Hairdressing Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A hairdressing risk assessment is your legal roadmap to maintaining a safe salon environment in England and Wales. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you have a statutory duty to assess and control workplace risks, making this document essential for any hairdressing business. This comprehensive assessment identifies potential hazards from chemical products, electrical equipment, and daily salon operations, then establishes control measures to protect your staff and clients.

When do you need this document?

You must complete a hairdressing risk assessment before opening your salon, and review it regularly thereafter. The law requires immediate assessment when you introduce new chemicals, equipment, or procedures. If you're hiring new staff, expanding your services to include advanced chemical treatments, or relocating your business, a fresh risk assessment becomes mandatory. Following workplace accidents or near-misses, you'll need to review and update your assessment to prevent future incidents. Annual reviews are considered best practice, though more frequent assessments may be necessary in busy salons with changing procedures.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must address specific hazards unique to hairdressing operations. Chemical handling procedures for hair dyes, bleaches, and perming solutions require particular attention under COSHH Regulations 2002. You'll need to document ventilation requirements, storage protocols, and emergency procedures for chemical spills. Electrical safety considerations include wet-hand precautions around hairdryers, straighteners, and other heated appliances. Ergonomic risks from repetitive cutting motions and prolonged standing must be evaluated alongside slip hazards from wet floors. Personal protective equipment requirements, staff training records, and client consultation procedures should all be documented within your assessment framework.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandate that your risk assessment must be written down if you employ five or more people. You're legally required to share relevant findings with employees and provide adequate training on identified risks and control measures. The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 set specific standards for salon facilities including minimum temperature, lighting levels, and cleanliness requirements that must be addressed in your assessment. Under Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, you must provide appropriate protective equipment where risks cannot be adequately controlled through other means. Regular monitoring and review procedures must be established, with updated assessments required whenever significant changes occur to your operations, equipment, or premises.