Salon Hygiene Checklist
A Salon Hygiene Checklist is a compliance tool used by Australian personal service businesses to ensure cleaning and sterilisation tasks meet the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and AS/NZS 4815 standards to prevent infection risks.
A practical tool to help salon owners and workers maintain clean, safe, and compliant workspaces according to Australian health and safety laws.
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About this Document
A Salon Hygiene Checklist is a vital record keeping tool for any Australian business offering personal services like hairdressing, beauty therapy, tattooing, or piercing. This document acts as a daily or weekly audit to ensure your workplace meets the strict hygiene standards required by state and territory health departments and national work health and safety laws. In Australia, business owners have a legal duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) to provide a safe working environment. This includes protecting workers and clients from the risk of infection. A checklist helps you prove that you are actively managing these risks. You need this document if you operate a salon, barber shop, day spa, or home based beauty business. It is essential for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, preventing the spread of infectious diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Staphylococcus infections, and ensuring compliance with local council regulations. Using this checklist creates a routine for your staff so that cleaning and sanitisation become habits rather than afterthoughts. It also helps you identify when equipment needs replacing or when stock levels of disinfectants are running low. To complete the checklist effectively, you must train your staff on the difference between cleaning and sterilisation. Cleaning removes visible dirt, while sterilisation kills all microorganisms. Your checklist should cover all areas of the salon, including the reception desk, treatment rooms, staff bathrooms, and kitchenettes. It should list specific tasks for surfaces, tools, linen, and upholstery. You must assign tasks to specific staff members and require them to sign off at the end of every shift. This creates a clear chain of accountability. If an inspector from Safe Work NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, or your local council visits your premises, they will ask to see your hygiene records. A completed checklist demonstrates your commitment to safety and can help you avoid hefty fines or prosecution. The legal requirements for salon hygiene are set out in several key documents. The WHS Act 2011 requires you to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. The Biosecurity Act 2015 also plays a role in managing infectious diseases. , specific standards like AS/NZS 4815:2006 outline how to reprocess reusable medical and surgical instruments in office based practice. If you use tools that penetrate the skin, such as needles or cuticle nippers, you must follow these standards strictly. State based public health acts also impose specific obligations on skin penetration industries. For example, the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic) require businesses to follow strict infection control guidelines. Your checklist should reflect these specific legal requirements. You should include a section for tool maintenance, detailing how often you autoclave instruments and how you store them in sterile pouches. You must also include a section for single use items, ensuring they are disposed of immediately after use in a sharps container or general waste bin as appropriate. Chemical safety is another important part of salon hygiene. You must keep a register of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all cleaning chemicals used in the salon. Your checklist should verify that chemicals are clearly labelled and stored away from food and drink. A common mistake to avoid is assuming that wiping a surface with a wet cloth is enough. You must use hospital grade disinfectants and follow the contact time instructions on the label. Another mistake is reusing single use items like emery boards or cotton buds to save money. This is illegal and dangerous. Failing to clean extraction fans in spray tanning booths or hair cutting sinks is another common oversight that can lead to mould growth and poor air quality. You should also avoid sharing responsibilities without clear instructions. One staff member might think the other has cleaned the surgical instruments, leading to them being left dirty. A checklist removes this ambiguity. Personal hygiene is also a critical part of the document. The checklist should remind staff to wash hands between clients and wear clean uniforms. Jewellery must be removed or covered when performing skin penetration procedures. Cuts and abrasions on the hands must be covered with waterproof bandages. The document should also address laundry procedures. Towels and gowns must be washed at a temperature high enough to kill bacteria, usually 60 degrees Celsius or higher, and stored in a clean, dry cupboard. The checklist should verify that dirty laundry is not placed on clean surfaces. Record keeping is a major component of compliance. You must keep the completed checklists for at least five years. These records are your defence if a client claims they contracted an infection at your salon. You should also use the checklist to log any equipment failures. If an autoclave fails to reach the correct temperature, you must record this, stop using the equipment, and arrange for repairs immediately. Do not try to fix complex machinery yourself unless you are qualified. The checklist should also cover the cleanliness of client amenities. Toilets and washbasins must be cleaned and restocked with soap and disposable towels regularly. Waiting areas should be free of clutter and magazines should be wiped down or removed if they are soiled. Floors should be swept and mopped daily to prevent the buildup of hair and dust. You should also pay attention to air quality. Adequate ventilation is required to disperse fumes from hairsprays, acrylic powders, and disinfectants. If your salon does not have good natural ventilation, you may need to install extraction fans