Week 1 - Theory Session

• Hairdressing
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Health and Safety- Lesson 1

Expectations- Classroom Rules

• No entering the classroom without a tutor 
• No food or drinks  when entering the classroom- Only water in a clear bottle
• Log onto a Chromebook
• Complete 'Do Now' task
•  Participate fully in your session
• No Hands up- Questions- No opt out 
• No use of mobile phones- unless instructed to by tutor
• Toilet breaks not permitted in the first 30 minutes or the last 15 minutes of your session 
• Learning Review booklets/ Knowledge organisers 
• Remember to put Chromebooks at the end of session and remember to log out and put back on charge. 

In this unit we will cover: 

• Legislations, codes of practice and workplace policies 
• Hygiene and infection control 

importance of personal hygiene and presentation 

fire safety

Dealing with emergencies

Session Outcomes 

In todays session we will cover:

• key induction principles and expectations.
• Identify core Health & Safety values.
• Distinguish between legislation, codes of practice, and salon  policies.
• Define hazards and risks.
• Apply the five steps of risk assessment.

What is the expected minimum attendance rate for learners at Colchester Institute?

1. 70%
2. 85%
3. 90%
4. 100%

Which of the following is considered a breach of the learner code of conduct?

1. Wearing headphones in the library
2. Arriving 5 minutes late to class
3. Using abusive or discriminatory language
4. Asking for assignment extensions

What should learners do if they are going to be absent from a scheduled session?

1. Notify their tutor via text
2. Inform a classmate
3. Wait until the next session to explain
4. Report absence through the designated system

What is the policy on mobile phone use during lessons?

1. Phones must be turned off
2. Phones may be used only with tutor permission
3. Phones can be used freely
4. Phones must be left at home

Which of the following is part of the learner’s responsibility regarding health and safety?

1. Ignoring fire drills
2. Reporting hazards
3. Rearranging classroom furniture
4. Using equipment without instruction

What is expected of learners in terms of academic integrity?

1. Submitting original work
2. Sharing answers with peers
3. Reusing past assignments without citation
4. Copying from online sources

How should learners dress while attending Colchester Institute?

1. Formal business attire
2. Uniforms provided by the college
3. Clothing appropriate to their course and respectful of others
4. Casual wear with no restrictions

What is the consequence of persistent lateness or poor attendance?

1. Verbal warning only
2. No consequence
3. Automatic expulsion
4. Disciplinary action and possible withdrawal from the course

Which of the following is encouraged to support learner wellbeing?

1. Avoiding student services
2. Accessing counselling and support services
3. Seeking help only in emergencies
4. Ignoring stress and focusing on deadlines

What is the expectation regarding respect and inclusion at Colchester Institute?

1. All learners must treat others with dignity and respect
2. Inclusion applies only to staff
3. Respect is optional
4. Learners may choose who to include

Why is Health and Safety important?

Professional Values in Hairdressing: Linked to Health & Safety

Punctuality

Being on time isn’t just courteous—it’s essential for safety and smooth salon operations.

Client Safety: Arriving promptly ensures you have time to prepare your station, sanitise tools, and review client needs before starting. This reduces rushed procedures that could lead to accidents.

Salon Flow: Timely appointments prevent overcrowding, helping maintain safe distances and avoiding chaos in the workspace.

Legal Compliance: Being punctual allows time for proper health and safety checks, such as PPE setup and COSHH compliance.

Example: A stylist arrives 15 minutes early to check equipment, sanitise surfaces, and ensure all products are safely stored.

Professional Values in Hairdressing: Linked to Health & Safety

Respect

Respect in the salon isn’t just about manners—it’s about creating a safe, inclusive, and professional environment.

Client Dignity: Respecting client preferences and boundaries ensures safe and comfortable service.

Colleague Safety: Respecting shared spaces and equipment reduces hazards and promotes hygiene.

Legal Awareness: Respect includes upholding laws like the Equality Act 2010, which protects clients and staff from discrimination.

Example: A stylist listens carefully to a client’s allergy concerns and uses alternative products to avoid health risks.

Professional Values in Hairdressing: Linked to Health & Safety

Teamwork

Collaboration is the backbone of a safe and successful salon.

Shared Responsibility: Team members support each other in maintaining health and safety standards—like reporting hazards or helping with heavy equipment.

Emergency Preparedness: In case of accidents, a well-coordinated team can respond quickly and effectively.

Positive Culture: Teamwork fosters mutual respect and accountability, reducing stress and improving safety compliance.

Example: During a busy shift, stylists rotate cleaning duties and help each other manage time to avoid rushed or unsafe practices.

Health & Safety Legislation in Hairdressing

Legislation	Purpose	Link to Values
Health and Safety at work act 1974	Ensures safe working conditions	Punctuality allows time for safety checks
COSHH 2002	Control hazardous substances	Respecting product safety and client health
PPE Regulations 2002	Requires protective equipment	Teamwork ensures proper use and sharing of PPE
RIDDOR	Reporting injuries and incidents	Teamwork helps identify and report risks

Professional Values in Hairdressing: Linked to Health & Safety

In hairdressing, professional values aren’t just abstract ideals they’re practical tools that protect clients, staff, and the business. When stylists show up on time, treat others with respect, and work as a team, they’re not just being professional they’re being safe.

Collaborative Task: Mind Map Activity

In groups of 3–5-Create a mind map with the central idea: “Importance of Health & Safety”

Consider key themes such as:

Preventing accidents

Legal responsibilities

Protecting staff and clients

Maintaining reputation

Encouraging a safety culture

What aspects do you think need to be considered in a salon for Health and safety?

In pairs write the definition of 'Legislation'

Legislation 

Legislation is a law or a set of laws that have been passed by Parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law.

