Health and safety in Make-up

Why it's important?

Health and safety is an important aspect of your working life - know your responsibilities and that of others to prevent accident, injury and illness

 

 

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic method of looking at work activities, equipment and workplaces that present a potential risk to employees or others who may be affected their activities. Suitable measure should be put in place to prevent or minimise loss.

Who does a risk assessment?

The head of department or key make up artist and the production should carry out risk assessments before work begins.

It's your responsibility

Procedures

The production should have well-publicised emergency procedures in place, but you have the responsibility too:

 

Ensure you are aware of what to do in an emergency - for fire, accidents and injuries;

 

Keep vacuity on routes clear;

 

Have appropriate fire extinguishers in place;

 

Store all gas canisters safely;

 

Observe the no smoking rules.

Checking mobile make-up vehicles

Mobile make-up vehicles should be checked, preferably by the person hiring the vehicle, that all the relevant certificates for insurance, gas safety, electrical appliances and so on are valid/current and that the drivers are of the required standard with the correct licence.

 

Safety checklist:

Access to vehicles should be via stable non-slip steps with a handrail; - There should be good working space and ventilation in the vehicle;- No trailing leads to electrical equipment;- Appliances must not be covered when in use; - Fire extinguishers and first aid kits should be prominent; - Fire exits and doors must be kept Clear; - Gas bottles must be stored correctly

Checking mobile make-up vehicles

Make-up staff must arrange for a sharps bin(for sharp items like used razors and glass) and a flammables waste bin (for IPA, acetone and other such waste). Both must be labelled correctly. Do not put sprits in the nearest bin or down the sink.

 

 

Airbrushing pushes both carries and pigments into the air surrounding both the make-up artist and their subject. Therefore, good ventilation is essential, especially if more than one airbus is being used. Windows should be opened and an extractor fitted. In mobile make-up vehicles and rooms, roof vents should be opened. In tents or locations make-up rooms, make sure tent flaps are left open and fans are available.

Hygiene and good working practices

Hygiene and good working practices are essential to prevent cross infection, contamination of make-up products and to keep the work place safe:

Make-up and tools must be used hygienically and should not be shared;

Principal artists should have their own make-up;

Other artists’ make-up may be from a general stock, in which case the amount of product required should be taken with a clean, sterilised spatula or brush and placed into a container or into a clean palette.