Caring for your salon equipment

In our industry, we are using many forms of equipment and furniture that requires us to be prudent, not only its use, but also in terms of the maintenance.

As the user, it is our responsibility to ensure that all of our equipment and furniture is maintained and fit for purpose.  Equipment should be physically capable of doing the job and cared for so that the machine cannot become unsafe.

It is very important to check your equipment is in good condition on a regular basis.  This will potentially prolong the life of the equipment and prevent any unforeseen problems or accidents.  All equipment should be serviced/checked every twelve months – or earlier if subject to high and frequent use.  Below are some checks that can be carried out by all staff on a regular basis...

Visual Inspection of Equipment

Electrical Units

• Switch off and unplug the unit before starting any checks.
• Ensure that the fuse used is the correct rating for the unit.
• Check that there is no damage to the plug.
• Inspect the cable for any damage or wear that may be exposing the wires underneath.
• Check for damage on the outer casing of the unit.
• Check for burn marks or staining as this can suggest that the unit is overheating.
• Ensure that any wires/cables are not in a position that can become a trip hazard.

Furniture

• Check for any loose bolts or screws.
• Inspect castors/wheels to ensure that they are secure.  These usually screw into the legs of stools/trolleys etc and can loosen over time.
• Check the hinges on hot towel cabinets, UV sterilisers, magnifying lamps and trolleys to ensure that they are both secure and tight.
• Treatment beds are put together with bolts and hinges.  These need to be checked to ensure that they are not loose.

1. Facial Steamers – these units should be filled with deionised water only.  If normal tap water is used, scale will build up on the heating element over time and start to block the unit.  If the unit becomes blocked, then there is a serious risk of the steamer spitting boiling hot water.  Every month, each steamer should be cleaned out with bicarbonate of soda and water to reduce any scale build up and clean out the internal parts of the steamer.
2. Hot Towel Cabinets – every evening these units should be switched off and the door left open to air out the inside of the unit and allow it to dry.  Most units are fitted with a drip tray that should be emptied each evening as well.  The inside of the unit should be wiped out with a damp cloth.
3. UV Cabinets – never open the door to a UV cabinet while it is switched on.  The unit should also be switched off every evening.  The inside cavity must be cleaned out regularly with a damp cloth.  Remember, never use a cleaning agent that contains alcohol.
4. Wax Pots – wax pots are used all day, every day and need a little tender loving care.  Each unit is usually fitted with an inner bucket where the wax is held.  The inner bucket should be removed on a regular basis and the internal bucket of the pot cleaned out.  It is important to keep the control dial free from wax.
5. Roll-On Waxing Units – wiping the roller head after each use is a great habit to form, as this will prevent any residual wax from running down in the applicator.  If this does occur, the power connectors can become clogged with wax.
6. Treatment Beds – it is imperative that all the join connections, bolts and screws are checked and tightened regularly.  Clients are climbing on and off your treatment bed continuously and these parts become loose over time.