RAISE THE ALARM
Use the nearest available alarm or call point where available. If necessary, clearly call: “FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!”
✓ DO: warn everyone immediately.✕ DO NOT: assume somebody else has raised the alarm.OPERATIONS & PEOPLE
Health & Safety
VISAGE HAIR LIMERICK · STAFF SAFETY HUB
V1.0 — PROTOTYPENot yet effective · local facts awaiting verification
ACT NOW
Need help now?
If there is serious or immediate danger: get away from the danger and get help. Call 999 / 112 where emergency services are required.
Fire / evacuationFire, smoke or alarmSerious injury / medical emergencyCollapse, bleeding, serious fall or illnessChemical exposure / reactionEyes, skin, reaction or accidental exposureElectric shockPerson in contact with dangerous electricitySerious burn / scaldHot tool, hot water or chemical burnDangerous spill / immediate hazardSignificant spill, broken material or unsafe areaThreatening / violent personAggression, threat or immediate dangerDangerous fumes / breathing dangerStrong fumes, breathing difficulty or several people affected
HOW TO USE THIS HUB
See it. Do it. Read more only if needed.
Short practical instructions for salon work. The Employee Handbook remains the source for employment rules and responsibilities. Formal risk assessments and local procedures sit separately.
EVERYDAY SAFETY
Find what you need.
Chemicals, PPE & skinLabels, SDS, gloves and skin protection→Equipment, heat & sharpsChecks, defects, hot tools, scissors and blades→Slips, trips & housekeepingWater, hair, obstructions and clear areas→Hygiene, cleaning & airTools, surfaces, waste and ventilation concerns→Body, posture & ergonomicsChair height, position and repetitive work→Lifting & manual handlingAssess the load, lift safely and get help→Individual support & young workersPregnancy, health conditions and work suitability→Report a hazard / near missUnsafe work, defects, concerns and near misses→First aid & incidentsNon-emergency injury, arrangements and reporting→Safety documentsSafety Statement, risk assessments and SDS information→
01 · FIRE / EVACUATION
🔥 Fire / evacuation
DO THESE IMMEDIATELY
These actions can happen at the same time. Do not wait for a named manager or another employee.
START EVACUATION
Leave by the nearest safe exit. Direct clients and visitors out where it is safe to do so.
✓ DO: leave immediately using a safe escape route.⚠ CAUTION: help others only where you can do so safely.✕ DO NOT: travel through smoke or an obviously unsafe route.CALL / ENSURE 999 OR 112 IS CALLED
The first person safely able to make the call should do so. Other staff confirm the call has been made.
✕ DO NOT: wait for a particular person before taking emergency action.ASSEMBLY POINT
LOCATION TO BE PHYSICALLY VERIFIED
Before this Hub becomes effective, confirm the actual designated assembly point in the formal emergency procedure.
⚠ CAUTION: once verified, this must be replaced with a large, exact assembly-point instruction.Also pending: the formal procedure must identify how staff, clients and visitors are accounted for, and any individual evacuation-assistance arrangements. This does not make every employee a fire warden.
ONCE OUT
STAY OUT.
Wait for the Fire Service or person controlling the emergency to say it is safe.
✕ DO NOT: re-enter.✕ DO NOT: return because smoke or fire appears to have stopped.Should I use a fire extinguisher?
Evacuation comes first. Only appropriately instructed or trained staff should use suitable fire-fighting equipment where the formal emergency procedure permits it and it can be done without risk.
✕ DO NOT: fight a fire if doing so puts you at risk.✕ DO NOT: let a fire block your escape route.Fire facts Adel must physically verify before finalisation
- Fire alarm / warning arrangement and manual alarm/call points, if present
- All escape routes, final exits, fire doors, signs and emergency lighting
- Exact designated assembly point
- Fire-fighting equipment, locations, suitability and servicing arrangements
- Who/how staff, clients and visitors are accounted for after evacuation
- Any evacuation-assistance arrangements and relevant trained/designated personnel
- Landlord/building responsibilities, current fire procedure, drills, testing and emergency contacts
02 · SERIOUS INJURY / MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Serious injury / medical emergency
1Make the area safeOnly if you can do so without risk. Stop the affected work where necessary.⚠ CAUTION: make the area safe only if you can do so without risk.
↓2Get first-aid helpGet the available trained help. Give first aid only within your competence.
↓3Call 999 / 112 if seriousFor a serious emergency, call or ensure emergency services have been called.✓ DO: call or ensure 999 / 112 has been called for a serious emergency.
↓4Do not move the person unnecessarilyWait for appropriate help unless there is immediate danger.✕ DO NOT: move the person unnecessarily.
↓5Report the incidentTell management after immediate danger has been dealt with.✓ DO: tell management promptly after immediate danger is dealt with.
First-aid contacts and locations remain pending premises verification. A near miss with no injury follows the hazard / near-miss reporting route.