or air purifiers. The checklist can include a visual check of ventilation systems. Insurance is another factor to consider. Public liability insurance policies often require you to comply with all relevant laws and regulations. If you have an insurance claim for infection or injury, your insurer will ask for your hygiene records. If you cannot produce them, they may refuse to pay the claim. This demonstrates that a simple checklist is not just about cleanliness, it is about financial protection for your business. In Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) do not directly regulate hygiene, but the records you keep can form part of your general business records. Good record keeping practices are essential for all aspects of running a business. When you implement a Salon Hygiene Checklist, you should involve your staff in the process. Ask them for feedback on the cleaning tasks and whether the time allocated is sufficient. If the checklist is too long or complicated, staff will not complete it accurately. Keep it simple, clear, and concise. Use plain English and avoid jargon where possible. Use a yes or no format or simple checkboxes. Review the checklist regularly to ensure it remains up to date with changes in legislation or best practice guidelines. For example, during the COVID 19 pandemic, additional requirements for cleaning high touch surfaces and physical distancing were introduced. Your checklist should be flexible enough to adapt to such changes. Ultimately, the Salon Hygiene Checklist is a living document that evolves with your business. It is a sign of professionalism that builds trust with your clients. When clients see you recording your cleaning routines, they feel confident in your services. This trust is the foundation of a successful salon business in Australia. By adhering to the WHS Act 2011, AS/NZS 4815, and state public health regulations, you not only stay on the right side of the law but also ensure the wellbeing of everyone who walks through your door.
Key Facts
- Salon owners must maintain a clean environment under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to minimise infection risks.— Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
- Reusable instruments must be sterilized according to AS/NZS 4815:2006 standards.— Standards Australia / New Zealand (AS/NZS 4815)
- Single use items must never be reused and must be disposed of immediately after use.— Public Health Act 2010 (NSW)
- Businesses must keep safety records including cleaning logs for at least 5 years.— Safe Work Australia
- Workers must wash hands between every client or use an alcohol based hand rub.— Department of Health
Sources
Required Sections
General Work Area
Cleaning tasks for floors, surfaces, and bins in the main salon space.
Keep the salon floor and general work areas clean and tidy at all times. A clean environment prevents accidents and stops the spread of infectious diseases. You must follow strict hygiene rules under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 or the equivalent state based public health acts in your jurisdiction. You should also refer to AS/NZS 4815:2006 Office-based health care facilities - Reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment. This standard explains exactly how to clean clinical and non clinical areas.
Start by clearing clutter from the floor and walkways immediately. Pick up hair clippings, used product bottles, and any rubbish. Check that all electrical cords are taped down or secured in cable covers. Loose cords are a major tripping hazard. Walk around the room to look for any slip hazards like water spills or dropped items. Comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 by managing these risks to ensure staff and clients are safe.
Sweep all hard floors daily. Use a broom with fine bristles to capture dust and hair. In busy salons, sweep more often to stop dirt from building up. Pay close attention to corners and under chairs where debris collects. After sweeping, mop the entire floor using a hospital grade disinfectant. Follow the instructions on the product label for the correct dilution rate and contact time. Use a double bucket system if possible. One bucket holds the cleaning solution and the other holds rinse water. This stops you from pushing dirty water around the floor. Let the floor dry completely before allowing clients or staff to walk on it.
Wipe down all general surfaces in the work area. This includes reception desks, door handles, light switches, and waiting room chairs. Use a neutral detergent and warm water for routine cleaning. If a surface is visibly soiled with blood or body fluids, you must use a disinfectant that is TGA listed and effective against blood borne viruses. Wash, rinse, and dry cloths thoroughly after every use. Store cleaning chemicals in a labelled cabinet away from client areas. Keep a written record of your cleaning schedule. This helps you stay consistent and provides proof of compliance during an environmental health inspection.
Tool Sterilisation
Procedures for cleaning and sterilising reusable instruments like scissors and clippers.
Tool sterilisation is a non-negotiable aspect of running a compliant salon in Australia. You must treat every reusable tool as a potential biohazard. Under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and corresponding acts in other states and territories, salon owners have a duty of care to protect clients from blood-borne viruses like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. To meet these obligations and satisfy the requirements of AS/NZS 4815:2006 (Office-based health care facilities), you must follow a strict protocol of cleaning, sterilisation, and storage.
Begin by wearing personal protective equipment, including heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses. Place all reusable tools such as scissors, clippers, and metal cuticle pushers into warm water and detergent. Scrub them thoroughly with a stiff brush to remove all visible debris and organic matter. You must rinse the tools under running water to wash away the detergent. This cleaning step is critical because sterilisation cannot occur if the tools are dirty. Allow the tools to air dry completely. Do not use towels as these can re-contaminate the surface.
