Risk assessment and hazard control

Risk assessment and hazard control

Risk Assessment in Beauty Therapy

What is a Risk Assessment?

  • A Risk Assessment is a systematic method of identifying and evaluating hazards.
  • The goal is to prevent harm by applying measures to control risks.

Why is Risk Assessment important?

  • It’s a fundamental step to maintain a safe work environment.
  • It’s a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

How to do a Risk Assessment?

Step 1: Identify the Hazards

  • A ‘hazard’ is anything that has the potential to cause harm.
  • In a beauty salon setting, this might be unclean equipment, electrical appliances, or chemical products.

Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How

  • Consider all employees, clients, or anyone else who may potentially be harmed by the identified hazard.

Step 3: Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Precautions

  • Decide on the severity and likelihood of each risk.
  • Implement control measures to either eliminate or minimise them.

Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Them

  • Keep a written record of your risk assessment. This is a legal requirement if you employ 5 or more people.
  • Make sure all employees understand and follow the control measures you put in place.

Step 5: Review Your Risk Assessment and Update if Necessary

  • Risk assessments should be reviewed and updated regularly.
  • It’s particularly important to review if there are any significant changes in the workplace, such as new equipment or procedures.

Hazard Control

Control Measures

  • The aim is to eliminate the risk, if possible.
  • If it can’t be eliminated, then minimise the risk as much as is reasonably practicable.

The Hierarchy of Control Measures

  • Elimination – Remove the hazard completely if possible.
  • Substitution – Replace the hazard with a less risky option.
  • Engineering Controls – Use safety mechanisms to control the risk.
  • Administrative Controls – Change the way people work to reduce the risk.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Use protective gear (like gloves) to protect against the risk, this should be the last resort.

Remember to revise these points regularly for better understanding of Risk Assessment and Hazard Control in Beauty Therapy.