Hygiene crackdown on beauty salons in the capital

In a bid to curb the spread of infections and diseases, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality has issued a notice to beauty centres and hair-cutting salons to undergo mandatory training.

Staff are required to be oriented with the Environment, Health and Safety management systems.

The authority has issued notices that state at least 20 per cent of star members at the above-mentioned work places will have to undergo training, or they could tow the risk of losing their license.

Emirates 24|7 contacted one of the four consulting firms appointed to run the one-day workshops, with Asma, one of the coordinators saying: “The whole idea of this training is to ensure a certain hygiene practice is followed in salons and barber shops.

“Sanitary habits are key, with those who enrol, will learn how to maintain a clean workspace, how to clean tools and sterilise products after usage.”

She further explained: “For example, when you get a manicure or pedicure done, the kit used for each client should be sterilised and not reused on another client, unless it undergoes the sterilisation process.

“This is how we curb the spread of skin diseases.”

The eight-hour course will include a practical test, theory and lead up to an examination for Dh300.

A certificate is issued at the end of the training, which is to be then submitted to the municipality.

When contacting a few salons in Abu Dhabi, staff appeared oblivious for the requirement of such a course.

In Dubai, a staff member of Elegant Salon said: “There is no such enforcement here by Dubai Municipality; however, it is very common in the Philippines to undergo such a government backed training.

“However, officials conduct regular spot checks for hygiene and safety standards in Dubai, so we always have to ensure we are on top of the game.”

[Image via Shutterstock]