In the hair and beauty industry, salons and spas are not just places of pampering; they are workplaces that must adhere to health and safety standards. The proper disposal of hair, nails, blood, needles, chemicals, and hazardous containers is critical in preventing the spread of infections and ensuring the safety of both employees and clients. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of South Africa provides guidelines that must be followed to maintain a safe environment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) includes a General Duty Clause (Section 8) that requires employers to maintain a workplace free from recognised hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm. This clause is often cited when there isn’t a specific OSHA standard for a particular hazard.
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993, pertains to the general duties of employers to ensure workplace safety:
Section 8(1):
"Every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of his employees."
This clause emphasises the employer's responsibility to maintain a safe working environment, which includes the proper disposal of hazardous materials like hair, blood, needles, chemicals, and chemical containers.
The Risks of Improper Disposal:
Improper disposal of hair, blood, and needles can pose significant health risks. Hair clippings, although seemingly harmless, can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, especially when mixed with bodily fluids like blood. Needles used in treatments such as microblading, microneedling, or even some facial treatments can be vectors for bloodborne diseases if not disposed of correctly.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993, mandates that employers ensure a safe working environment for their employees. This includes implementing safe disposal practices for hazardous materials like hair, blood, needles, and any chemical products or holders. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and closure of business operations.
For the disposal of dangerous hazards, employers must comply with the relevant OSHA standards and regulations that address specific types of hazardous materials and waste. These standards ensure that employers take appropriate measures to safely manage and dispose of hazardous substances to protect workers and the environment
How to create safe disposal practices:
Hair Disposal:
Hair should be swept up immediately after a cut to prevent it from contaminating work surfaces or coming into contact with other clients.
Use a closed bin lined with a disposable bag to collect hair. This prevents the spread of any bacteria or fungi that might be present.
Dispose of the bag in general waste, but be mindful that it should be sealed properly to prevent spillage.
Clean and dust off brooms and dustpans properly after cleaning hair to prevent any hair from falling back onto surfaces.
Nail Clippings and Nail Pieces:
Nail clippings and pieces should be swept or vacuumed up immediately after a manicure, pedicure, or nail treatment to prevent them from spreading across the workspace.
Collect the nail clippings in a closed bin lined with a disposable bag. The bin should be kept close to the work area to minimise the risk of clippings falling to the floor.
Once the nail clippings have been collected, the bag should be sealed tightly to prevent any pieces from escaping. Nail clippings can generally be disposed of in the regular domestic waste. However, the sealed bag should be placed in a waste bin that is emptied regularly to maintain hygiene standards.
After the nail clippings are collected, the work surface should be wiped down with a disinfectant to remove any remaining particles and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
The closed bin used for nail clippings should be emptied regularly, and the bin itself should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent any buildup of bacteria or fungi.
Employees should be trained on the importance of proper nail clipping disposal, including how to collect, seal, and dispose of clippings correctly. Gloves should be worn when handling nail clippings to minimise direct contact and maintain hygiene.
Blood and Bodily Fluid Disposal:
Any blood or bodily fluids should be cleaned up immediately using gloves and a disinfectant solution. The area should then be thoroughly sanitised.
Absorbent materials such as tissues or paper towels used to clean up should be placed in a biohazard bag.
These biohazard bags must be disposed of according to local hazardous waste disposal regulations. Partnering with a licensed medical waste disposal company is advisable.
Needle Disposal:
Needles must be handled with extreme care to avoid accidental needlestick injuries. They should be disposed of immediately after use in a sharps container.
Sharps containers should be puncture-proof, leak-proof, and labeled with the biohazard symbol.
When the container is three-quarters full, it should be sealed and collected by a medical waste disposal service. Never attempt to overfill or manually empty these containers.
To comply with the OHSA, it’s essential that all staff members are trained in the proper disposal of these materials. Regular training sessions should be conducted to keep everyone informed about the latest safety protocols and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and aprons.
The Importance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Managing Chemical Spills in Salons
In the Hair and Beauty industry, salons regularly use a wide array of chemicals, from hair dyes and relaxers to cleaning agents and disinfectants. While these products help achieve stunning transformations, they also come with potential hazards. Understanding how to handle these substances safely is crucial to protecting both clients and staff. This is where Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) play an essential role.
What is an MSDS?
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a detailed document that provides comprehensive information about a chemical substance. It includes critical details on the chemical's properties, potential hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency control measures. In a salon setting, having access to MSDS for all chemicals is not just a best practice; it’s often a legal requirement under occupational health and safety regulations.
Key Information Found on an MSDS
An MSDS typically contains the following sections:
Chemical Identity: This section lists the chemical's name and any synonyms, ensuring that there is no confusion about the substance in question.
