The main way COVID-19 spreads from person to person is through contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may fall directly onto the person’s eyes, nose or mouth if they are in close contact with the infected person. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 can also occur, with the greatest risk in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces. A person may also be infected if they touch a surface contaminated with the COVID-19 virus and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Research shows that the COVID-19 virus can survive on some surfaces for prolonged periods of time.

A key way you can protect workers and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by requiring workers and others to practice good hygiene. Below are measures to ensure good hygiene in your workplace.  

Remember, you must consult with workers and health and safety representatives on health and safety matters relating to COVID-19, including what control measures to put in place in your workplace.

Worker and visitor hygiene

You must direct your workers, customers and others in the workplace to practice good hygiene while at the workplace. Good hygiene requires everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry them completely, preferably with clean, single-use paper towels. If paper towels are unavailable, other methods such as electric hand dryers can be used, however, hands will still need to be dried completely.

Everyone must wash and dry their hands:

• before and after eating 
• after coughing or sneezing 
• after going to the toilet, and  
• when changing tasks and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.  

An alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the active ingredient must be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions when it is not possible to wash hands. 

Good hygiene also requires everyone at the workplace to, at all times: 

• cover their coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a clean tissue (and no spitting) 
• avoid touching their face, eyes, nose and mouth 
• dispose of tissues and cigarette butts hygienically, e.g. in closed bins 
• wash and dry their hands completely before and after smoking a cigarette 
• clean and disinfect shared equipment and plant after use, including client service stations and seating
• wash body, hair (including facial hair) and clothes thoroughly every day 
• have no intentional physical contact, for example, shaking hands and patting backs. Workers should tie hair back to prevent it touching the client.

Clients entering the workplace

In some jurisdictions electronic check in with a QR code is mandatory. You must comply with any public health direction that requires your workplace to implement QR check in. Electronic check in assists with contact tracing of COVID-19.

To meet your WHS duty you should also implement processes to ensure clients do not to enter the workplace (and to reschedule their appointment) if they: 

• are experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath or are in any way unwell, or
• have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed as having COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19.

Inform clients of these expectations when booking appointments. 

• If clients are booking over the phone, have a template written out for workers to read to the client. If your business provides beauty services in home, you can use our phone and email script to help communicate with clients. If booking online, add additional text to the booking confirmation setting out your expectations. 
• You could also send a text message to clients a few days before the appointment to ask clients to reschedule if they or a close contact is unwell.

You should also display signs in your shop front window (or other appropriate place) informing clients of your expectations and not to enter the workplace if they or a close contact are unwell.

You should also inform clients of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when they attend for their appointment. This includes:

• washing their hands and drying them completely or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser upon arrival
• advising they minimise the number of times they touch their phone and other personal items as they could unintentionally transfer germs to the workplace, and
• only touching retail items they are interested in purchasing. 

To enhance good hygiene outcomes:  

• develop infection control policies in consultation with your workers. These policies should outline measures in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the workplace. Communicate these policies to workers 
• train workers on the importance of washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them correctly, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser:
• before entering and exiting a common area
  • before and after attending to a client and providing a beauty treatment or service, 
  • after handling potentially contaminated instruments
  • after exposure to a bodily substance, and
  • after removing PPE 
• place posters near handwashing facilities showing how to correctly wash and dry hands (for example, if hand dryers are used, place posters advising that hands should be dried completely before finishing) and clean hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser 
• inform workers of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when using common areas (cleaning up after yourself, placing rubbish in bins provided, avoiding putting items such as phones on meal surfaces, etc.)
• ensure there is an adequate supply of soap and paper towels if required 
• use clean gowns, towels and tools with each client. Use disposable products where possible, including sponges, mascara wands and lip liner brushes for make-up services. Dry linen fully after washing and store clean linen in a covered cabinet
• prohibit clients from walking around the premises barefoot, e.g. after a pedicure
• clean and disinfect treatment areas, equipment (including for laser and facial treatment, tattooing and piercing), headrests, product containers, spa baths and foot spas between each client
• ensure you also follow any other state/territory health authority infection control requirements for tattoo parlours, body piercing establishments, beauty salons and spas including hand hygiene, reprocessing reusable instruments, laundry management, waste management, sharps safety, cleaning and maintenance of premises and using personal protective equipment (PPE)
• consider installing and/or using easily cleanable covers over items located near workers and clients that are required for use and remove covers only while items are being used. Ensure covers are regularly cleaned
• if paper towel or sheets are used to cover client benches, replace after each use
• remove books and magazines 
• refrain from offering beverages and refreshments or only offer beverages in disposable cups
• encourage contactless payment where possible 
• provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations for clients to use, such as entries and exits, and
• keep contact information of clients up to date (including walk-ins) to assist health authorities if contact tracing is required. 

