Chemical hair services (colour, bleach, perms) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Occupational asthma from persulfate dust — Use low-dust lighteners, mix gently under local extraction, keep lids on bowls, decant minimal quantities, and avoid vigorous shaking. Offer FFP2/3 to symptomatic staff, rotate tasks, and set up health surveillance with referral pathways for persistent respiratory symptoms.
• Skin staining and clothing damage — Apply barrier cream at hairline/ears, use fresh neck strips and chemical-resistant capes, and keep absorbent towels ready. Wipe drips promptly, use only approved stain removers on skin, and cover clothing; segregate clean/used linens and launder at high temperature.
• Incompatible hair history or metallic salts reaction — Take a detailed history of box dyes, henna and metallic salts; perform strand tests before high-lift or bleach. Discontinue if heat/fume reactions occur; choose chelation, removers or staged plans instead. Document decisions and set realistic outcomes with the client.
• Handling and storage of oxidisers/reducers — Store peroxide upright, capped and away from heat/sunlight; segregate oxidisers from combustibles. Handle thioglycolate and perm solutions with gloves, keep SDS/COSHH to hand, train spill response, and use labelled, shatter-resistant bottles with dated batch logs.
• Eye exposure to chemical products — Fit towels/eye shields for hairline work, keep wipes ready, and angle bowls away from the face. In case of splash, irrigate continuously with sterile eyewash or cool water for 15+ mins, remove lenses, seek medical advice as needed, and complete an incident record with product details.