Training Information
Health and Safety
1. AN EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES
- You must take reasonable care of you own Health and Safety.
- You must also take reasonable care of colleagues and others who may be affected by your behaviour and things you forget to do correctly.
- You must always co-operate with your supervisors and managers to enable them to meet their own legal requirements. It is important to understand that they have to do their own job properly and effectively.
- You must observe and abide by all health and safety rules and procedures as they are there to protect you and are legal requirements.
- You must inform your workplace supervisor/manager immediately if you find or see something you think could be dangerous at work. This could be an electrical fault, a loose piece of carpet or tile, water on the floor or a chemical that has not been sealed correctly.
- You must ensure that you use all machinery/materials and equipment strictly in accordance with the training you have been given and in line with manufacturer’s instructions and health, safety and welfare in the workplace.
2. COMMON HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE
A hazard is something that could possibly cause you injury, ill health or harm in some way.
Below are some common forms of hazards that could be found in your workplace:
CHEMICALS:
Whilst potentially not life threatening in
the hairdressing industry, the chemicals that are used in hairdressing
salons can be the cause of skin irritation, stinging or a burning sensation
on the skin and in some cases allergic reactions. Therefore always follow
the manufacturer's instructions and follow skin testing procedures for
your own and your customer's protection.
FIRE:
This is obviously a potential hazard in any place of work.
Fire can be caused in a variety of ways such as: faulty/poor wiring, electrical equipment overheating and waste paper and cardboard boxes.
FALLS:
Any type of fall could cause various types of injuries. Stairs are an obvious hazard as well as standing on chairs and stepladders.
TRIPPING OVER:
Things such as boxes, pieces of wood and jars/bottles are all items if left on the floor could cause either yourself or a customer/visitor to trip and fall. Also, loose floor tiles, unstuck pieces of carpet or stray cables and loose floor matting can be potential hazards, Care must always be taken and if you see any of these ensure you inform your supervisor/manager immediately.
3. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Where is the first aid kit kept?
- Where are the fire exits in the building and where is your nearest exit?
- Where is your fire assembly point and how do you get there?
- What is the fire drill and when do the drills take place?
- What does the fire alarm sound like?
Above all you must always be aware of your own and your colleague's health and safety at work and if in any doubt about any aspect of your health, safety and welfare at work contact your supervisor/manager immediately.