You should put processes in place to regularly monitor and review the implementation of hygiene measures to ensure they are being followed and remain effective. 

What do I need to consider when providing hygiene facilities?

You must ensure there are adequate and accessible facilities to achieve good hygiene and that they are in good working order, are clean and are otherwise safe.  

You may need to provide additional washing facilities, change rooms and dining facilities. You must also consider whether there are an adequate number of hand washing and drying stations, in convenient locations, to sustain the increase in workers’ practicing good hygiene.

You may need to provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations, such as entry and exits, if there are limited hand washing facilities available. 

Washroom facilities must be properly stocked and have adequate supplies of toilet paper, soap, water, and drying facilities (preferably single-use paper towels). They must also be kept clean and in good working order.

When determining what facilities you need, consider the number of workers on site, the shift arrangements and when access to these facilities is required.  If you have temporarily down-sized worker numbers in response to COVID-19 and these will now be increased, you must take this into account to determine the facilities you need before workers return to work. 

I need to create a new eating or common area. What should I consider when making these new areas?

If creating a new eating or common area to enable physical distancing, you must ensure these areas are accessible from the workplace and adequately equipped (e.g drinking water, rubbish bins), and protected from the elements, contaminants and hazards.  

You should also consider opening windows or adjusting air-conditioning for more ventilation in common areas and limiting or reducing recirculated air-conditioning where possible.  

For further information on providing adequate and accessible facilities, including providing facilities for a temporary, mobile or remote workplace see our related information about consultation and the Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities.

Why are paper towels preferred over hand dryers?

Paper towels are preferable as they can reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by drying the hands more thoroughly than hand dryers.

Hand dryers can still be used, however, there is an increased risk of transmission if hands are not dried properly. 

I am providing paper towels in my workplace. What else should I do?

Providing paper towels to dry your hands after washing them is better than using hand dryers because they can dry your hands more thoroughly. If you provide single used paper towels at your workplace, remember:

• the paper towels should be replenished as required, and
• used paper towels should be disposed of in a waste bin that is regularly emptied to keep the area clean, tidy and safe.

Wastes (including used paper towels) should be double bagged and set aside in a safe place for at least 72 hours before disposal into general waste facilities. For further information regarding cleaning, please refer to our cleaning guide. 

What if I can’t provide paper towels?

If paper towels cannot be provided, then hand dryers may be used to dry hands. You must train workers on how to dry their hands. Placing posters near hand dryers may assist with communicating the need for hands to be dried completely. If hands are not dried completely, good hygiene will not be achieved, and the hand washing will be ineffective. 

Frequently touched areas of the hand dryers (i.e. buttons to activate the drying mechanism of the hand dryer) and the entire body of the dryer should be cleaned regularly. Nearby surfaces (such as the sink and taps) should also be cleaned regularly to remove any germs that may have been spread when drying hands. 

The main way COVID-19 spreads from person to person is through contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may fall directly onto the person’s eyes, nose or mouth if they are in close contact with the infected person. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 can also occur, with the greatest risk in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces. A person may also be infected if they touch a surface contaminated with the COVID-19 virus and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Research shows that the COVID-19 virus can survive on some surfaces for prolonged periods of time.

A key way you can protect workers and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by requiring workers and others to practice good hygiene. Below are measures to ensure good hygiene in your workplace.  

Remember, you must consult with workers and health and safety representatives on health and safety matters relating to COVID-19, including what control measures to put in place in your workplace. 

Worker and visitor hygiene

You must direct your workers, customers and others in the workplace to practice good hygiene while at the workplace. Good hygiene requires everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry them completely, preferably with clean, single-use paper towels. If paper towels are unavailable, other methods such as electric hand dryers can be used, however, hands will still need to be dried completely.

