small business guide risk assessment hairdressing

8/8/2019 Small Business Guide Risk Assessment Hairdressing

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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 riskassessments. Employers are required to assess risks to their employees and anyoneelse that may be affected by the business. The self-employed must assess risks tothemselves 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 specificallyrequire 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. Itwill depend upon the nature of the work or business. There is a simple five stepapproach 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 exampleat the end of this booklet. The risk assessment form is based upon the five stepapproach. On the back of the form is a risk rating system to allow you to evaluate andprioritise the risks so you can address the highest risks first. Remember that riskassessments are a preventive approach to risk management the precautions that youid tif b i k t t b i l t d d it d t th t f


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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 fromHSE 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 detailedguidance within these documents.

Table 1 Hazards and information sources

Hazard Where can I find more information?

Fire fire is a significant hazard for mostbusinesses. There are three main causes:

They are started deliberately They occur because people are not

alert to fire hazards

They occur because people arecareless

Some workplaces require a fire certificate.

London Fire Brigade Telephone: 020 7587 4601 Website: www.london-fire.gov.uk

Electric shock there are hazardspresented by the electrical installation (thefixed wiring, plug sockets, distribution

boards, etc.) and portable electricalequipment (any equipment that plugs intothe electrical installation such as clippers,hairdryers etc.).

HSE guidance booklets: *INDG231 Electrical safety and

you

*INDG236 Maintaining portableelectrical equipment in offices andother low risk environments

Ergonomics many employees eachyear suffer conditions and injuries causedby poor working postures and repetitivewrist/arm movements.

HSE guidance booklets: *INDG90 Understanding

ergonomics at work

Workplace environmental conditionstemperature and ventilation, lighting,overcrowding cleanliness toilets washing

HSE guidance booklet: *INDG 293 welfare at work
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/index.htmhttp://www.london-fire.gov.uk/http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg231.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg90.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg293.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg293.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg90.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg231.pdfhttp://www.london-fire.gov.uk/http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/index.htm


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Use and storage of LPG gas appliances LPG forms a flammable mixture with airin concentrations of betweenapproximately 2% and 10%. It is heavierthan air and will sink into drains andcellars. It can be a serious fire or explosionhazard. LPG is commonly used as a fuelfor heating.

HSE guidance booklets: *Chemical sheet 5 Small scale

use of LPG in cylindersBexley 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 widerange of substances in use or in buildingsthat present hazards to health. Theseinclude asbestos, chemicals and biologicalagents. Hazardous substances specific tohairdressers may be found in hair dyes,bleaches, permanent wave solutions,straighteners and many other products.Hazardous substances may be used forcleaning.

HSE guidance booklets:

*INDG136 COSHH, a brief guideto the regulations

*INDG223 A short guide tomanaging asbestos in premises

COSSH essentials website:

www.coshh-essentials.org.uk ;guidance sheet SR11(hairdressing)

Slips and trips and Falls are the causeof many workplace injuries, many of whichare foreseeable and preventable. This is a

particular hazard where floors maybecome wet or contaminated withshampoos or cleaning materials.

HSE guidance booklets: *INDG 225 Preventing slips, trips

and falls at work

HSE Guidance notes: HS(G) 155 Slips and Trips -

Guidance for employers onidentifying hazards and controllingrisks.

HSE web pages: www.hse.gov.uk/slips/index.htm

Falling objects injuries can be causedfrom small items such as scissors andrazors.

HSE guidance booklet: *INDG244 workplace health,

safety and welfare
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/chis5.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg223.pdfhttp://www.coshh-essentials.org.uk/http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg225.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/index.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg244.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/index.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg244.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/index.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg225.pdfhttp://www.coshh-essentials.org.uk/http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg223.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/chis5.pdf


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Maintenance presents particularhazards due to the nature of the work andexposure to hazards in situations otherthan normal working conditions

HSE guidance: Safe use of work equipment:

Provision and Use of WorkEquipment Regulations 1998 L22

Infection control particularly relevant tohairdressing where infections can be

passed directly between people and viaequipment that is not properly cleaned. Ifthe skin is accidentally broken there is arisk from viruses, in particular Hepatitis B.Hairdressers may have contact withcustomers affected by parasites such ashead lice.

