Coronavirus: Workplace safety guidelines released by the government
By Kat Hill | 12 July 2020 | News, Products & Treatments
The workplace safety guidelines for ‘close contact services’ have been released by the government. Entitled Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), the document sets out guidance and practical advice on how to open workplaces safely, while minimising the risk of spreading Covid-19.
Hair, beauty & nail services fall into the close contact services category, so the 42-page document sees action points for employers, employees and the self-employed (including mobile and freelance workers) and guidance on developing new ways of working or to help prepare for reopening businesses.
Click here to read the Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) government guidelines.
The release comes after the announcement yesterday (23 June) that from the 4 July hair salons and barbershops, including mobile hairdressers and barbers, are allowed to reopen their business to clients.
Currently, beauty business (including but not limited to nail bars, eyelash and brow bars, makeup artists, tattoo and tanning studios, spas, sports and massage therapy, well-being and holistic locations) can use these guidelines to prepare for reopening but are NOT allowed to open until it is advised that it is safe to do so by the government.
The document was prepared by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with input from firms, unions, industry bodies and the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Key areas covered in the documentation include:
- Risk assessment
- Social distancing in the workplace
- Cleaning the workplace
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings
- Workforce management
Key points also include:
- All salons must stick to social distancing and maintain two metres between clients, or one metre with additional precautions, such as the use of screens.
- Face visors must be worn by practitioners for all activities. Face coverings are not an acceptable alternative to visors, but clients or staff may choose to wear an additional face covering.
- No walk-ins; clients must be seen by appointment only. Salon and barbershop owners will be required to keep a temporary record of all clients and visitors for 21 days to support the NHS test-and-trace system which controls outbreaks of the virus.
- No food or drinks to be consumed in the salon by clients other than water in disposable cups or bottles.
- The guidance does not ban the use of hairdryers.
The guidelines are based on up to date scientific evidence. Face visors must be worn by anyone carrying out hairdressing, barbering or beauty activities. These provide a clear perspex covering for the eyes, nose and mouth from the forehead down. Face coverings may be worn as an extra precaution, but not as an alternative to visors.
The government makes a distinction between face coverings and face masks. Face masks are used by health and care workers, while face coverings are what the government is advising people to wear on public transport, for example. Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you from the virus, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not developed symptoms.
The ‘highest risk zone’ is the area in front of the face where splashes and droplets from the nose and mouth which may not be visible can be present.
The guidelines are currently for England only, with an update expected soon for the devolved nations on whether they will also be adopting the guidelines.
Hilary Hall, NHBF chief executive
“Although it’s great news that hairdressers and barbers in England have a confirmed opening date, these decisions have come very late in the day,” comments Hilary Hall, chief executive of the trade association, National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF).
“We are also extremely disappointed that beauty businesses are not yet allowed to reopen, and we have always emphasised that hair and beauty should reopen at the same time.
“We will continue to put pressure on the government to allow beauty businesses to reopen as soon as possible, and for financial support to be extended.
“We will be updating our back to work guidelines and risk assessments in line with the government advice. We are also holding a webinar for members on Thursday 25th June at 9.30am to go through the government guidelines in more detail.”
Click here to read the guidelines.
More information about industry body guidelines is available here.
For further guidance, click to visit the government’s further coronavirus resources: