HS033 - Sharps, Needlestick and Blood Spills

Sharps, Needlestick and Blood Spills

This guide is for salon and barbershop owners whose teams use razors, blades, needles or anything else that can cut skin. That includes barbers doing shaves and fades, nail techs using cuticle nippers and files, therapists doing waxing, dermaplaning or electrolysis, and anyone offering piercing or semi-permanent make-up. Small cuts and specks of blood happen in every salon. This guide shows you how to prevent them, clean up safely and act fast when someone is hurt.

What you'll get

• What the law says about blood and bloodborne virus risks in a salon
• How to handle and dispose of sharps safely, including sharps bins
• How to clean up a blood spill step by step
• Exactly what to do after a cut or needlestick injury
• When an injury must be reported under RIDDOR

Part of the SOU Health & Safety Toolkit

Written for UK hair, beauty, nail and barbering businesses and branded ready to download. Free for SOU PRO and CEO members.

This resource is general guidance in line with UK health and safety law. It does not replace your own risk assessments or professional advice, and you remain responsible for health and safety in your salon. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Salon Owners United and its partners accept no liability for any loss arising from its use.