Nail services & enhancements (manicure, pedicure, gel/acrylic, e-file) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Communication, consent and services for minors — Use visual shade charts and plain-language options; confirm length, shape and art steps before irreversible filing or curing. Provide written aftercare, obtain guardian consent for minors, keep designs age-appropriate, and document who consented and any agreed limits.
• Ingrown nail aggravation and contraindications — Avoid invasive corner cutting; file edges straight with gentle bevel and never probe sulci. Screen for diabetes, vascular issues and active infections; defer cosmetic work over inflamed or infected areas and signpost for podiatry; document adapted shaping.
• Breaks to skin and blood exposure — Use sharp, disinfected tools and avoid living tissue; stabilise fingers/toes before any trim. If skin is breached, stop, don gloves, clean and disinfect to full contact time, dress the wound, bag waste, and quarantine implements for reprocessing; record the incident for traceability.
• Primer and monomer chemical hazards — Prefer non-acid/low-acid primers applied as micro-dots to the plate only; prohibit MMA monomers via supplier checks and SDS. Store liquids capped and upright, clean spills immediately, ventilate stations, and dispose soaked waste in metal lidded bins away from ignition.
• UV/LED exposure and curing quality — Match lamp brand/wavelength to product; apply thin, even layers and cure to prescribed cycles, adding a safety pass for dark shades. Offer fingertip sunscreen or fingerless gloves, fit lamp hoods/shields, and avoid staring into emitters during operation.