Unit 2.1 :: Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

Health and Safety

Eyelash extension procedures naturally  involve working very close to the eye 

and the face and therefore should be carried out hygienically and by an

experienced person. It is important however, that anyone having this treatment

knows what to expect from the procedure and is aware of any problems that 

may occur, for example:

• Allergic reactions.
• Localised or general infection due to poor aftercare.
• It is always necessary to give detailed advice on aftercare and you are required by insurance to also give a written aftercare sheet for the client to follow.

INSURANCE & LAW REQUIREMENTS

A basic understanding of safety law is essential – many pitfalls to business

can be easily avoided when equipped with basic relevant knowledge, and of

course it is important that employees and customers are aware of their

rights too.

There are two types of law of which you should be aware:  Criminal Law and

Civil Law.

CRIMINAL LAW

is concerned with the prosecution of offenders in the

criminal courts. Offences may be committed if obligation imposed by Rule of Law, Acts of Parliament / Dail, or Regulation is ignored. Anyone found guilty of a criminal

offence may be liable to a fine or, more rarely, imprisonment and will have a

criminal record.

CIVIL LAW

is concerned with legal claims presented by persons, companies or organisations against another. The purpose of such claims is generally to secure compensation or award for damages.
Civil claims may be made on a number of grounds, for example:
Breach of contract;
Negligence (this involves failure to take ‘reasonable care’)
Breach of statutory duty.

Businesses need to give careful thought as to the type and amount of insurance appropriate to them. Insurance can provide financial cover against accidents, civil claims and other losses. It is important to remember though that some losses cannot be insured against, for example criminal fines or the ‘hidden costs’ of accidents such as loss of business and reputation. Insurance should not be seen as a substitute for safe practice.

One form of insurance which is compulsory; is public liability insurance, this type of Insurance protects employees and clients. Employers are required by law to take out insurance against their liability to pay damages for bodily injury or illness to their employees or customers, due to their work. Under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 this insurance must be taken out with authorised insurers. We recommend you start by getting a quote with AIT (Allied Irish Therapists) We have included their advertising below for your interest.

Associated Beauty Therapists Ireland (ABT Ireland) offers one of the most comprehensive insurance and membership packages available today.
With over 30 years internal beauty market experience and representing over 18,000 professional therapists, students and salon owners, ABT Ireland is internationally recognised for its membership packages offered at the lowest prices possible without compromise.

Benefits

€6.5 MILLION Professional Liability Insurance.
€6.5 MILLION Public Liability Insurance.
€6.5 MILLION Product Liability Insurance.
€6.5 MILLION Medical Malpractice/Treatment Risk Insurance.
€150,000 Legal & Tax Protection Package.
Student Membership €37
Student Includes all membership benefits listed along with our comprehensive insurance package which is offered through Catlin Insurance Company (UK) Ltd. and DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Ltd. as outlined within the policy wording and explanatory booklet. Cover is for all the standard beauty treatments and is subject to the student limitation as found within the application form.

STATUTORY DUTIES UNDER HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 is still the main piece of legislation in this

field. It applies to all people at work: employers, employees and 

Self-employed. No business is too small to escape the duties under this piece of

legislation. The Act requires employers to safeguard, as far as reasonably

practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of the people at work. Also,

both employers and self-employed must have regard to the health and safety of

customers, visitors and others that might be affected by their activities (or lack of

them).


The Irish Medical Board, who is responsible for the health and safety enforcement for the majority of Beauty/Body Piercing/Tattooing businesses, provide useful advice on all sorts of health and safety issues, particularly to those just setting up in business.


EU REQUIREMENTS FOR PREMISES AND PERSONS CARRYING OUT BEAUTY TREATMENTS

All beauty treatments should be carried out in a clean and hygienic

Surrounding. The treatment room should comply with the following standards:

1. Smooth, non-absorbent surfaces, which can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
2. The structure, furniture and fittings should be kept in good repair.
3. A comfortable reclining chair with a cover that can be easily cleaned e.g. vinyl. (Cover the area with a paper towel and replace after each client).
4. Adequate lighting to enable the practitioner to see the areas being treated clearly.
5. Sufficient room for moving around the bed and working safely.
6. A fully stocked first aid kit, in accordance with Health and Safety (First Aid)

     Regulations 1981.

7. Facilities for the proper and safe disposal of waste.

8. No smoking, eating or drinking should be allowed in the treatment room.

What’s next?

Now that your second Eyelash Extensions and final free-to-view unit is complete, navigate back to the Course Curriculum page to proceed to the next unit. If you haven’t already done so, to continue with the course beyond the free units, you will need to apply to the salon, arrange payment and the delivery details for your Training Kit to continue.