Posted on: Tuesday 13 October 2020
A premises improvement notice has been issued to Livio’s Barber Shop, Windsor Road, Griffithstown, for breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020.
Officers from the council’s Public Protection Service received a complaint alleging a lack of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) being worn inside the shop. Officers visited on Thursday 8 October 2020 and identified a number of inadequate coronavirus controls. These included the owner not wearing a Type 2 face mask in addition to a visor when cutting hair. Gowns were being re-used between customers, and track and trace records were incomplete. Officers considered it necessary to serve an improvement notice to ensure compliance.
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “Close contact service businesses such as barbers and hairdressers are considered to be amongst the highest risk settings for coronavirus transmission, and they are under a duty to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure. The wearing of appropriate PPE when cutting hair is of paramount importance.
“We would like to remind all barbers and hairdressers that appropriate PPE means a Type 2 face mask and a clear visor that covers the face. These provide a barrier between the wearer and the customer from respiratory aerosols and droplets. Visors must fit the user and be worn properly. They should cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face”
“Operators should ensure that they are fully aware of the guidance as well as keeping up to date with any regulatory changes. Welsh Government guidance for close contact services businesses can be found here: https://gov.wales/close-contact-services-businesses-coronavirus-workplace-guidance”
“Officers strive to work with businesses to give advice and help them achieve compliance, but will not hesitate to take robust enforcement action where serious breaches of the Coronavirus regulations are identified”.
The business owner has 48 hours to correct the breaches or consideration will be given to further enforcement, which may include the option to close the premises.