Health & Safety for Salons: Beauty Business Compliance Made Easy

Last updated: August 2025

Health and safety for salons – if those words make you break out in a cold sweat, you’re not alone. As a salon owner, you’re juggling client bookings, staff schedules, stock management, and about a hundred other things. The last thing you want to worry about is whether your salon health and safety compliance is up to scratch.

But here’s the thing: getting your salon health and safety sorted doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, you can protect your business, your staff, and your clients without losing sleep over compliance paperwork.

What EVERY Salon Must Have in Place (Regardless of Size)

Before we dive into salon-specific issues, let’s be crystal clear about what health and safety for salons requires legally. Under UK law, EVERY workplace – including your salon – must have:

The Non-Negotiables:

✅ Risk assessment – suitable and sufficient (Management Regs 1999)
✅ First aid provision – at least one appointed person and stocked first aid kit
✅ Emergency procedures – fire evacuation plans and fire risk assessment
✅ Safe workplace and systems – duty under Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
✅ Competent health & safety advice – internal or external support
✅ Welfare facilities – toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, rest areas
✅ Accident reporting system – ability to record incidents (RIDDOR compliance)
✅ Safe equipment and substances – PAT testing, COSHH controls for chemicals
✅ Employee consultation – direct consultation or via representatives
✅ Information for employees – emergency contacts, risk findings, safe procedures

Additional Requirements for Salons with 5+ Employees:

✅ Written Health & Safety Policy – statement of intent and arrangements
✅ Written risk assessments – documented, not just mental notes
✅ HSE Health & Safety Law Poster – displayed or leaflet provided to each worker
✅ Accident Book (BI510) – legally required for 10+ employees, recommended from 5+
✅ Employers’ Liability Insurance certificate – displayed or electronically accessible

If you’re reading this thinking “I don’t have half of these,” don’t panic. You’re not alone, and it’s fixable.

Feeling overwhelmed by this list? You’re not alone. Take our free 7-question Health & Safety Quiz to see how your salon scores and get a free starter pack including a compliance checklist, policy template, and staff poster.

Why Health and Safety for Salons Matters More Than Ever

The beauty industry has unique risks that many business owners don’t fully appreciate. When you’re dealing with chemicals, hot styling tools, wet floors, and close client contact, salon health and safety isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about preventing real harm.

The Legal Reality:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 applies to ALL businesses, including salons
COSHH regulations govern chemical handling (hair dyes, perming solutions, nail products)
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999require risk assessments
Fire Safety Order 2005 mandates fire risk assessments and emergency procedures
Local authority inspections can happen at any time

The Financial Reality:

HSE fines for salon health and safety breaches can reach £20,000+
Insurance claims get complicated without proper compliance
One serious incident can destroy years of reputation building
Staff absence costs money, and preventable accidents are just that – preventable

Common Health and Safety for Salons Gaps We See

After working with beauty businesses across Herefordshire and beyond, we’ve spotted the same salon health and safety issues time and again. These are the gaps that get salons into trouble:

The “Big 3” Missing Essentials:

Missing HSE Health & Safety Law Poster – legally required to be displayed
No written policies – required for salons with 5+ employees
Inadequate or missing risk assessments – the foundation of all H&S compliance

Salon-Specific Compliance Gaps:

COSHH assessments missing for hair dyes, nail products, cleaning chemicals
Fire risk assessment not updated for salon layout and chemicals stored
First aid provision inadequate – no trained first aiders, just an “appointed person”
PAT testing overdue on electrical styling equipment
Accident book missing or not being used properly

Chemical Safety Oversights:

Safety data sheets not readily available to staff
Inadequate ventilation for nail areas or chemical mixing
Improper storage of flammable products
Staff not trained on emergency spill procedures

Physical Safety Issues:

Wet floors from washing stations without proper drainage
Hair clippings creating slip hazards throughout the day
Trailing leads from styling tools across walkways
Hot styling tools left unattended near clients

How Does Your Salon Score for Health & Safety Compliance?

Before we dive deeper into salon-specific risks, why not find out where you stand right now? Our quick 7-question Health & Safety Quiz takes just 2 minutes and gives you:

🎯 Your current compliance score – see where you stand
📋 Free printable H&S compliance checklist – tackle the basics
📄 Ready-to-use policy template – perfect for salons with 5+ employees
📌 Visual ‘H&S at a Glance’ staff poster – instant workplace display

Take the Quiz Now →

Over 500 business owners have used this quiz to identify their biggest compliance gaps. Most are surprised by what they discover!

Salon Health and Safety: Industry-Specific Risks You Can’t Ignore

Health and safety for salons isn’t just about general workplace safety. Your business faces unique challenges that require specific attention:

Chemical Exposure Risks (COSHH Critical):

Hair dyes and bleaches – can cause severe allergic reactions, require patch testing protocols
Nail products – contain solvents requiring proper ventilation and storage
Cleaning chemicals – need proper storage, handling procedures, and emergency protocols
Chemical mixing – can create dangerous reactions if procedures aren’t followed

Fire Safety Considerations:

Flammable products – hairsprays, nail polish removers, cleaning solvents
Electrical equipment – multiple high-wattage styling tools used simultaneously
Emergency evacuation – clients may be mid-treatment with chemicals on hair/nails
Fire risk assessment must account for salon-specific hazards

Client Safety Responsibilities:

