Beauty Guild Covid-19 Safe Working Guide

The following information provides Beauty Guild members with a 5 step process which we recommend should be followed in conjunction with the Government’s guidelines Working Safely during COVID-19 in close contact services.

Step 1. Complete the GTi Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control Course

The Beauty Guild’s course Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control course has been specifically written for beauty, hair, nail and holistic professionals. This course is completed online and allows you to formulate a Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control policy for your business. This course is free for Guild members. You can enrol on the course here.

Step 2. Download and read the Government guidelines - Working Safely during COVID-19 in close contact services

You are required to follow the Government guidelines as issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). These are provided in the document Working Safely during COVID-19 in close contact services. Close contact services include hairdressing, barbershops, beauty and nail bars, makeup, tattoo and spray tanning studios, spas, sports and massage therapy, well-being and holistic locations, dress fitters, tailors and fashion designers.

This document is available on the Government website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/close-contact-services

Step 3. Check with your own regional Government regarding when you can re-open

Public health is devolved in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The UK Government’s guidelines should be considered alongside local public health and safety requirements and legislation in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. For full details you will need to refer to the website of the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government.

Step 4. Obtain And Use The Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The person providing a service, because of the period of time spent in close proximity to a person’s face, mouth and nose should wear further protection in addition to any that they might usually wear. This should take the form of a clear visor and a Type II Face Mask. Clear visors cover the face (and typically provides a barrier between the wearer and the client from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing or speaking). Visors must fit the user and be worn properly. They should cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face. Both disposable and re-usable visors are available. A re-usable visor must be cleaned and disinfected between each client using normal cleaning products. A Type II face mask should be worn with the visor. Type II face masks are not PPE but will provide a physical barrier to minimise contamination of the mouth and nose when used correctly. Ensure you are hydrated before putting a mask on. Type II face masks are medical face masks made up of a protective 3-ply construction that prevents large particles from reaching the client or working surfaces. To help you decide which actions to take, you must carry out an appropriate COVID-19 risk assessment, just as you would for other health and safety related hazards.

Step 5. Carry out specific risk assessments on all the treatments and services you offer

The Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control course includes information on how to carry out a general risk assessment for your business. Further information is also available from the HSE website. In addition to the general risk assessment, you will need to carry out individual risk assessments on all the treatments you offer in your salon whilst following the Government guidelines for Covid-19.

The Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control course is free to Guild members. Click the link to see the course details and enrol.