Chemical Handling and Colour Bar Procedure

Purpose. This procedure controls how hazardous salon chemicals are stored, mixed, applied and disposed of at Luxe sites.

1.Scope

This procedure covers oxidative colour, bleach and lighteners, peroxide developers, chemical reformation products, keratin and protein treatments, nail liquids and monomers, and clinic peel solutions. All of these are hazardous chemicals and must be listed in the Hazardous Chemicals Register with a current safety data sheet held at the colour bar or clinic dispensary.

2.Storage

Chemicals must be stored in their original labelled containers in the ventilated colour bar cupboard, away from heat and direct sun, with peroxide separated from bleach powder. Decanted products must be labelled with the product name and date. Nothing must be stored above eye level and spill kits must be within reach at every mixing point.

3.Mixing and application

Staff must wear gloves, an apron and, when weighing bleach powder, a mask. Products must be mixed in the ventilated area, never at the client's chair, and in the ratio stated by the manufacturer. Formulas must be written on the client card before application. Timing must be monitored with a timer and the client must be checked at least every ten minutes during processing.

• Gloves, apron and mask for powder
• Mix at the colour bar only
• Formula written on the client card first
• Timer set and client checked every ten minutes

4.Spills and exposure

A spill must be contained with the spill kit, cleaned with the absorbent provided and the waste bagged and labelled. Skin or eye contact must be flushed with running water for at least 15 minutes and the safety data sheet first aid section followed. All exposures must be recorded in the incident register.

5.Disposal

Leftover mixed colour and bleach must be neutralised and disposed of through the colour bar sink with running water as permitted by the water authority trade waste agreement. Empty containers must be rinsed and recycled. Nail monomer and peel waste must go into the labelled chemical waste container for contractor collection.

6.Review

The Retail and Stock Coordinator will review the register and safety data sheets each quarter and whenever a new product is introduced. Staff must not use any product that does not appear in the register.