News Items
December 14, 2008
Beauty and the beast: tackling safety issues in salons
As the beauty industry snatches headlines for poor attention to health and safety, one independent firm highlights how simple it is to keep the salon environment clean, safe and risk free for employees and clients.
The Air and Beauty brand, part of the Widespread Solutions group of companies, has launched the specially designed ‘PURE’ air extraction system for the salon environment as well as a series of safe beauty products to tackle the most common risks to health.
PURE has been specifically developed to tackle problems associated with the varnishes and solvents used to attach and polish acrylic nails. For nail technicians and clients there are several risks to health, including the inhalation of nail dust and of harmful products such as Methyl Methracrylate (MMA) which is used within the application process. Related symptoms of prolonged exposure to such ingredients include headaches, stiffness, lung, kidney and liver problems.
PURE is a portable unit which can be easily adapted to sit alongside existing furniture. It is a simple ‘plug and play’ system requiring only a standard socket and twice filters the air through a unique ‘Bactiguard’/carbon system which delivers more than double the purification of a standard filtration system. Air and Beauty also offers a risk free range of water-based tanning products, body paints and more.
Many salons failing to meet the basic requirements of health and safety and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) legislation could boost their client confidence with a fully compliant PURE system.
Widespread Solutions Managing Director Mike O’Hara commented: “With concerns rising over products such as controversial injectable tanning agent Melanotan and now other more commonly used beauty procedures, it is vital salon owners are aware of the risks posed by prolonged exposure to regularly used chemicals.
“It is much easier and cheaper than people realise to make a working environment safe and clean.”
