Article taken from Habia News, Autumn 2011:
Salons warned on patch testing
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Salons have been issued with a stark reminder to check their patch testing procedures after a large salon chain made an out of court settlement of £7000 earlier this year. The chain had been taken to court by Kitsons Solicitors on behalf of their client, who alleged she had suffered an allergic reaction to a hair treatment. The claimant visited the salon in November 2009, and informed staff that she previously reacted badly to a dark hair dye. She was advised that a semi-permanent dye should be used and |
assured did not contain any ingredients to which she would be allergic. The dye was used without a patch test being carried out, resulting in an allergic reaction later that day that caused breathing difficulties, a swollen face and eventually resulted in an overnight stay in hospital and treatment with steroids and adrenalin. Wendy Nixon, Habia’s health and safety expert said, “it’s important for salons to get patch testing right first time. You cannot afford to put your clients’ health and safety at risk as the consequences can be severe, whilst a big pay out can cripple a small salon and the damage to reputation can finish it completely.” |
Active Salon can help you ensure Patch Tests are carried out in your salon
Suitability Questions within Active Salon allows you to set up unique questions specific to your salon. It can prevent staff selling un-suitable products/ treatments to your clients. With tick box answers, the questions are quick and easy to answer. Link the questions to treatments for instance: a full head of highlights, to ensure a patch test has been carried out. Or link questions to products, for instance: for a cream, to ensure the client doesn’t have any skin complaints which maybe irritated by using the cream. The answers are shown on the clients’ record card. There is also the option to attach documents to the clients’ record card, attach signed disclaimer forms, completed additional product and treatment question cards. If certain questions are unanswered Active Salon prompts staff to ask clients before allowing purchasing of treatment/product. Using this part of Active Salon helps keep your salon within the governing law and gives you peace of mind.
