Workplace Health and Safety

Workplace Health and Safety Student Program
Hairdressing Industry (Continued)

Hazard Identification

Hazard identification is a key step in preventing injury and disease in the workplace. Where there's a risk, you need to stop and think. You need to think about what you are about to do, the potential risks and the likely effects on yourself and other people.

The 3 Step Approach to Hazard Identification:

1. Spot the hazard.

Be alert at work! Notice potential hazards and work out what the problem is.

2. Assess the risk.

Talk to your supervisor about the hazard and work out a way to solve the problem.

3. Make the changes.

Follow through. Carry out the agreed actions in order to solve the problem.

Hazardous Substances
Hairdressing can require employees to work with hazardous substances on a frequent basis.

A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to you.

Hazardous substances are dangerous. How dangerous depends on the type of substance, what it is made of, the way it enters the body, and the amount of substance that enters the body.

Your workplace may use a lot of different hazardous substances. Some may be things you see every day such as hair dyes, hair spray, perming solutions and other solutions.

Harm to health may occur suddenly, such as dizziness, nausea and itchy eyes or skin; or it may occur gradually over years, such as dermatitis or cancer. Some people can be more susceptible than others.

Dermatitis of the hands and breathing problems caused by breathing in fumes from sprays and solutions is a serious problem in the Hairdressing Industry.

Material Safety Data Sheet

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides detailed information on a hazardous substance. It gives more details than a label. MSDSs are provided for your employer by the manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances.

If you need more information on what you are using, ask your supervisor or health and safety representative for an MSDS.

It is important that hazardous substances in workplaces are used according to:

the manufacturer's or supplier's written instructions, (the MSDS); and
agreed safe work procedures.

First aid treatment for hazardous substances should be part of your training.

Remember:

follow safe work procedures;
always correctly wear the appropriate safety equipment provided by your employer;
do not eat, drink or smoke while working with a hazardous substance;
do not keep food or drink near the substance;
wash your hands and face and other exposed areas with soap and water before going to the toilet or eating and drinking; and
read the MSDS.

It is the responsibility of your employer to provide you with safe work procedures for handling hazardous substances and to provide information, training and supervision.

Personal Protective Equipment

Employers are required to provide personal protective equipment and clothing (P.P.E.) when hazards in the workplace cannot be eliminated.

After receiving training, employees are required to use the personal protective equipment supplied by the employer and follow all safety instructions.

Personal protective equipment and clothing used in the Hairdressing Industry can include such things as gloves; coveralls (aprons); footwear with covered non-slip soles; and protective hand creams as appropriate. Employees should be instructed and trained in the correct use of the P.P.E. provided by the employer.