Members Questions regarding return to work 4 July 2020

Following the publication of the Government guidelines for safe reopening of salons and barbershops, please find below frequently asked questions to help provide further clarification. The guidelines apply to barber shops, mobile and freelance barbers.

The Government guidelines itself is not legally binding. However, the requirements and suggestions within it would be taken into account by your local authority and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when deciding if you have complied with health & safety law.

What precautions do I need to take?

The Government guidelines say that businesses must complete a COVID-19 risk assessment to help ensure the safety of staff and clients.

Which barbering services are allowed?

Barbers in England can open on 4 July 2020 with appropriate safety measures. They can provide services that relate to ‘cutting or treating hair on the head’.

Are beard trims or shaving allowed?

Shaving of the face is not allowed but beard trims can be done from 4 July 2020.

Beard trims can be done if the barber avoids activity in the high-risk zone (the area directly in front of a client’s eyes, nose and mouth) for the majority of the time that it takes to complete the service.

Services should be limited to simple beard trims, thinning or removing bulk or length which can be done using either clippers or scissors. This could be carried out from the side or by circling the client avoiding the high-risk zone. Intricate detailing, outlining or shaving that involves prolonged periods near the high-risk zone should not be carried out.

Visors must be worn. They must fit the barber and be worn properly to cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face.

You do not have to offer any services that you are not comfortable providing. As part of your risk assessment you will need to decide if you can justify offering beard trims by using the guidelines above to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Can I use a hairdryer when we reopen?

There are no restrictions on the use of hairdryers.

Is there a time limit for how long a barber can spend with a client?

The government has not set a time limit on services but has stressed that appointment times should be kept to a minimum and that businesses should consider not offering longer services due to the increased potential exposure.

Do I have to offer an appointment-only system?

The government guidelines state that 'operating an appointment-only system' is one of the steps that 'will usually be needed'. The guidelines also refer to businesses maintaining 'scheduled' appointments.

This approach helps to control the number of people in your barbershop at any one time and to maintain a strict cleaning schedule between clients.

To manage social distancing and the number of clients in your barbershop we recommend asking clients to book appointments on the phone, online or via text - and not to visit your premises to do so. Consider moving to a 'one in, one out' policy.

Remember to maintain social distancing in your barbershop at all times.

Do I have to keep a record of clients who come in for appointments?

Yes.

You must keep a temporary record of your clients and visitors for 21 days and assist NHS

‘Test and Trace’ with requests for contact information if needed.

When collecting and storing data you will need to comply with strict data protection regulations.

The government has made it clear that while at present the requirement to record client information as part of the NHS Test and Trace programme is not legally required, it will introduce legislation if people fail to comply

What do the guidelines say about PPE (personal protective equipment)?

The barber providing the service should wear a clear visor that covers the face and provides a barrier between the wearer and the client from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing or speaking.

I have already bought face masks; can I just use them?

No. The guidelines say that full-face visors should be used when in close contact with clients (less than two metres).

Face coverings (not face masks) may be worn by clients or staff but cannot be used instead of full-face visors when working close to the client’s face, mouth and nose.

What changes do I need to make to the layout of my salon/barbershop?

You may need to modify the layout of your premises in order to maintain social distancing (two metres, or one metre plus with additional precautions (a visor) where two metres is not possible)

Is the government guidance optional?

The guidance itself is not legally binding. However, the requirements and suggestions within it would be taken into account by your local authority and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when deciding if you have complied with health & safety law.

Where can I find more information?

Full Government guidelines – click here.

Printable poster available for your barbershop as required in the guidelines – click here.

If you have any question for the BBA team contact us at admin@britishbarbers.com or call +44 (0) 7553 826582