How to conduct a COSHH assessment for salon chemicals

To comply with UK law, you must conduct a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment to identify every hazardous substance in your salon, evaluate the risks they pose to you and your clients, and implement strict controls to prevent harm. This isn't just a paperwork exercise; it is a vital safety measure to prevent skin irritation, respiratory issues, and long-term health problems caused by salon chemicals.

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. In a salon environment, this covers almost everything you use that isn't plain water: hair dyes, bleaches, perming lotions, nail monomers, and even everyday cleaning sprays. If a product has a hazard symbol on the back (usually a red diamond), it falls under COSHH.

Step 1: Gather your Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Before you start your assessment, you need the facts. Every professional product supplier is legally required to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for hazardous products. This is not the small instruction leaflet in the box; it is a multi-page technical document. You can usually download these from the manufacturer's website or request them from your wholesaler.

Step 2: Identify the Hazards

Walk through your salon and list every chemical product. For each one, note the following based on the SDS:

• The Hazard: Is it flammable? Is it a skin sensitiser? Is it toxic if inhaled?
• Who is at risk? Usually, this is the stylist (frequent exposure) and the client (occasional exposure).
• Route of entry: How does it enter the body? (e.g., skin contact during mixing or inhalation of fumes from hairspray).

Step 3: Evaluate and Control the Risks

Now you must decide how to stop these hazards from causing harm. In the UK, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) recommends the following hierarchy of control:

1. Eliminate: Do you actually need the chemical? If not, stop using it.
2. Substitute: Can you use a less hazardous version? (e.g., using dust-free bleach powder instead of traditional powder to prevent inhalation).
3. Engineering Controls: Use an extraction fan or ensure the salon is well-ventilated to clear fumes.
4. Administrative Controls: Change how you work, such as mixing chemicals in a dedicated, well-ventilated "colour bar" area.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This is your last line of defence. For salons, this almost always includes high-quality nitrile gloves (not vinyl, which can be permeable to some dyes) and aprons.

Step 4: Safe Storage and Disposal

Your COSHH assessment must also include procedures for when the chemicals aren't in use:

Action	Requirement
Storage	Store chemicals in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep them at eye level or below to prevent spills into eyes.
Access	Ensure hazardous substances are stored in a secure area away from clients and children.
Disposal	Never pour undiluted chemicals down the sink. Follow the SDS instructions for disposal.

Step 5: Record and Review

If you have five or more employees, you must record your assessment in writing. However, even if you are a sole trader, it is best practice to keep a "COSHH Folder." This should contain your assessment for each product group and the corresponding Safety Data Sheets. Review this document annually, or immediately if you switch to a new product line.

Pro Tip: Dermatitis is the most common health issue in the hairdressing industry. Your COSHH assessment should place a heavy emphasis on "The Three Check Rule": Check skin for early signs of redness, Check that gloves are being worn for every chemical process, and Check that moisturiser is used regularly.