First aid & incident reporting
1Get the available helpUse the current first-aid arrangements. Give treatment only within your competence.⚠ CAUTION: give treatment only within your competence.
2Tell management promptlyReport accidents, injuries, significant incidents and near misses after immediate danger is dealt with.✓ DO: report the incident or near miss promptly.
For a serious injury or medical emergency, use Serious injury / medical emergency.
Electric shock
1Do not touch the personThey may still be in contact with live electricity.✕ DO NOT: touch the person while electricity may still be live.
↓2Isolate the power — only if safeUse the normal safe switch or isolation method only if you can reach it without approaching the electrical danger.⚠ CAUTION: isolate only if you can do so without approaching the danger.✕ DO NOT: touch exposed wires, damaged equipment or the person while electricity may still be live.
↓3Call 999 / 112Get emergency help for an electric shock or serious electrical danger.✓ DO: call 999 / 112 for an electric shock or serious electrical danger.
↓4Get trained help when safeGive first aid only when the electrical danger is controlled and within your competence.
↓5Tell management promptlyReport the incident after immediate danger has been dealt with.
Serious burn / scald
1Stop the sourceMake the area safe only if you can do so without risk.⚠ CAUTION: stop the source only if you can do so without risk.
↓2Get first-aid helpGet the available trained help. Do not attempt treatment beyond your competence.✕ DO NOT: attempt treatment beyond your competence.
↓3Call 999 / 112 if seriousFor a serious burn, scald or chemical burn, get emergency help.✓ DO: call 999 / 112 for a serious burn, scald or chemical burn.
↓4Do not remove stuck materialWait for appropriate help unless there is immediate danger.✕ DO NOT: remove stuck material.
↓5ReportTell management after the immediate response.
03 · CHEMICALS, PPE & SKIN
Check the product. Protect yourself.
- Read the label and product instructions.
- Check the current SDS where supplied or needed.
- Use task-appropriate supplied PPE.
- Keep lids closed; store correctly.
YES
Use approved, labelled products. Wear supplied gloves for relevant wet work, colouring, bleaching/lightening and cleaning.
NO
Do not use unidentified products. Keep food and drink away from chemical preparation or storage.
Chemical exposure
ACT AT THE SAME TIME WHERE POSSIBLE: do not delay urgent help to find management.
1Stop / move awayStop using the product. Move from exposure if safe and avoid further contact.
2Get immediate helpFollow the product label / SDS emergency instructions. Call 999 / 112 if serious.
3Alert management promptlyDo this where safe and practicable; do not delay urgent emergency action.
After the immediate situation is controlled: report the incident and keep the product container or label available where useful.
Chemical spill or immediate hazard
1Keep people awayControl the area. Do not attempt an unsafe clean-up.
→2Check the label / SDSUse the product’s spill instructions and required PPE.
→3Get helpAlert management. Escalate a serious emergency to 999 / 112.
Dangerous fumes / breathing danger
ACT AT THE SAME TIME WHERE POSSIBLE: get away from the exposure and get help; do not stay in a dangerous area to find management.
1Move away from exposureGet yourself and others away from fumes if safe. Do not attempt an unsafe clean-up.
2Get immediate helpCall 999 / 112 for breathing difficulty, serious symptoms or immediate danger.
3Alert management promptlyDo this where safe and practicable. Use label / SDS information when it is safe to do so.
After the immediate situation is controlled: report the incident.
SDS, skin symptoms and ordinary product use
Keep an up-to-date product/SDS register separately; never guess a product hazard classification. For early skin symptoms such as dryness, redness, itching, cracking or swelling, tell management early. Review wet work, gloves, products and controls before symptoms worsen.
Early dermatitis signs
Dryness → redness → itching → cracking or swelling. Tell management early. Review wet work, gloves, products and controls before symptoms worsen.
04 · EQUIPMENT, HEAT & SHARPS
Check before use.
1Check before useLook at the cable, plug, casing and tool before you start.
→?Damage found?Do not use it again. Do not try to repair it yourself.
→3Unplug if safe. Tell management.Keep others from using it until it is checked or repaired.
HOT TOOLS & SHARPS
Use heat tools only as intended. Put them in a safe place between use and let them cool before storage. Carry scissors and razors safely; keep them secure and away from clients or children.
05 · SLIPS, TRIPS & HOUSEKEEPING
Water spill or trip risk
1Make safeWarn people and control access.
→2CleanClean immediately if safe and you have the right materials.
→3ReportTell management if it is recurring, significant or cannot be made safe.
Keep walkways, stairs and exits clear. Store products and equipment securely. Do not leave cables, bags, stock or tools where they create a hazard.
06 · BODY, POSTURE & MANUAL HANDLING
Set up the task to suit your body.
Small adjustments made early can reduce unnecessary strain. Change the task, position or equipment where possible rather than repeatedly working in an awkward position.
✓ WORK CLOSE & BALANCEDAdjust and reposition before you begin.
