Observations

1. Different sizes (length and width) of combs are used to suit the size of the hand and task.
2. The barber combs have a handle end with a more comfortable grip as the comb fingers are covered. This should make the rotation of the comb in the hand easier.
3. Different grips change the method of presentation of a section and allow for better presentation to the scissors.
4. Hairdressers with significant pain and on the point of leaving the Industry have included into their technique the 'spoon' comb hold and found this helped to reduce or eliminate the pain.

Risks

1. Can contribute to MSD.

Interventions

1. There should be a strong link between Unit Standards 20929, Demonstrate safe and professional practice in the salon environment, and Unit Standard 2867, Select and maintain hairdressing tools and equipment.
2. A study on the design and suitability of combs for hairdressing should be made.
3. The development of a 'good practice' technique would include the use of the combs.
4. Hairdressers should select combs that suit their hand size.

Observations

1. Applying pressure between the thumb and fingers to operate the scissors. The strongest movement of the thumb is towards the first finger ('offset' scissors). The movement towards the fourth finger is weaker ('A' frame) and outside the desired range of movement of the thumb.
2. Repetitive movement outside the desired range of movements of the thumb should be avoided. For this reason 'off set' scissors are ergonomically a better tool.
3. The over the top cutting technique results in elbows above the shoulder, backs bent and twisted and wrists at the extreme range of movement.
4. Hairdressers on the point of leaving the Industry changing to 'offset' scissors and a change in technique are still working in the Industry.
5. Some hairdressers with significant pain have achieved immediate reduction in pain with changing to 'off set' scissors.

Risk

1. The scissors are a significant factor in the development discomfort, pain and MSD.

Interventions

1. A trainee should only buy or be supplied with 'offset' scissors.
2. Trainees and hairdressers should have available and be taught the factors to be considered when purchasing a pair of scissors.
3. The teaching of Unit Standard 2867 should include information on some elements of ergonomics relevant to the selection of scissors.
4. A study should be made into the design and suitability of scissors for hairdressing.
5. Selection factors for use when buying scissors should be developed, particularly to assist new entrants when buying their first scissors and for those suffering pain and injury and considering a change in the type of scissor.

Observations

1. Holding the dryer by the pistol grip limits the safe operation of the dryer.
2. Some hairdressers hold the barrel of the dryer to improve the wrist and arm positions, and posture.
3. The barrel is not designed as a hand hold and is too large for smaller hands.
4. Operators complain of the weight of the dryer.
5. There are AC and DC dryers. The DC dryers are lighter and cheaper but may not last as long.

Risk

The use of dryers contributes to MSD. The present dryers are not designed to reduce the risk of MSD.

Interventions

1. There is a dryer on the market that allows a different grip and the temperature of the barrel allows it to be gripped.
2. Designing a dryer with barrel and pistol grips to provide a variety of ways to hold the dryer to blow air onto all heights of the head.
3. This design should be carried out in conjunction with the development of a 'good practice' technique.
4. The design should provide for a range of hand sizes on all grips.
5. Select a dryer with a low noise level.
6. Criteria should be developed for the assessment and purchase of dryers.

Observations

1. Chairs with no height adjustment.
2. Gas cylinder operated chairs. Cannot be raised when the client is in the chair. The hairdresser has to ask the client to stand while the chair height is raised. Not many hairdressers are prepared to do this.
3. Chairs with hydraulic cylinders can be raised and lowered without disturbing the client.
4. Chairs with footrests attached. These appear to be at a set height. Some have a single bar and others have a range of foot positions to cater for clients with different leg lengths.
5. Chairs with no footrest attached.
6. Chairs with the footrest removed as a client has fallen over the footrest.
7. Single height footrests that are part of the wall under the bench.
8. Moveable footrests.
9. A short elderly lady who wanted her feet on the ground as there was no footrest. The hairdresser had to accommodate to a head height well below a desired working height.
10. "Can't get the chair and client high enough". A tall hairdresser.

Risks

1. Chairs that hinder or don't allow for height adjustment contribute significantly to the risk of MSD, as the hairdresser has to accommodate by adopting undesired postures.

Interventions

1. Use hydraulic adjustable chairs with footrests attached or without if portable footrests are used. These chairs can be raised or lowered with the client in the chair.
2. The design of the chairs and, in particular the range of heights, should be reviewed with the development of the techniques for cutting, blow waving and applying colours etc.
3. A chair with a foldaway footrest should be considered in the design review.
4. Criteria should be developed for the assessment and purchase of chairs.
5. Using a brightly coloured bar stool with a surrounding back for cutting a child's hair. The chair was also used for a child to sit beside their mother or carer.

Observations and Comments

1. "When I get a sore back I use a cutting stool".
2. These portable stools are a necessary part of the salon equipment and should be used from the beginning of the shift.
3. A hairdresser should always have one available to them and should be used for all client related tasks in the salon.
4. They can have a well padded flat top or can be a saddle seat. A curved edge is preferable.
5. Stools are available with backs, but the practical use of a back needs to be studied.
6. Cutting stools allow a hairdresser to work on the lower half of the client's head with a neutral back.
7. The use of stools allows the legs some recovery time by reducing standing time by about 25%.
8. The feet can be out in front or tucked underneath.
9. For most hairdressers the position of the feet will determine their back posture. If the angle of the legs to the back is 90 degrees most hairdressers will have difficulty in maintaining this position with the back in a neutral position.
10. An angle of 100 degrees or greater between the thighs and the back will allow the holding of a neutral back posture. This can be achieved by sitting on the front edge of the stool or by putting the legs under the stool.
11. The range of heights of the gas cylinder should be reviewed and the best range determined by comparison with the anthropometric data.
12. A 'good practice' technique for the use of stools should be developed.
13. Criteria should be developed for the assessment and purchase of stools.

Observations

1. Basins attached to the wall and some with a bench on either side restricting the space available for the hairdresser.
2. The basins are a fixed height for all.
3. No footstool or moveable platform was observed for shorter hairdressers.
4. The tap and hose are in the way of the hairdresser reaching over and into the basin.
5. The depth of the basins varied and deep basins involved more reaching.
6. Most of the client chairs at the basin were unadjustable and not comfortable for the client. One tall client had to slide down the seat of the chair to fit his neck onto the edge of the basin. With the basinful fully raised the edge of the basin was very uncomfortable on his neck.
7. Some basins had a rubber sleeve on the edge of the basin for the client's comfort.

Risks

1. The fixed height, placement and design of the basin can contribute to discomfort, pain and MSD.

Interventions

1. The design and use of basins should be reviewed. Anthropometric data (size and shape) of the New Zealand hairdresser population should be used.
2. The basin should be free standing from the wall.
3. The taps and hose should be mounted to allow free access to the basin for the hairdresser.
4. Develop a basin with adjustable height for the hairdresser.
5. Consider designing the edges of the basin to provide a place for the hairdresser to rest their forearms and take some weight off their backs when leaning forward.
6. The depth of the basin should be no more than is needed to contain water during the washing and rinsing processes.
7. Most of the client chairs at the basin were unadjustable and not comfortable for the client.