Everyone must wash and dry their hands:

• before and after eating 
• after coughing or sneezing 
• after going to the toilet, and  
• when changing tasks and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.  

An alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the active ingredient must be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions when it is not possible to wash hands. 

Good hygiene also requires everyone at the workplace to, at all times: 

• cover their coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a clean tissue (and no spitting) 
• avoid touching their face, eyes, nose and mouth 
• dispose of tissues and cigarette butts hygienically, e.g. in closed bins 
• wash and dry their hands completely before and after smoking a cigarette 
• clean and disinfect shared equipment and plant after use, including client service stations and seating
• wash body, hair (including facial hair) and clothes thoroughly every day 
• have no intentional physical contact, for example, shaking hands and patting backs. Workers should tie hair back to prevent it touching the client.

Clients entering the workplace

In some jurisdictions electronic check in with a QR code is mandatory. You must comply with any public health direction that requires your workplace to implement QR check in. Electronic check in assists with contact tracing of COVID-19.

To meet your WHS duty youYou should implement processes to ensure clients do not enter the workplace (and to reschedule their appointment) if they: 

• are experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath or are in any way unwell, or
• have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed as having COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms linked to COVID-19.

Inform clients of these expectations when booking appointments. 

• If clients are booking over the phone, have a template written out for workers to read to the client. If your business provides beauty services in home, you can use our phone and email script to help communicate with clients. If booking online, add additional text to the booking confirmation setting out your expectations. 
• You could also send a text message to clients a few days before the appointment to ask clients to reschedule if they or a close contact is unwell.

You should also display signs in your shop front window (or other appropriate place) informing clients of your expectations and not to enter the workplace if they or a close contact are unwell.

You should also inform clients of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when they attend for their appointment. This includes:

• washing their hands and drying them completely or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser upon arrival
• advising they minimise the number of times they touch their phone and other personal items as they could unintentionally transfer germs to the workplace, and
• only touching retail items they are interested in purchasing. 

To enhance good hygiene outcomes:  

• develop infection control policies in consultation with your workers. These policies should outline measures in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the workplace. Communicate these policies to workers 
• train workers on the importance of washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them correctly, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser:
• before entering and exiting a common area
  • before and after attending to a client and providing a beauty treatment or service, 
  • after handling potentially contaminated instruments
  • after exposure to a bodily substance, and
  • after removing PPE 
• place posters near handwashing facilities showing how to correctly wash and dry hands (for example, if hand dryers are used, place posters advising that hands should be dried completely before finishing) and clean hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser 
• inform workers of workplace hygiene standards that are expected when using common areas (cleaning up after yourself, placing rubbish in bins provided, avoiding putting items such as phones on meal surfaces, etc.)
• ensure there is an adequate supply of soap and paper towels if required 
• use clean gowns, towels and tools with each client. Use disposable products where possible, including sponges, mascara wands and lip liner brushes for make-up services. Dry linen fully after washing and store clean linen in a covered cabinet
• prohibit clients from walking around the premises barefoot, e.g. after a pedicure
• clean and disinfect treatment areas, equipment (including for laser and facial treatment, tattooing and piercing), headrests, product containers, spa baths and foot spas between each client
• ensure you also follow any other state/territory health authority infection control requirements for tattoo parlours, body piercing establishments, beauty salons and spas including hand hygiene, reprocessing reusable instruments, laundry management, waste management, sharps safety, cleaning and maintenance of premises and using personal protective equipment (PPE)
• consider installing and/or using easily cleanable covers over items located near workers and clients that are required for use and remove covers only while items are being used. Ensure covers are regularly cleaned
• if paper towel or sheets are used to cover client benches, replace after each use
• remove books and magazines 
• refrain from offering beverages and refreshments or only offer beverages in disposable cups
• encourage contactless payment where possible 
• provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations for clients to use, such as entries and exits, and
• keep contact information of clients up to date (including walk-ins) to assist health authorities if contact tracing is required. 

You should put processes in place to regularly monitor and review the implementation of hygiene measures to ensure they are being followed and remain effective. 

What do I need to consider when providing hygiene facilities?

You must ensure there are adequate and accessible facilities to achieve good hygiene and that they are in good working order, are clean and are otherwise safe.  

