What is COSHH?

This stands for the Control of systems hazardous to health. 

All products have to by law have a control sheet that details how the product should be stored and what to do in the event of a mishap in use, ie. Getting it in your eyes. You should have knowledge of and keep them handy should you need them. 

COSHH nail salons 

Ingredients used in nail products can cause allergies and/or ill health to the nail tech.  

It is the duty of all salons, nail bars and beauty therapists to comply with COSHH (the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 as amended) to protect workers health and safety.  

Keeping the workplace ventilated and using good hygiene techniques is a must.  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be needed for some tasks and nail work will need an extractor hood or downdraught table. 

Hands should be washed frequently, and spillages mopped up quickly.  

All equipment should be kept clean and washed after use.  

All products should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place and away from direct sunlight. 

In nail bars, nuisance odours and dusts must be kept to a minimum.  

The dust generated from filing acrylic nails can cause asthma, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Dust from nail treatments in general can cause wheezing and chest tightness. Dust  

Many allergies can be from uncured product dust filings.  
 

Keep the nail desk clean and free from dust and change the towel after every client. 

Keep your desk dust free.  As well as changing towels, wearing gloves, washing hands and having an extraction system. 
 
Dust can be in the air too, especially if you use an e file. 

Consider investing in an air filter system that contains HEPA dust filters and at least 1kg active carbon filter.

Source capture systems filter dust and chemical vapours.

Small invisible dust particles and chemicals in the air can enter the lungs and can cause allergies. A good filter system that really cleans the air, has three filter stages:
1. Main filter, removes visible dust particles
2. Second filter, removes invisible dust particles
3. Chemical filter, uses active carbon to capture the chemicals.  

Each manufacturer should explain their system. 

Single use sterile instruments should be used wherever possible.  

The use of dust masks are not an adequate control measure and salons may need a dust extraction system.  

Single use gloves can be used for handling nail products.  

Skin creams are good for the condition of the skin and can help against contamination. 

Barrier creams do not provide a full barrier against products and solvents.  

UV nails and acrylic liquid can cause dermatitis. 

A competent engineer must examine the ventilation system to ensure it is working correctly.  

An occupational health professional must be consulted if workers have sore throats, runny noses, breathing difficulties or skin problems that seem connected to the work. 

Chemical products should be stored correctly with the labels facing the outside.  

Heavier items and corrosive chemicals should be stored on lower shelves.  

Chemicals should never be stored in open containers.  

Hazardous waste should be disposed of through a specialist contractor.