Hazardous Substances
In the hairdressing industry you may work daily with hazardous substances such as hair dyes, hair spray, perm solutions and cleaning products.
Dermatitis of the hands, latex sensitivity and breathing problems caused by breathing in fumes from sprays and solutions can be a problem in the hairdressing industry.
Your employer must make sure you use hazardous substances according to the manufacturers or supplier's written instructions (the Material Data Safety Sheet or MSDS) while you must follow the agreed safe work procedures for your workplace.
 | | If you need more information on the substances that you are using, ask your supervisor or safety and health representative. |
When handling perm solutions, dyes and cleaning products you should wear personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of harm to your health. Personal protective equipment and clothing used in the hairdressing industry includes gloves, protective hand creams and coveralls (aprons). Your employer should provide these items.
Ventilation
A lack of ventilation is a hazard and can be a risk to the safety of hairdressers. Good ventilation should be provided to control fumes and odours from the hazardous substances used everyday in the hairdressing industry. Ventilation can be provided through windows that open, an air conditioning system or extraction fans.
Ventilation is also important for the control of heat and cold. For example, the use of hair dryers and other heating equipment can cause a build up of heat in the work area.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation that occurs when a substance comes into contact with skin. The skin is irritated and there is an abnormal (allergic) reaction. The skin may be red, swollen, tender, hot, painful or itchy. If the reaction is severe, the skin may blister or weep and can become cracked or crusty.
The chemicals in hair dyes, sprays, perm solutions and cleaning detergents can cause skin irritation in some employees.
| | Your employer should provide protective gloves and barrier creams to reduce the risk of contact dermatitis and you should use them. |
Different employees will react differently to each substance, and some may have no reaction at all. Some substances will cause pain or discomfort. Other substances could be used regularly for a long time before the skin begins to react.
In some cases employees will need long periods away from work or even may no longer be able to work in the hairdressing industry.
Latex sensitivity
Hairdressers who use disposable gloves may also develop sensitivity to latex over a period of time.
Latex is used extensively in the manufacture of disposable gloves. Cornstarch powder is often used in latex gloves to make them easier to put on. Latex proteins are absorbed into the cornstarch powder. The powder then irritates the skin causing the allergic reaction. When the gloves are removed the powder can be released into the air and may be inhaled.
Latex sensitivity usually leads to dry, raw skin most commonly on the hands. Severe allergic reactions can result in sustained dermatitis with blisters and respiratory symptoms.
Your employer may provide you with powder free, low allergen gloves to reduce the risk of a reaction to latex.