You may need to provide additional washing facilities, change rooms and dining facilities. You must also consider whether there are an adequate number of hand washing and drying stations, in convenient locations, to sustain the increase in workers’ practicing good hygiene.

You may need to provide alcohol-based hand sanitiser in appropriate locations, such as entry and exits, if there are limited hand washing facilities available. 

Washroom facilities must be properly stocked and have adequate supplies of toilet paper, soap, water, and drying facilities (preferably single-use paper towels). They must also be kept clean and in good working order.

When determining what facilities you need, consider the number of workers on site, the shift arrangements and when access to these facilities is required.  If you have temporarily down-sized worker numbers in response to COVID-19 and these will now be increased, you must take this into account to determine the facilities you need before workers return to work. 

I need to create a new eating or common area. What should I consider when making these new areas?

If creating a new eating or common area to enable physical distancing, you must ensure these areas are accessible from the workplace and adequately equipped (e.g drinking water, rubbish bins), and protected from the elements, contaminants and hazards.  

You should also consider opening windows or adjusting air-conditioning for more ventilation in common areas and limiting or reducing recirculated air-conditioning where possible.  

For further information on providing adequate and accessible facilities, including providing facilities for a temporary, mobile or remote workplace see our related information about consultation and the Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities.

Why are paper towels preferred over hand dryers?

Paper towels are preferable as they can reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by drying the hands more thoroughly than hand dryers.

Hand dryers can still be used, however, there is an increased risk of transmission if hands are not dried properly. 

I am providing paper towels in my workplace. What else should I do?

Providing paper towels to dry your hands after washing them is better than using hand dryers because they can dry your hands more thoroughly. If you provide single used paper towels at your workplace, remember:

• the paper towels should be replenished as required, and
• used paper towels should be disposed of in a waste bin that is regularly emptied to keep the area clean, tidy and safe.

Wastes (including used paper towels) should be double bagged and set aside in a safe place for at least 72 hours before disposal into general waste facilities. For further information regarding cleaning, please refer to our cleaning guide. 

What if I can’t provide paper towels?

If paper towels cannot be provided, then hand dryers may be used to dry hands. You must train workers on how to dry their hands. Placing posters near hand dryers may assist with communicating the need for hands to be dried completely. If hands are not dried completely, good hygiene will not be achieved, and the hand washing will be ineffective. 

Frequently touched areas of the hand dryers (i.e. buttons to activate the drying mechanism of the hand dryer) and the entire body of the dryer should be cleaned regularly. Nearby surfaces (such as the sink and taps) should also be cleaned regularly to remove any germs that may have been spread when drying hands.

The main way COVID-19 spreads from person to person is through contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may fall directly onto the person’s eyes, nose or mouth if they are in close contact with the infected person. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 can also occur, with the greatest risk in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces. A person may also be infected if they touch a surface contaminated with the COVID-19 virus and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Research shows that the COVID-19 virus can survive on some surfaces for prolonged periods of time.

A key way you can protect workers yourself and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by practicing good hygiene. Below are measures to ensure good hygiene in your workplace.  

Worker hygiene

A key way you can protect yourself, your colleagues and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is by practising good hygiene.  

Good hygiene requires washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them completely, preferably with clean, single-use paper towels. If paper towels are unavailable, other methods such as electric hand dryers can be used, however, hands will still need to be dried completely.

You must wash and dry hands your hands:

• before and after eating 
• after coughing or sneezing 
• after going to the toilet, and  
• when changing tasks and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.  

When it is not possible to wash hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the active ingredient must be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Good hygiene also requires you to, at all times: 

• cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a clean tissue (and no spitting) 
• avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth 
• dispose of tissues and cigarette butts hygienically, e.g. in closed bins 
• wash and dry hands completely before and after smoking a cigarette  
• wash and dry hands completely before and after interacting with clients
• clean and disinfect shared equipment after use, including client service stations and seating
• wash body, hair (including facial hair) and clothes thoroughly every day 
• have no intentional physical contact, for example, shaking hands and patting backs. You should tie long hair back to prevent it touching the client
• not attend work if you are feeling unwell.

For information on the measures your employer should be implementing, see our employer information for Beauty salons and day spas.