Definition: Laws made by the government that must be followed by all individuals and organisations.

Purpose: Sets out legal duties and rights to protect workers, employers, and the public.

Examples:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Equality Act 2010

Employment Rights Act 1996

Enforcement: Breaching legislation can lead to legal action, fines, or prosecution.

Workplace Policies 

Workplace policies are rules which are put in place by a business.

These may include:

How to behave on the salon floor, How to meet and greet clients, Hygiene standards.

Definition: Internal rules created by an organisation to guide employee behaviour and operations.

Purpose: Tailors legal and professional standards to the specific needs of the business.

Examples: Grievance and disciplinary procedures

Annual leave booking process

Client interaction protocols

Enforcement: Breaching policies can lead to warnings, disciplinary action, or dismissal

Codes of Practice 

Codes of practice are written guidelines for certain professions or occupations. 

In the hair and beauty sector, we follow the codes of practice set by HABIA ( which stands for Hair AND Beauty Industry Authority). HABIA creates the standards which all hair Definition: Official guidelines that explain how to comply with legislation or maintain professional standards.

Purpose: Offers best-practice advice and helps interpret legal requirements.

Examples: Hygiene standards in salons, Dress codes for professional settings, Industry-specific safety procedures

Enforcement: Not legally binding, but can be used as evidence in court or by inspectors to assess compliance and beauty qualifications are formed from. 

“How does legislation protect both the employer and employee?”

Why It Matters

When both sides understand their rights and responsibilities, it creates a workplace built on respect, fairness, and productivity. Employees feel secure and valued, while employers can focus on growth without fear of legal trouble.

Legislations 

The Health and Safety at work act covers all health and safety in the workplace for everyone.

It outlines everyone’s responsibilities whilst working in your place of work.

These regulations cover the lifting of loads as well as lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying and moving them whether by hand or other bodily force. It means all workers must minimise the risk from lifting and handling objects by assessing objects before moving them and using correct posture.

Any electrical items used in the workplace need to be checked and maintained by a qualified electrician.

If you do find a faulty item you should remove the item from the salon, label it so others know then report the fault to a senior member of staff.

This act refers to chemicals in the work place.

All substances hazardous to health should be stored, handled, used and disposed of following manufacturers instructions, salon guidelines and local bye-laws.

These regulations require that if any employee suffers a personal injury that results in hospitalisation, permanent injury or death it must be reported to the local enforcement officer.

This act refers to the use of tools and equipment.

It states that anyone who uses them should be trained and competent to use them. Equipment must also be safe and fit for the purpose it is intended for. It should also be well maintained.

The Workplace regulations. These regulations state that it is the requirement of all the people at the workplace to help maintain a safe and healthy environment.

This legislation requires all businesses to have basic standards for fire prevention and control, and an emergency exit should the worst happen. A fire risk assessment which needs to reviewed annually. 

Ensure health and safety training is undertaken by all staff

Provide appropiate protective clothing and equipment 

Ensure all facilities meet minimal health and safety requirements with regards to ventilation, temperture and noise. 

Have an update date Health and Safety policy

Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring equipment is properly maintained and safe to use. 

To take resonable care of your own and others safety 

To ensure you use tools and equipment for their intended use 

To follow all Health and safety and complete all training, wear protective clothing and follow all health and safety policies 

To report any illness or injury that will affect your ability to work 

Employer Responsibilities 

Employee Responsibilities 

Someone could slip.

Hazard

Risk

Clients and staff would not be able to escape incase of fire

Hot water

Clients head not supported

Could cause burns.

Can cause Hyperextension

Water on the floor

Trailing wires

Someone could trip over

Boxes blocking fire exit

Research the five steps to a risk assessment

1. Identify Hazards

In a salon, hazards can be both physical and chemical. 

Examples:

Slippery floors from spilled water or hair products

Sharp tools like scissors and razors

Electrical equipment (hairdryers, straighteners)

Chemical exposure from dyes, bleaches, and sprays

Repetitive strain from prolonged standing or blow-drying

2. Assess the Risks

Evaluate how likely these hazards are to cause harm and how severe the impact could be. 

Examples:

Slips could lead to sprains or fractures

Cuts from scissors or razors could cause infection

Electrical faults might result in shocks or fires

Chemical exposure could cause skin irritation or respiratory issues

Musculoskeletal problems from poor posture or repetitive tasks

3. Implement Control Measures

Take steps to reduce or eliminate the risks. 

Examples:

Use non-slip mats and clean spills immediately

Store sharp tools safely and train staff in proper handling

Regularly inspect and PAT-test electrical equipment

Provide gloves and ventilation when using chemicals

Offer ergonomic chairs and encourage regular breaks

4. Record Your Findings

Document everything clearly for accountability and compliance. 

Examples:

Create a risk assessment sheet listing each hazard, risk level, and control measure

Assign responsibilities to staff members

Keep records of training, equipment checks, and incidents

5. Monitor and Review

Keep the assessment up to date and responsive to changes.

 Examples:

Review after any accident or near miss

Update when new products or equipment are introduced

Schedule annual reviews and involve staff in feedback

Reflect, Summarise, and Share

Step 1 – Review and Recall (3 minutes)

Write down 5 key facts, that you have learnt in today’s lesson. 

Step 2- Write a short summary using the key facts you recalled in step 1.

Step 3 – Peer Share and Clarify (5 minutes)n  in pairs or small groups, read through each other’s summaries and discuss any differences. 

Step 4- Reflective Sentence Starters (2 minutes)"Today, I learned that…"

"A key point I need to remember is…"

"One question I still have is…"

Remember to use your learning review book to record new key terms you have learnt in todays session.