Hair cutting & barbering Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Tool and attachment sanitation — Clean visible debris then disinfect combs, guards, scissors and clips to contact time; use fresh Barbicide daily and label jars. Rotate duplicate tool sets to ensure full immersion time; air-dry on clean mats and store covered to prevent re-contamination.
• Electrical safety (clippers/dryers) — Daily visual checks for cracked casings, loose plugs and nicked cables; tag out damaged tools. PAT test to schedule; avoid daisy-chains, keep cords off wet areas, and unplug before blade changes or cleaning; provide RCD protection on tool circuits.
• Hot tools and blow-dryer burns — Test nozzle heat on the wrist, keep dryers moving, and use guards on heated brushes. Create a heat-safe zone on the station; store tools on insulated mats, never on capes or laps, and warn clients when heat is close to skin; cool down fully before storing.
• 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.
• Children’s unpredictable movement — Obtain guardian consent; use booster seats and capes that don’t obscure hands. Explain “freeze” points before scissor/razor moments; keep conversation engaging and tools out of reach; defer sharp detailing if the child cannot stay still safely.