Once dry, you must sterilise the tools. The most effective method, and the gold standard for Australian salons, is the use of an autoclave. An autoclave uses steam under pressure to kill all microorganisms. To comply with Australian standards, you must run the autoclave through a full cycle and check the printout or indicators to ensure the correct temperature and time were reached. Alternatively, you may use a chemical sterilant registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Check the product label to ensure it is rated for sterilisation and not just disinfection. Submerge the tools in the chemical solution for the exact time specified by the manufacturer.
Storage is just as important as the cleaning process. Remove tools from the autoclave or chemical bath using clean tweezers. Place them inside a sterilisation pouch with a chemical indicator strip. Seal the pouch before storage. Store these pouches in a clean, dry, and covered container. Never mix sterilised tools with unsterilised ones. You must label the container with the date of sterilisation and write the expiry date based on the manufacturer's guidelines. If a pouch becomes wet or torn, you must reprocess the tool immediately. Keep a daily sterilisation register to record the date, time, and cycle number of every run to prove your compliance during health inspections.
Single Use Items
Safe disposal of items that cannot be reused, such as gloves and sharps.
Disposing of single use items correctly is vital to maintain a safe salon environment and comply with Australian health regulations. You must separate general waste from clinical waste to prevent cross-contamination and protect waste handlers.
Single use items such as cotton pads, gauze, tissues, and used wax strips must go into general waste bins. These items have not penetrated the skin. If an item is visibly soaked with blood, you must treat it as clinical waste. Place all single use items into a lined bin with a foot pedal operated lid. Never use your hands to push waste down. Empty the bins daily or when they are three quarters full. Secure the bin liner tightly before removal to stop contents from spilling.
Sharps management requires strict attention. Sharps include anything that can pierce the skin, such as lancets, razor blades, and hypodermic needles. You must never discard these items in general waste or recycling bins. You must use an approved Australian Standards sharps container that is yellow, puncture proof, and clearly labelled. Dispose of the entire implement into the container immediately after use. Do not try to remove the blade from the razor. Do not recap needles.
When a sharps container is three quarters full, you must lock the lid using the built-in mechanism. You must then arrange for disposal through an accredited clinical waste collector. It is illegal to put clinical waste in domestic or municipal bins.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and equivalent acts in other states govern the disposal of clinical waste. Nationally, you should refer to AS 4031-1992 for the colour coding of clinical waste and AS/NZS 4261:1994 for non-reusable sharps containers. State based environmental protection agencies also enforce strict guidelines regarding waste segregation. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines. Keep a written record of your clinical waste disposal contracts on the premises for inspection by council officers.
Staff Hygiene
Requirements for personal cleanliness and hand hygiene.
Staff must maintain high standards of personal hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and comply with Australian health regulations. Every worker is responsible for their own cleanliness and presentation. This section outlines the mandatory requirements for personal hygiene within the salon.
Hand hygiene is the most critical control measure in preventing cross-contamination. Staff must wash their hands thoroughly with liquid soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds. You must wash hands before starting work, before and after every client, after eating, smoking, or using the toilet, and after handling rubbish or chemicals. A shared basin must never be used for hand washing if it is also used for cleaning equipment or rinsing hair. If running water is not immediately available, you must use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 70% ethanol or 60% isopropanol. These requirements support the obligations of the Food Standards Code Chapter 3, which applies to personal services in many states, and state-based public health acts.
Uniforms and protective clothing serve as a barrier against contamination. Staff must wear clean clothing at the start of every shift. If clothing becomes visibly soiled or stained during the day, it must be changed immediately. Ideally, staff should change into uniforms at the salon to prevent outside dirt from entering the work area. Long sleeves must be rolled back or secured to avoid touching water, products, or the client. Loose jewellery, such as long dangling earrings or bracelets, must be removed or secured. This jewellery can harbour bacteria and catch on equipment or client hair.
Any skin breaks, cuts, grazes, or wounds must be covered completely. You must use a waterproof, brightly coloured adhesive strip so that if it falls off, it is easily seen. If the wound is on the hand, you must also wear a single-use glove over the dressing. This double protection is mandatory under infection control guidelines. Staff with infectious skin conditions, such as untreated dermatitis or open weeping sores, must not perform skin penetration treatments until a medical professional clears them for duty.
