CIEH issues new guidance for salons and spas to reopen following lockdown

CIEH has published new guidance to assist salons and spas as they prepare to reopen once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Beauty businesses have been closed to the public since the UK went into lockdown on 23 March, but as the Government eases restrictions for all other businesses, employers of beauty establishments will need to review their processes and consider adjustments to mitigate against the risks of COVID-19. These businesses face a unique set of challenges due to the unavoidable personal contact between clients and staff providing beauty treatments.

The Government announcement on 23 June stated that, in England, only hair salons and barbers will be allowed to reopen from 4 July, which means all other beauty salons and spas will remain closed until further notice. In Northern Ireland, an indicative date of 29 June has been set for the reopening of hair salons, barbers, nail, beauty, tanning services, electrolysis and acupuncture treatments, whilst in Wales, a decision on the re-opening of these types of businesses is expected on 9 July.

The guidance will assist these types of businesses in making preparations for their eventual reopening. Before reopening their doors, business owners will need to do a risk assessment, considering every aspect of their operation, from the layout of treatment rooms to how clients book appointments.

CIEH's guidance provides businesses with a series of practical examples of measures they can take to effectively manage the risks of COVID-19, such as staggering appointment times and introducing pre-appointment client questionnaires to screen for symptoms.

Tamara Sandoul, Policy and Campaigns Manager said:

"We are delighted to publish this guidance for environmental health practitioners to share with salon and spa businesses in their local communities. Whilst only some of these businesses have been given a date to re-open, it is important that all owners of these businesses begin to make preparations to do so.

The close personal contact involved in providing these services presents particular challenges for preventing the spread of the virus. That is why we developed this short guidance document in collaboration with our members, drawing on their extensive expertise and experience of advising businesses on health and safety and infection control.

We hope salons and spas make use of this practical guidance to think through the risks of reopening and ensure clients and staff stay safe."