Hazard Identification: Details about potential health risks, such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, or toxicity, are outlined here. This section is crucial for understanding the immediate dangers posed by the chemical.
Composition/Ingredients: The chemical composition is detailed, including any hazardous ingredients. This information is vital for identifying the specific risks associated with each component.
First Aid Measures: Instructions on what to do in case of exposure are provided, including symptoms to watch for and when to seek medical attention.
Firefighting Measures: This section offers guidance on how to extinguish fires involving the chemical, including suitable extinguishing media and any special precautions.
Accidental Release Measures: Guidelines on how to safely manage spills or leaks are included. This is particularly important in a salon where accidental spills of products like hair dye or relaxers can occur.
Handling and Storage: Proper storage and handling procedures are outlined to prevent accidents and ensure the chemical remains stable during use.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Recommended protective gear, such as gloves or masks, and exposure limits are provided to minimise health risks.
Physical and Chemical Properties: This section lists details like appearance, odor, boiling point, and more, helping staff identify the chemical and understand its behaviour.
Stability and Reactivity: Information on the chemical’s stability and potential reactions with other substances is crucial for preventing dangerous interactions.
Toxicological Information: The effects of exposure, including symptoms and potential long-term health effects, are detailed here.
Ecological Information: Impact on the environment is discussed, which is increasingly important as salons aim to reduce their ecological footprint.
Disposal Considerations: Proper disposal methods are outlined to ensure that chemicals are disposed of safely and in compliance with regulations.
Regulatory Information: Any legal requirements or restrictions related to the chemical are provided, ensuring compliance with local and international laws.
Other Information: This section may include additional data or updates that have been added since the last revision of the MSDS.
How to Manage Chemical Spills in Salons
Despite the best efforts to handle chemicals carefully, spills can happen in any salon. Knowing how to respond effectively can prevent accidents, protect health, and minimise damage.
Ensure Safety: Immediately evacuate the area to prevent anyone from coming into contact with the chemicals, especially if they are hazardous. Make sure that only trained personnel handle the cleanup.
Ventilation: Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and reduce the concentration of fumes. This is particularly important for volatile chemicals that can release harmful vapors.
Protective Gear: If you need to clean up the spill, make sure to wear protective gloves, masks, and eye protection. This helps prevent direct contact with the chemical, which could cause burns or other injuries.
Contain the Spill: Use absorbent materials like paper towels, cloths, or commercial spill kits to contain the spill. Avoid spreading it further by carefully surrounding the spill and preventing it from reaching drains or other sensitive areas.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Place the used absorbent materials in a sealed, labeled bag for proper disposal. Some chemicals require specific disposal methods, so follow any guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Consult the MSDS for disposal instructions to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Clean the Area: After the spill is contained, clean the area thoroughly with water and a suitable cleaner. Avoid using products that might react with the spilled chemicals, which could create additional hazards.
Report the Incident: Inform management and document the incident. If the spill is significant or involves hazardous materials, it may also need to be reported to the appropriate health and safety authorities.
Review Procedures: After the incident, review your salon's safety procedures and ensure everyone is trained on how to handle chemicals and respond to spills in the future. Regular training and updates can help prevent future spills and ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Why MSDS and Spill Management are Crucial in Salons
Safety: MSDS sheets and proper spill management protocols help salon workers understand the risks and necessary precautions when handling potentially hazardous chemicals. This knowledge is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe working environment.
Compliance: Many countries require salons to maintain and readily access MSDS for all chemicals used in the workplace. Similarly, having a plan for managing spills is often part of regulatory compliance. Failure to comply can result in fines and other legal consequences.
Emergency Response: In the event of a chemical spill, exposure, or fire, MSDS provides crucial information for responding effectively. This can make the difference between a minor incident and a serious health or safety issue.
Employers and managers play a crucial role in enforcing proper disposal practices in the hair and beauty industry. It is their responsibility to ensure that the workplace is equipped with the necessary disposal containers, that these containers are emptied regularly, and that all employees are trained and aware of the health risks associated with improper disposal.
Maintaining a safe and hygienic environment is not just about client satisfaction—it is a legal requirement under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. By implementing proper disposal practices for hair, blood, needles, and chemical waste, salon and spa owners can protect their clients, staff, and businesses from the risks associated with hazardous waste. Compliance with these regulations safeguards public health and enhances the reputation of the business as a responsible and professional establishment.
The industry relies heavily on chemical products, making it essential for salon owners and employees to be well-versed in the safe handling of these substances. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are invaluable tools in this regard, offering detailed guidance on everything from everyday handling to emergency response. Equally important is managing chemical spills effectively. By ensuring that all staff is trained to use MSDS, manage spills and that these documents are easily accessible, salons can create a safer, more compliant, and professional environment.
