Management of hazardous substances in the hairdressing and beauty industry

What it contains

Hazardous substances used in the hairdressing and beauty industries can expose people to skin irritation, eczema and dermatitis, serious skin disorders, eye, nose and throat irritation, severe eye damage, dizziness, nausea and headaches. This document outlines how employers can reduce or eliminate these risks. It explains:

• the potential health and safety risks posed by different hazardous substances
• how to assess these risks using a flowchart
• who is responsible for reducing or eliminating these risks
• who you must consult about the use of these substances
• who you must train to safely use these substances
• what personal protective equipment should be used with these substances

At the end of the document, there are worksheets to help employers manage hazards. This includes:

• worksheets of hazardous substances to identify or eliminate risks
• an action plan to document and assign someone to address risks
• templates to complete a risk assessment in the workplace
• a sample hazardous substance register