An explanation to why
we are working the way we are.
When the
guidelines were announced for our re-opening, we
studied them closely. With the knowledge that
COVID-19 is a highly infectious “airborne"
transmitted virus we decided that to create a
sterile environment within my salon I should really
wash everyones hair prior to cutting it.
I am
currently constantly being asked why do I have to
wash my hair in your shop when I can do it at home
or even the night before and save you doing it.
Why?
Without
you knowing, you touch your hair dozens of times a
day, it’s an automatic process that you do without
even knowing. Although we are constantly washing and
sterilising our hands, it's impossible to do this
every time before you touch your hair. We therefore
“could" be contaminating our hair with this virus
without our knowledge and possibly without even
getting ill.
Before
COVID, simply spraying tap water on the hair to help
cut it was not an issue. It created a fine mist of
water droplets whilst cutting with absolutely no
risk and then drying the hair with a hairdryer
evaporated the water with no issues.
Now,
however spraying tap water on hair that may have
been touched (contaminating) will create a fine mist
of infected water droplets whilst cutting and drying
it. The water droplets in this fine mist can carry
coronavirus particles that may be absorbed through
the nose, mouth or eyes and risk transmission of the
virus. Without the knowledge on how long these
droplets are in the air, we have to assume that this
poses a risk to other customers and me.
All this
may seem extreme however it is a risk which I have
had to calculate and prevent. Other barbers have
chosen to interpret the guidelines differently
however I hope the above now explains why I am
working the way I am. This method of working has
considerably reduced my income, so it is not being
done to earn more.
As I
have said within my shop, why stop sterilisation at
your hands when you walk in when it’s your hair I am
working on.
So what are we doing?
Prior to
every customer entering our salon, we are making
sure our salon is in the most sterile environment we
can provide.
*
Worktops, sink, barber chair, hand mirror, hairdryer
and door hand is wipe with Barbicide medical grade
disinfectant and is left as recommenced for 2
minutes. If the waiting chairs are used by carers or
parents of children, they are also disinfected.
* All
used tools are soaked in Barbircide medical grade
disinfectant for a minimum of 10 minutes and then
rinsed, dried and re-oiled if necessary. All
clippers are first cleaned of hair and then
disinfected with Clippercide Spray and re-oil.
* We are
storing all tools away from our work area so that
they stay clean when not in use.
* We are
using disposable gowns and biodegradable disposable
hair towels.
* We
have currently suspended the use of a neck brush as
it can not be disinfected properly between
customers.
* We are
constantly reviewing the government guidelines. We
are currently using a face visor and type-2 face
mask which is changed every 3 - 4 hours.
*
Operating a one-in one-out policy.
*
Providing ventilation.
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