AIHA's Reopening Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

Reopening: Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

Guidance Document

aiha.org

Photo courtesy of Getty Images Version 2 | May 6, 2020 Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

Small and medium (especially non-chain) hair and What should the Employer do to nail salons have been very challenged during the protect themselves and their customers COVID-19 pandemic as they are viewed as “non-es- sential” by state governments. Many have been Hair and nail salon owners should continually moni- forced to lay off or furlough key staff members, tor international (World Health Organization (WHO)), which may complicate re-opening as states start to federal (CDC), state, and local guidelines for changes relax shelter-in-place and stay-at-home restrictions. in recommendations, cleaning strategies, and other best management practices. Employers should also With such restrictions beginning to lift, hair and nail consider developing a team of professionals to mon- salons are faced with difficult questions that must be itor, assess, and implement new strategies as they addressed before reopening, such as: become available. In addition, employers should consider the following strategies for reducing the • How can we protect our employees and customers risk of COVID-19 transmission in regards to physical from the disease while in our salon? distancing, ventilation, enhanced cleaning practices, • How do we assure our customers that we are do- restrooms, food preparation areas and contact sur- ing all we can to protect them from the disease? faces, personal hygiene, employee wellness, person- • How can we minimize the risk of disease transmis- al protective equipment, training, waste and laun- sion if those that are ill or those who have had con- dering, and communication. tact with positive COVID-19 people that enter our Physical Distancing store? • Limit the number of customers in the shop at one • What do we do if a customer is sick or not follow- time. Only those customers that are actually get- ing guidelines? ting their hair or nails done should be inside the premises. There is no need to check in at a front Measures can be taken to reduce the risk of trans- desk or to sit in a reception area. mitting COVID-19 from person-to-person spread • Consider establishing a process for clients to re- through respiratory droplets. The use of personal main in their cars / outside of the salon until they protective equipment, physical barriers, minimizing are notified (either by text or phone call) that their customers in the salon at one time, appropriate dis- chair is open, and it has been properly disinfected infectant procedures, etc. can be put in place to help from the previous client. minimize the potential for exposure and the spread • Establish an isolated area for all delivery compa- of the virus. nies to drop off materials and supplies (i.e., mini- This document offers practical guidance for hair and mize their presence in the salon). nail salon owners to implement interim measures to • Establish pre-pay systems or self-checkout sys- reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. It address- tems (e.g., portable credit card portals at each es the key questions above and provides tips for em- chair which is cleaned after each use). Discourage ployees and customers. the use of cash. • If a pre-pay system is not feasible, place a plexiglass partition between cashier clerks and customers.

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©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 2 of 7 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

• Customers should use his/her own pen to sign – Maximize fresh air through your ventilation credit card authorization. If pens must be used and system. provided by the salon, they should be disinfect- – Maintain relative humidity at 40-60% ed between each use. The same would apply for – Ensure restroom is under negative pressure. touch-pad use. – If you don’t know how, ask an HVAC professional • Since the 6-foot social distance guideline is not and see ASHRAE updates for more information. practical in nail salons, to minimize facial contact, wear a face shield or install a plastic partition be- • Consider using portable HEPA filtration units. tween the employee and client with ample space • If fans such as pedestal fans or hard mounted fans cut out where hands or feet can be slid underneath are used in the salon, take steps to minimize air to conduct the manicure or pedicure. from fans blowing from one person directly at an- • Require all clients to wash their hands or use hand other individual. If fans are disabled or removed, sanitizer before working on their nails. employers should remain aware of, and take steps to prevent, heat hazards. • Limit face-to-face interaction as much as possible when cutting / working on hair (e.g., stand behind Enhanced Cleaning Practices the client as much as possible and always wear a • Select appropriate disinfectants – consider effec- face mask). Consider wearing a face shield as well tiveness and safety to further protect the client. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • As an initial step with each client, thoroughly wash has developed a list of products that meet EPA’s and dry (with towel) their hair before performing criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2. any work. NOTE: For those clients that require col- – Review product labels and Safety Data Sheets or, stylist will not typically wash the hair prior to and follow manufacturer specifications. treatment because of adverse effect on coloring – Consider consulting industrial hygiene experts if process. additional advice is needed. • Train staff on proper social distancing relative to • Establish a disinfection routine. other customers in the shop (that are not their di- – Ensure disinfection protocols follow product in- rect client). structions for application and contact time. • Use social media and other communication to ed- – Hair dressing and salon chairs / seats, combs and ucate customers/clients on the steps being taken other hair styling tools, point of purchase, credit for their protection and what they need to do to card payment station should be disinfected after protect staff as well. each customer. • Discourage customers from touching items they – Consider covering chairs in a non-porous mate- don’t intend to purchase if absolutely necessary. rial for easy clean up or use a disposable cover Ventilation as used in dentist or medical offices. As noted • Get fresh air to the customers and staff and prop- above, clean HVAC intakes and returns daily. erly utilize ventilation system. Some ways to do – Consider using a checklist or audit system to this or seek help: track how often cleaning is conducted.

AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org

©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 3 of 7 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

– Wipe down / disinfect all cutting and other tools • If only one restroom is available, consider provid- (e.g., combs, brushes, etc.) between clients and ing a key so disinfection measures can be better at the beginning and end of each shift. Alterna- controlled. tively, stylists should have ample supply of combs • Upon exiting the bathroom, provide a hand clean- and other tools at their disposal (all implements ing area for clients to disinfect their hands com- should then be disinfected, washed at the end of pletely. the day). Personal Hygiene – All nail tools should be disinfected between use or be single-use only. • Establish a “before and after service” hand washing or sanitizing for all staff. • Consider allowing return customers the option to buy their own nail tool kit. • Provide hand washing stations at the front of the establishment or alternatively, hand sanitizer if not • Smocks, towels, work clothing, etc. should be feasible for all clients that enter the shop. Upon ex- placed in plastic bags after each use and treated iting the bathroom, upon entering and upon leav- as potentially contaminated and laundered per ing salon, provide hand sanitizer for clients to dis- recommendations below. infect their hands completely. • Upon time of procedure, stylists should use paper • Provide hand sanitizer at the point of purchase. neck strip to help ensure proper hygiene with the client. Employee Wellness Restrooms • Conduct employee temperature screening and wellness checks before each shift. • Doors to multi-stall restrooms should be able to be opened and closed without touching handles if at – Temperature screening can include manual (use all possible. non-contact infrared thermometers) or thermal camera methods. – Place a trash can by the door if the door cannot be opened without touching the handle. – Employees can self-check temperature, while wearing a glove, or disinfect between use. • For single restrooms, provide signage and materials (paper towels and trash cans) for individuals – There are a number of examples available for to use without touching the handles, and consider wellness questionnaires (see Resources below). providing a key so disinfection measures can be • If employee is sick or receives any kind of testing better controlled. Place signs indicating that toilet (virus or antibody), results should be reported to lids (if present) should be closed before flushing. employer and timing/decision to go back to work • Place signs asking customer and employees to should only be with doctor’s approval. wash hands before and after using the restroom. Other Control Measures • Provide paper towels in restrooms and disconnect • Require the use of gloves for all staff and ensure or tape-off hand air dryers. that the gloves are changed after each client. In ad- • Double efforts to keep bathrooms clean and prop- dition, require staff to wash their hands after each erly disinfected. client. • Provide or encourage employees to wear face coverings, gloves and to use hand sanitizer. (NOTE:

AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org

©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 4 of 7 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

Homemade face coverings primarily protect oth- care of someone who is COVID-19 positive, exhib- ers not yourself). iting symptoms of COVID-19, being in a high-risk • Consider wearing face shields category, etc.). A questionnaire or checklist could be used to clear clients to enter the salon. NOTE: If an employer chooses to provide an N95 respirator, please fully consider all the potential • Communicate that the retail establishment has the OSHA requirements. right to refuse service to anyone exhibiting symptoms or not following guidelines (e.g., physical dis- Training tancing, wearing a face mask, etc.). • Provide instruction and training to employees on • Platforms for communication could include web- how to: sites and indoor/outdoor signage. – Handle their work clothing properly at home if laundry service is not provided. What should an Employee do to – Properly put on and remove gloves. protect themselves and the customer – Clean and disinfect surfaces according to prod- • Evaluate your health constantly, if you are sick uct specifications. stay home. If you have a temperature stay home. If someone at home is sick, stay home. If you have – Correctly use face coverings and/or respirators. allergies and sneezing, stay home. NOTE: Employ- • Provide Safety Data Sheets for cleaning chemicals er HR Policies, HIPPA guidelines and other laws and ensure employees are aware of the hazards of should be followed at all times. use. • Wear mask when out in public and maintain phys- • If advice is needed, industrial hygienists have ex- ical distancing. pertise in selecting PPE and training. • Wash your hands when you arrive at work, after Waste and Laundering each customer, after touching your face or face • Single-use items and used disinfection materials covering and when you leave work. can be treated as regular waste, following regular • At all times, wear a face covering or something safety guidelines when handling these materials. better if you have it. • Cloth materials (smock, aprons, towels, work uni- • Wear gloves at all times. Change out gloves be- forms, etc.) should be washed and dried on the tween customers and wash your hands. highest temperature setting allowable for the fabric. • If provided, wear the face shield when working Communication with clients and disinfect appropriately. • Communicate to customers what the retail es- • Let your employer know if you have concerns about tablishment is doing to mitigate the spread of the PPE that may be provided to you and that you COVID-19. are properly instructed on how to use it. – (e.g., disinfection routine, health policies for staff, • Carry a towel, if you get the urge to sneeze or and health & safety measures in place). cough, cover your nose, mouth and mask, attempt • Consider communicating to clients when it may not to delay the urge to sneeze or cough, immediately be a good idea to come into the salon (e.g. taking leave the building, wash your hands and face thoroughly before going back to work.

AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org

©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 5 of 7 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

• Use a clean, new cape for each client. Ideally, have Resources sufficient number of capes on hand for all clients • Professional Beauty Association – https://www. per day (so as not to re-use). Launder all at the end probeauty.org/docs/default-source/coronavi- of the day. rus-documents/pba-back-to-work-guidelines.pd- f?sfvrsn=4afa9a9b_12 What can a Customer can do to • American Barber Association – https://amer- minimize the transmission of Covid-19 icanbarber.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ • If you are sick stay home. If you have a tempera- The-American-Barber-Association-and-coronavi- ture stay home. If someone in your house is sick, rus.pdf stay home. If you have allergies and can’t control • National Association of Barbers – https://nation- sneezing, stay home. Reschedule your appoint- albarbers.org/how-to-cope-with-covid-19-in- ment to a later date your-shop/ • Do not enter the salon until your chair is open and • Numerous wellness questionnaire examples are it has been disinfected. available online (e.g., https://doh.sd.gov/docu- • Limit the items you touch within a store to the items ments/COVID19/BusinessScreening_Q&A.pdf) you select to purchase. • The CDC has developed cleaning and disinfec- • Wear a face covering or something better if you tion recommendations for commercial facilities have it, probably the style that wraps behind the https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/com- ears (otherwise, certain face covering styles may munity/disinfecting-building-facility.html interfere with the performance of the haircut or • The EPA has developed a list of disinfectants for color treatment). use against SARS-CoV-2: https://www.epa.gov/ • Wash your hands before and after you leave the pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use- building if possible. If not, use hand sanitizer when against-sars-cov-2 you enter and before you leave the building. • ASHRAE has a list of COVID resources for com- • Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other mercial buildings. https://www.ashrae.org/techni- customers and other employees when walking cal-resources/resources throughout the salon to the extent possible. • AIHA’s Indoor Environmental Quality Commit- • If you get the urge to sneeze or cough, put on your tee developed these guidance documents about mask, cover your nose, mouth, and face covering reopening and cleaning buildings after closures with a napkin or handkerchief, attempt to delay the due to COVID-19: https://aiha-assets.sfo2.digi- urge to sneeze or cough, immediately leave the build- taloceanspaces.com/AIHA/resources/Public-Re- ing, wash your hands and face thoroughly before sources/RecoveringFromCOVID-19BuildingClo- returning. sures_GuidanceDocument.FINAL.pdf and https:// aiha-assets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/AIHA/ resources/Guidance-Documents/Workplace- Cleaning-for-COVID-19-Guidance-Document_FI- NAL.pdf

AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org

©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 6 of 7 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

AIHA® and controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers’ injury or illness. Through a continuous im- Founded in 1939, the American Industrial Hygiene provement cycle of planning, doing, checking and Association® (AIHA®) is one of the largest interna- acting, OHS professionals make sure workplaces are tional associations serving the needs of industrial/ healthy and safe. occupational hygiene professionals practicing in industry, government, labor, academic institutions, and independent organizations. For more informa- Get additional resources at AIHA’s tion, visit www.AIHA.org Coronavirus Outbreak Resource Center. https://www.aiha.org/public-resources/consum- About Occupational Health and Safety er-resources/coronavirus_outbreak_resources Professionals Find a qualified industrial hygiene and OEHS profes- Occupational health and safety (OHS) profession- sionals near you in our Consultants Listing. https:// als (also known as industrial hygienists) practice www.aiha.org/consultants-directory. the science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating,

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AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org

©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 7 of 7 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.