HSE guidance booklet: Infection at work: controlling the

risks

Guidance (contact Bexley Council):

Guidelines for control of infection inspecial treatments (tattooing, bodypiercing and acupuncture) Working party of LondonConsultants in Communicable

Disease Control and InfectionControl Nurses

4. How can I control hazards?

Your risk assessment should identify the ways in which you control the identifiedhazards and reduce the risk. These are usually called control measures orprecautions. Because risk management is about preventing loss or injury it is vitallyimportant that the precautions that you identify are put in place, maintained andreviewed 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 neededimmediately, you may need to consider short, medium and long-term solutions.

Keeping good records (for maintenance, repair, inspection and training) will enable youto 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. Thiswill help you identify the steps you need to take to reduce the risk. The examplesgiven are not a complete list; you may identify additional or alternative precautions
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/infection.pdfhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/infection.pdf


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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 hairfrom 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 mustbe by CORGI registered engineers

Maintain equipment in accordancewith manufacturers


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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 ofhazardous substances) andrequires careful assessment

Consult manufacturers informationmanuals


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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 arethree 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 yourbusiness.

7. Information sources

For further information contact:

Bexley Council (www.bexley.gov.uk/healthandsafety ) (telephone 020 83037777, email [email protected]) 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)
http://www.bexley.gov.uk/healthandsafetymailto:[email protected]://www.hse.gov.uk/http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/http://www.hse.gov.uk/mailto:[email protected]://www.bexley.gov.uk/healthandsafety


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Hazard Checklist - Which hazards are present in my workplace?

Date Checked by..

Hazard checklist Relevant to myworkplace?

Risk assessmentcomplete?

Fire

Electric shock

Ergonomics

Workplace environmental conditions

Use of mains gas appliances

Use and storage of LPG gasappliances

Hazardous substances

Slips and trips

Falls

Falling objects

Stress


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RISK ASSESSMENT RECORD (STEP 4)

STEP 1

IDENTIFY THEHAZARD

STEP 2

WHO MIGHT BEHARMED ANDHOW

STEP 3(i)

LIST EXISTINGPRECAUTIONS

STEP 3(ii)

RISKRATING(see over)

STEP 3(iii)

IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONSNEEDED AND DATE FOR COMPLETION

NEW RISKRATING

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR.. DATE..

CARRIED OUT BY REVIEW DATE (STEP 5).

health and safety and your business risk assessment (hairdressing) rev 2 01/06Page 13 of 16


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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 ajudgement 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) andlink it to the action phrase.

TABLE 1 RISK RATING CHARTBOX 1 RATE HAZARDSEVERITY/CONSEQUENCE

A = death, major injury, majordamage or loss to property orequipment

B = over 3 day injury, damageto property or equipment

C = minor injury or minordamage to property orequipment

BOX 2 RATE RISK

1 = extremely likely to occur

2 = frequent, often or likely tooccur

3 = slight chance of occurring

A B C

1

2

3

ACTION PHRASES:

A1 unacceptable; must receive immediate attention to reduce risk

A2/B1 urgent; must receive attention as soon as possible toreduce 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

IDENTIFY THEHAZARD

STEP 2

WHO MIGHT BEHARMED ANDHOW

STEP 3(i)

LIST EXISTINGPRECAUTIONS

STEP 3(ii)

RISKRATING(see over)

STEP 3(iii)

IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONSNEEDED AND DATE FOR COMPLETION

NEW RISKRATING

Mains gasappliances

Any person onsite: employees

and visitors

Harm could arisefrom gas leakage(explosion) orincorrectlyoperatingappliance (carbonmonoxidepoisoning)

None A2 (current

conditionand safetyofappliancenot known

Annual maintenance

Annual gas safety checkThe above to be carried out by CORGIregistered engineer two weeks followedby annual service/check. Records to bekept in health and safety file.

Training of staff so they know how to useappliance safely one month and periodicrefresher.

Procedure for gas emergency one monthSupervisory checks (ongoing)

C3

RISK ASSESSMENT FORSmiths Supplies Ltd.. DATE..17.04.03..

CARRIED OUT BYJohn 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 ajudgement 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) andlink it to the action phrase.

TABLE 1 RISK RATING CHARTBOX 1 RATE HAZARDSEVERITY/CONSEQUENCE

A = death, major injury, majordamage or loss to property orequipment

B = over 3 day injury, damageto property or equipment

C = minor injury or minordamage to property orequipment

BOX 2 RATE RISK

1 = extremely likely to occur

2 = frequent, often or likely tooccur

3 = slight chance of occurring

A B C

1

2

3

ACTION PHRASES:

A1 unacceptable; must receive immediate attention to reduce risk

A2/B1 urgent; must receive attention as soon as possible toreduce 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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