or low-dust bleach products, mixed in a ventilated area
- Good general ventilation, and extraction at nail stations
- Keep lids on, store products securely and keep the SDSs to hand
- Regular skin checks so dermatitis is spotted early
Quick to do
Upload the SDS for each product, or find it in our library, and answer a few questions about how it's used. Use duplicate when several products are used the same way, and group them in one COSHH file for the salon.
Questions
Do I need assessments for every hair dye shade?
Shades in the same range usually have very similar SDSs and are used the same way, so one assessment per product range is often reasonable. Check the hazard statements match.
Are clients covered by COSHH?
COSHH protects your employees and others affected by the work, including clients. Skin allergy alert tests for clients are a separate product safety matter covered by the manufacturer's instructions.
Important
EasyCOSHH is a tool, not professional advice. You must check each assessment against the supplier's Safety Data Sheet and your actual work, adapt it and sign it off. For high-risk substances (carcinogens, asbestos, lead, respiratory sensitisers such as isocyanates) use a competent person. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by HSE.