Allergic reaction protocols – patch testing, client consultation procedures
Infection control – sterilization of tools, hygiene between clients
Pregnancy considerations – safe products and positioning for expectant mothers
Medical condition awareness – understanding contraindications for treatments

Your Salon Health and Safety Compliance Checklist

Don’t know where to start? Here’s your step-by-step salon health and safety action plan:

Week 1: The Legal Essentials

Display HSE Health & Safety Law Poster (or provide leaflets)
Check Employers’ Liability Insurance certificate is displayed
Locate/purchase proper Accident Book (BI510)
Identify your “appointed person” for first aid

Week 2: Risk Assessment Basics

Walk through salon identifying obvious hazards
List all chemicals used (hair products, nail products, cleaning)
Check all electrical equipment for obvious damage
Review fire evacuation routes and procedures

Week 3: Documentation

Start written Health & Safety Policy (if 5+ employees)
Begin documenting risk assessments
Gather Safety Data Sheets for all chemical products
Check PAT testing dates on all electrical equipment

Week 4: Staff and Procedures

Brief staff on emergency procedures
Review client consultation procedures
Check first aid kit contents and expiry dates
Schedule any overdue PAT testing

When DIY Salon Health and Safety Isn’t Enough

We get it – as a salon owner, you want to handle as much as possible yourself. But there comes a point where professional help isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for proper health and safety for salons compliance.

You Need Professional Help If:

You’re not sure what policies you actually need
COSHH assessments feel overwhelming (and they should – chemicals are serious)
You’ve had a near-miss or incident
Insurance requirements are unclear
Local authority inspection is looming
You’re expanding or changing services
You have 5+ employees and need written policies

The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong:

We’ve seen salon owners face:

£15,000+ fines for inadequate COSHH compliance
Insurance claims rejected due to poor risk assessments
Staff legal action after preventable chemical exposure
Client compensation claims due to inadequate safety procedures
Closure orders from local authorities during inspections

Professional Health and Safety for Salons Support

At Marches Group, we understand that salon health and safety needs to work in the real world. Our approach isn’t about overwhelming you with paperwork – it’s about creating practical systems that protect your business while fitting into your daily operations.

Our Salon-Specific Expertise:

COSHH assessments tailored to beauty products and procedures
Fire risk assessments that understand salon layouts and chemical storage
Policy development written in plain English for your specific salon
Staff training that’s practical and relevant to beauty industry risks

Our Health & Safety Support Packages:

Essentials Package – £44.99 + VAT/month

Perfect for smaller salons tackling the basics:

Monthly health and safety support calls
HSE Law Poster and basic compliance guidance
Policy templates tailored for salons
Email and phone support for urgent questions
Covers the “Big 3” gaps we see in most salons

Pro Package – £97 + VAT/month

Comprehensive support for established salons:

Everything in Essentials, plus:
Annual on-site inspection (worth £250) – we come to you
Customized COSHH assessments for your specific products
Written policy development for salons with 5+ employees
Fire risk assessment support
Priority support response

Premier Package – £249 + VAT/month

Complete peace of mind for multi-location or complex salons:

Everything in Pro, plus:
Comprehensive fire risk assessment (worth £499)
Quarterly compliance reviews – staying ahead of changes
Staff training coordination – we arrange and deliver
Incident investigation support – expert help when things go wrong

Real Salon Health and Safety Success Stories

“Before Marches Group, I was constantly worried about compliance. The COSHH assessment alone was worth the investment – we discovered we were storing chemicals incorrectly and had no idea of the risks. Now I have clear policies, my team knows what to do, and I can focus on what I love.”
– Sarah, Hair & Beauty Salon Owner, Herefordshire

“The Pro package saved us during a local authority inspection. Having proper documentation and procedures in place meant what could have been a nightmare turned into a positive experience. The inspector was impressed with our setup.”
– Mark, Barbershop Owner, Worcestershire

Your Next Steps for Better Salon Health and Safety

Getting your health and safety for salons compliance sorted doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to move forward:

Option 1: Start with Our Free Assessment

Take our 7-question Health & Safety Quiz to get your compliance score and free starter pack. Sometimes just knowing where you stand is the first step to getting sorted.

Option 2: Use the Free Resources

Download your free compliance checklist and policy template from the quiz, then work through the basics at your own pace.

Option 3: Get Professional Assessment

Book a consultation to discuss your specific salon health and safety needs. We’ll assess your current situation and recommend the most appropriate support level.

Option 4: Full Professional Support

Jump straight into one of our support packages and get everything sorted properly from day one. No more sleepless nights worrying about compliance.

Don’t Let Health and Safety for Salons Overwhelm You

Your salon should be a place where people feel pampered and beautiful, not somewhere you’re constantly worried about compliance issues. With the right salon health and safety systems in place, you can focus on what you do best – making your clients look and feel amazing.

The legal requirements might seem daunting, but they’re there to protect everyone – your staff, your clients, and your business. And with professional support, compliance becomes manageable, even straightforward.

Ready to get your salon health and safety sorted? We’re here to make compliance simple, practical, and stress-free.

Want to discuss your specific salon health and safety needs? Every beauty business is different, and we understand the unique challenges you face. Our team can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate support.

Questions about health and safety for salons? Get in touch with our team at [email protected] or call 01568 605 110. We’re here to help you protect your business, your staff, and your clients – because when you’re compliant, everyone wins.

Remember: This guidance covers general salon health and safety requirements, but specific treatments or services may have additional regulations. Always consult with a qualified health and safety professional for your specific situation.