Since the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses up and down the UK have had serious and legitimate concerns about the steps they should be taking to keep their staff and customers safe. It has been important for these businesses to have access to reliable, accurate and up-to-date information tailored specifically to their own sectors, and adapted to suit the requirements of a complex and frequently changing situation.
To address this need, over the past few months Business Companion – a free online resource produced by CTSI with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – has been publishing a series of special Coronavirus bulletins.
The latest of these has been created specifically for the hair and beauty sector.
Because businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons operate ‘close contact services’, they present their own unique set of risks and challenges, and have been affected more than many by measures to stem the spread of the virus.
One of the most important aspects of preventing the spread of COVID-19 is the correct use of PPE, face masks and face coverings. To support this, the bulletin features an easy-to-follow guide to the 12 things businesses need to know to get this right.
The bulletin also provides many useful resources and links to further reading, as well as a checklist to keep track of the changes being implemented.
Following the guidance will help to ensure the safety of everyone who works in and visits salons, giving businesses and consumers peace of mind that they are doing everything they can to protect each other during these difficult times. It also serves as a useful resource for trading standards and enforcement professionals who themselves need to stay up-to-date with the latest Government guidance.
The Hair and beauty salons and barbershops coronavirus bulletin, which is also available as a downloadable PDF, includes practical guidance on:
- Conducting a health and safety risk assessment incorporating COVID-19 provisions
- COVID-19 risk mitigation measures
- The information you need to give to staff and clients
- The procedures you should follow around deliveries
- How you should support NHS Test & Trace
- Best-practice cleaning measures
- Toilets and washrooms for staff and customers
- Safe use of water systems
- Ventilation, laundry and waste