✕ AVOID BENDING & OVERREACHINGMove yourself or the work instead.
✓ KEEP THE LOAD CLOSETurn with your feet, not your back.
BODY & POSTURE
At the chair
- Adjust the client or chair height before working where possible.
- Bring the work towards a comfortable height instead of repeatedly bending towards it.
- Stand close enough to avoid unnecessary reaching.
- Keep wrists reasonably neutral and shoulders relaxed.
- Move your feet around the client instead of repeatedly twisting your back.
BODY & POSTURE
At the basin
- Set yourself up before beginning and stand close enough to the work.
- Use a balanced stance and change position where the work allows.
- Adjust your position rather than holding one awkward posture.
BODY & POSTURE
Long periods of standing
- Change stance and position regularly.
- Avoid staying in one static posture for long periods.
- Use appropriate opportunities to change activity or posture and take recovery breaks.
BODY & POSTURE
Repetitive work
- Keep wrists in a comfortable, reasonably neutral position.
- Avoid unnecessary force or gripping.
- Use the correct equipment as intended.
- Change position or activity where the work allows.
MANUAL HANDLING
Move stock safely
Before you move it
Pause and assess the task.
Is it heavy or awkward?Can I grip it properly?Where am I taking it?Is the route clear?Can I use a suitable available aid?Do I need another person?
⚠ ASSESS: do not start until you can control the load and route.✓ DO: ask for help if the load is too heavy, awkward or unsafe to move alone.Lift / carry safely
- Get into a stable position and keep a secure grip.
- Keep the load reasonably close to your body where safe.
- Move smoothly and turn with your feet.
- Put the load down safely if control is being lost.
Pushing / pulling / moving stock
- Assess the task and route first.
- Use a safer alternative or suitable available aid where possible.
- Keep the route clear before starting.
- Get help if you are unsure you can control the item.
BODY WARNING SIGNS
Your body is warning you
Persistent or recurring pain, aching, tingling, numbness, weakness, stiffness, swelling or unusual discomfort can be a prompt to act early. This is not a diagnosis.
✓ DO: stop or adjust the activity where necessary.✓ DO: tell management promptly if work is causing or worsening symptoms.✕ DO NOT: ignore persistent work-related discomfort.
Report an injury, physical difficulty or unsafe manual-handling situation promptly so the task, workstation or formal assessment can be reviewed.
07 · HYGIENE, CLEANING & AIR
Clean tools. Clear the air. Protect clients and colleagues.
1Use the approved processClean and disinfect tools, surfaces and equipment as directed for the product and task.
2Control exposureKeep ventilation arrangements working. Minimise unnecessary aerosol, spray and fume exposure.
3Separate & disposeUse the labelled waste arrangements. Never pour product waste to a drain unless the product instructions and approved arrangement allow it.
When to stop and report
Stop the affected task and tell management if ventilation is not working, fumes are strong, a product or tool cannot be cleaned safely, or a client/staff safety concern develops. Follow the current product instructions and formal risk assessment; do not improvise a dilution or disinfection method.
08 · INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
Tell us early. Plan safely.
♡Pregnancy, breastfeeding or health conditionTell management confidentially when it may affect safe work. An individual risk assessment and controls can then be agreed.
18Young workersWork must be assessed as suitable before a child or young person starts, taking account of maturity, experience and exposure risks.
09 · SPEAK UP
Report a hazard or near miss
Do not wait for someone else.
Stop or avoid unsafe work where necessary, make the area safe if you can, then tell management promptly. Include what happened, where, who may be exposed and any action already taken.
The handbook requires employees to cooperate, not endanger others, report concerns and follow the current issued safety arrangements. Management must provide suitable information, instruction, training and supervision.
Threatening / violent person
IF THERE IS IMMEDIATE DANGER: the first employee safely able to do so calls 999 / 112 immediately. Other staff confirm that the call has been made—do not simply assume someone else called.
1Protect yourself and othersCreate distance, withdraw or leave if safe. Warn and help others where safe.
2Do not physically confrontDo not restrain, threaten, provoke, chase or pursue the person.
3Do not risk yourself for propertyAfter immediate danger, notify management as soon as safely practicable.
After the immediate situation is controlled: complete required incident reporting and give management a factual account.
OFFICIAL SAFETY DOCUMENTS
Visage Health & Safety System
This Hub gives practical safety instructions for everyday work and emergencies. It is supported by the Employee Handbook and Visage's formal Safety Statement & Risk Assessments.
LAYER 1 · RULES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Employee Handbook
Workplace rules, employee responsibilities and the standards that apply at Visage.
View Employee HandbookLAYER 2 · PRACTICAL ACTION
Health & Safety HubPractical safety instructions — you are here.LAYER 3 · FORMAL ASSESSMENT & CONTROLS
Safety Statement & Risk Assessments
Formal workplace hazards, controls and RA-01 to RA-17 risk assessments for Visage Hair Limerick.
View Safety Statement & Risk Assessments