Health and safety advice for nail bars
If you are the owner or manager of a nail bar you do not need a licence, but you do need to be aware of potential hazards and adopt safe working procedures.
This will ensure cosmetic procedures on nails do not lead to health and safety problems for your nail technicians or your clients.
Below we have listed common health and safety issues associated with nail bars and how you can resolve them.
Harmful chemicals, solvents, vapours and dust
Repeated inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with harmful materials may lead to work-related illnesses including nasal and respiratory problems, asthma, and dermatitis. To mitigate this:
- implement safe conditions and systems of work such as adequate ventilation.
- reduce the amount of chemicals in the air by keeping products in closed, marked containers and using dispenser bottles.
- follow manufacturer’s instructions for using protective clothing such as paper masks and vinyl gloves.
- clean up any spills immediately.
- wash hands regularly to remove any chemicals and have employees check skin daily for any signs of soreness or irritation.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Unsuitable working practices and posture during treatments can cause long-term health problems for nail bar employees. To mitigate this:
- install ergonomically designed workstations with adjustable chairs
- tasks should be rotated, with regular breaks
Infection control
Bacterial, viral and fungal infections can be contracted from clients during cosmetic nail procedures. To address this:
- technicians and clients should wash and dry their hands before and after cosmetic treatment to reduce the risk of infection
- equipment that is in direct contact with the skin or natural nail such as files, boards, etc should be both single use and disposable, or properly cleaned and sterilised between clients
- general hygiene is also important, as infection can easily be passed between clients and staff
More information
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s guide to good practice in nail bars (PDF, 142kb) may also be useful.
You will find further helpful information and advice on health and safety on the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority's website: HABIA Guidance for Nail Technicians and Nail Businesses – habia.org