Promote professional colour by setting your health and safety standards

Talent and passion are essential to creating beautiful colour, but there is also a serious side to the process - the issue of health and safety - which cannot be ignored. Today, take another look at your health and safety policy relating to colour, and make sure it is water-tight for the sake of your staff, clients and your business. Sensitivity Testing One of the most important elements of this policy should be the sensitivity test. The exact nature of this can vary, depending on specific manufacturer guidelines. You could also use a patch-test system. A skin-sensitivity test should be carried out 48 hours prior to the colour application, in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Says Kay Connelly, technical development director at L'Oréal Professional Products Division: "A skin-sensitivity testing policy is about respecting the well-being of your clients, and is used to identify any skin allergies to a colour. "If you fully inform your client as to the reason for the skin-allergy test, I can't imagine they would refuse to have it. The skin-allergy test is designed to identify the possible risk of a reaction to any of the ingredients within a colour. It's a simple process and only takes a few moments." All skin-sensitivity test information should be recorded and stored for future reference. A health and safety policy is also about protecting your staff. All technicians should wear protective gloves when applying colour. Confirms Kay: "Colourists should always wear suitable disposable gloves during the mixing, application and removal of colour." Safe storage When it comes to the storage of chemicals relating to colour, all salons need to follow strict procedures as laid down by the Health and Safety Executive's Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. Says Kay: "All salons are required by law to have a copy of the COSHH booklet on the premises for inspection. The booklet should be accompanied by the guide issued by the manufacturer identifying the category for individual product types." How to deal with hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is one of the chemicals that salons need to be particularly vigilant about. Here Habia offers tips on its safe storage:

• Always use non-metallic utensils to avoid rapid decomposition of the product. Do not allow contact with easily combustible materials, such as paper. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and other sources of heat. Always store hydrogen peroxide in the container supplied. It is important that no contamination enters the container as this could lead to decomposition, resulting in escaping heat and oxygen. Always replace the cap immediately after use. Store securely and guard against unauthorised use.
• Hydrogen peroxide may react with other chemicals to form dangerous, explosive materials. Therefore, avoid mixtures other than recognised formulations. Combustion may occur if hydrogen peroxide is allowed to dry out on materials like paper, hair, and wood. Keep away from naked flames at all times.
• If hydrogen peroxide gets into the eyes or on the skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water. If the symptoms persist, or the chemical is ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
• Always use water to dilute and mop up spillages.
• Always wear suitable protective gloves. Avoid contact with the eyes and face. Do not use on damaged or sensitive skin.
• When disposing of hydrogen peroxide, wash down the drain with plenty of water. Do not burn.