Health and Safety at the Workplace
What this domain covers
Workplace health and safety covers hazards in a salon and the controls that prevent injury, illness, fire, and infection. The exam tests hazard identification, electrical and chemical safety, emergency action, and reporting.
Core rules and concepts
- Common hazards include wet floors, trailing cables, hot wax and irons, chemical burns, sharp tools, fumes, and ergonomic strain from standing or bending.
- Keep floors dry and use warning signs for spills. Route cables away from walkways and keep liquids away from electrical sockets.
- Store chemicals in labelled containers, keep the safety data sheet available, and never mix products unless the label allows it. Mixing bleach and ammonia can release toxic gas.
- Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, apron, and eye protection when the task needs it.
- Keep fire exits clear, know the location of the first-aid box and fire extinguisher, and follow the salon's emergency plan.
- Report accidents, near misses, and broken equipment to the supervisor and record them.
- Use correct posture and adjustable chairs to reduce back and shoulder strain.
Worked example
A pot of hot wax spills on the floor near a client's chair. What should be done first?
Reasoning: First make the area safe: stop the service, warn the client, and prevent people from walking into the spill. Then clean the spill using the correct method after the wax has cooled enough to handle safely, and place a wet-floor sign if the floor remains slippery. Check whether anyone was burned; if so, cool the burn under running water and seek first aid. Report the incident and review why the pot was unstable. Cleaning the spill without warning others risks a fall.
Traps that cost marks
- Using water near electrical equipment or sockets.
- Blocking fire exits with stock or furniture.
- Mixing cleaning chemicals to save time.
- Ignoring a near miss because no one was hurt.