Hair cutting & barbering Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Hot towel temperature burns — Use a thermometer or test towels on the inner forearm; wait a few seconds after steamer removal; wring thoroughly to avoid dripping heat; warn clients and avoid use on sensitive or freshly shaved irritated skin; remove immediately if stinging occurs.
• Sharps disposal and incident response — Use puncture-resistant sharps containers at the station; never recap blades; dispose immediately after use. Keep colour-coded waste, log any sharps injury, and trigger the post-exposure pathway with timely medical follow-up and insurer notification.
• Eye exposure to hair fragments or sprays — Angle nozzles away from the face, shield eyes with a clean hand or towel during fringe work and spray use; offer protective glasses on request. Use minimal pressure air to clear loose hair and avoid spraying directly over the client’s eyes.
• Neck strip and cape hygiene — Use single-use neck strips for every client and launder capes at high temperature daily. Replace damaged capes, avoid cape-to-skin contact, and keep clean/used linen clearly separated; disinfect cape clasps and chair contact points between clients.
• Ear and neckline lacerations — Work slowly around ears with comb control; keep scissor tips angled away from the pinna and use guards for necklines. Ask the client to stay still; pause if they move; use mirrors to check angles and finish with guarded razors only where skin is flat.