Good personal grooming is essential. Staff must tie back long hair securely to prevent it from falling forward during treatments. Fingernails must be kept short and clean. Long nails trap dirt and bacteria, and they can tear gloves or scratch clients. Nail polish must be intact and free of chips, or removed entirely. Perfume and aftershave should be used minimally as strong scents can trigger allergic reactions in clients and staff. By following these standards, you comply with the model Work Health and Safety Act and ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Client Amenities
Cleaning of bathrooms, waiting areas, and customer facilities.
Client Amenities Cleaning Checklist
Client amenities include waiting areas, customer bathrooms, and wash basins. These areas are visible to every client and reflect directly on your business standards. You must keep them clean and sanitary to prevent the spread of infection and comply with Australian health laws.
Daily Cleaning Requirements
Start with high touch surfaces. Clients frequently touch door handles, light switches, and reception desks. You must wipe these down with a hospital grade disinfectant or a detergent solution at the start of the day, throughout the day, and again at closing time.
Check waiting room furniture. Look for visible stains or hair on chairs and couches. Vacuum upholstered furniture daily and wipe down leather or vinyl surfaces with a suitable disinfectant. Magazines and product display items collect dust and germs. Remove old publications and wipe down shelves.
Bathroom and Basin Hygiene
Bathrooms require strict attention. Clean and disinfect the toilet, seat, and flush handle daily. Wash basins must be free of hair, product residue, and scum. Use a commercial cleaner to scrub the basin and tap ware. Check the mirrors and polish them to remove fingerprints.
Soap dispensers and hand drying facilities are essential under public health guidelines. Ensure liquid soap is always available and replace paper towels regularly. If you use cloth towels, you must launder them daily. Keep the floor dry and mopped to prevent slips and trips.
Refill supplies as needed. This includes toilet paper, hand soap, and paper products. A lack of supplies is a poor reflection on your professionalism.
Waste Management
Empty all bins in the amenities area daily. Do not let waste overflow. Use bin liners and seal them before removal to stop odours and pests. Place bins in a location that is easy for clients to access but does not obstruct walkways.
Legal Obligations
You must comply with state and territory health laws. In New South Wales, follow the Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2012. In Victoria, refer to the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Similar acts exist in Queensland, Western Australia, and other states.
If you operate a beauty salon or hairdressing business, you must also follow the hygiene codes set by your local council. These regulations require you to maintain a clean environment for clients and staff. Use the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4815 as a guide for cleaning and sterilisation procedures in office-based practice.
Sign off
Add a line at the bottom of this list for the staff member to sign and date. This record proves you are maintaining your workplace to the required standard.
Laundry
Handling, washing, and storing of towels and gowns.
All soiled linens, towels and gowns must be removed from treatment areas immediately after use. Place these items in a designated, rigid, and leak-proof container with a secure lid. Do not carry dirty laundry against your uniform or place it on clean surfaces. If linen becomes heavily soiled with bodily substances, wear gloves and handle the item with care to minimise the spread of contamination. You must transport dirty laundry to the washing area without shaking it, as shaking releases germs and fibres into the air.
Commercial washing machines are required for salon use. Domestic equipment generally does not provide the necessary agitation and thermal disinfection. Wash all linens using a detergent that is suitable for the water hardness and the fabric type. You must use hot water for the wash cycle. The water temperature must reach at least 65 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 10 minutes, or 71 degrees Celsius for at least 3 minutes, to ensure thermal disinfection. This temperature requirement meets the guidelines set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). If the fabric cannot tolerate high temperatures, you must use a chemical disinfectant approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
After the wash cycle, you must dry the linens completely. Use a commercial dryer or a designated drying area that has good airflow. Damp linen creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Ensure linens are dry before storage to prevent contamination.
Store clean textiles in a dry, well-ventilated area that is separate from the dirty laundry room and bathroom facilities. The storage area must be dust-free and protected from pests. Keep clean linens off the floor. Store them on clean, closed shelves or in covered cupboards. Do not stack clean linen on top of chemical products or near sinks. Covering clean linen with a plastic sheet helps prevent dust settling on it.
All staff must understand these procedures to comply with state and territory public health regulations. In New South Wales, this involves the Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2012. In Queensland, refer to the Public Health Act 2005. Businesses in Victoria must follow the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Check with your local council for specific approvals regarding on-site laundry facilities. Regularly check your washing machine and dryer to ensure they reach the required temperatures. Keep a maintenance log on-site to demonstrate your compliance with hygiene standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Salon Hygiene Checklist?
When do I need a Salon Hygiene Checklist?
Is a Salon Hygiene Checklist legally required in Australia?
How long must I keep hygiene records?
What disinfectant should I use in a salon?
Who is responsible for completing the checklist?
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