In its continued bid to help businesses throughout the pandemic, West Suffolk Council has today urged the following safety advice for hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons ahead of their expected reopening in July.

Many businesses have been closed for several weeks in order to control the spread of coronavirus.

The Government is now starting to lift restrictions for lower-risk businesses and whilst there is no definite date for hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons to re-open, plans should start be put in place to ensure that businesses can re-open safely when given permission to do so.

These businesses must assess the risk of legionella being present in water supplies which have not been used for several weeks.

It is important business owners carry out this assessment and take any appropriate action that is needed.

The weblinks below provide useful information which should be considered and implemented prior to reopening your business.

If you have any questions regarding legionella, or control measures required for safely reopening your business please contact us on 01284 757400.

Key links

• The Government website – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
• Health Safety Executive (HSE) website – https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/legionella-risks-during-coronavirus-outbreak.htm
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health website – https://www.cieh.org/media/4208/legionella-guidance-covid-19.pdf
• Hair Council website – https://www.haircouncil.org.uk/pages/backtowork.html
• British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology website – https://www.babtac.com/258-covid19-support
• HABIA (Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association) website – https://habia.org/covid-19
• HBSA (Hair and Beauty Suppliers Association) website – http://www.thehbsa.co.uk/covid-19/
• National Hair and Beauty Federation website – https://www.nhbf.co.uk/nhf-shop/246713221-reopening-guide-for-hair-and-beauty-salons-and-barbershops/