Ventilation and Chemical Substances in a Beauty Salon — OHS Requirements [2026]

A nail salon is one of those workplaces where exposure to chemical substances is an everyday reality -- acrylic resins, acetone, solvents, cyanoacrylate adhesives. Good ventilation and knowledge of occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are not just a matter of comfort; they are above all a matter of your health and your employees' health, and a legal requirement inspected by Sanepid and the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP). Neglecting these obligations can result in fines, a work-station closure order, and -- in the event of an accident -- civil and criminal liability.

Legal Basis and Regulated Substances

An employer's obligations regarding chemical substances derive primarily from the Labour Code (Art. 207 -- general OHS responsibility, Art. 222-227 -- specific provisions on chemical substances and biological agents) and the Regulation of the Minister of Health and Social Policy on OHS in work involving exposure to chemical substances (Journal of Laws 2002 No. 142, item 1190, as amended). Additionally, the Regulation on sanitary requirements for cosmetic salons sets minimum requirements for premises, including ventilation.

In a nail salon, the following substances are particularly important:

• Methacrylates (HEMA, MMA, EMA) -- in UV gels, acrylic, hybrid bases. Potent contact allergens that can cause permanent sensitisation.
• Acetone -- solvent; OEL (Occupational Exposure Limit) is 600 mg/m³ TWA (8-hour time-weighted average) and 2,400 mg/m³ STEL (short-term exposure limit).
• Ethyl acetate -- in removers and nail polishes; OEL 734 mg/m³.
• Cyanoacrylates -- in tip adhesives and nail art glues; highly irritating to the respiratory tract.
• Formaldehyde -- in some nail hardeners; a category 2 carcinogen, OEL 0.37 mg/m³.
• Acrylic dust -- dust generated during acrylic filing is particularly harmful to the lungs.

Ventilation Requirements

Ventilation in a beauty salon must meet two levels of requirements: general ventilation for the entire premises and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at each workstation where chemical substances are used.

General ventilation: the minimum air exchange rate is 10-20 m³ per hour per person in the room, in accordance with the Regulation on technical conditions for buildings. In practice, for a small 2-station salon this means a minimum of 40-80 m³/h of air exchange. Ventilation must be mechanical (supply and exhaust) or gravity-based with forced extraction -- simply opening windows does not meet the standard when regularly working with volatile substances.

Local exhaust ventilation (dust and fume extraction): every nail workstation should have an extractor positioned no more than 15-20 cm from the client's hands, with airflow of at least 0.5 m/s at the suction opening. The extractor must be fitted with HEPA and activated carbon filters -- the first captures dust particles, the second absorbs chemical fumes. Replace filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations (usually every 3-6 months with intensive use).

Cross-ventilation: do not use supply and exhaust ventilation on the same side of the room -- air must flow across the entire workstation, not circulate in one spot.

Safety Data Sheets, Chemical Register and PPE

Every chemical substance used in the salon must have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in the 16-section format compliant with the CLP/GHS Regulation. You receive SDS sheets from the supplier or manufacturer (they are obliged to provide them) and keep them in a location accessible to employees -- usually in a binder at the workstation or in electronic form on a tablet.

You must also maintain a chemical substances register -- a list of all substances used in the salon with basic data: name, manufacturer, hazard classification, quantities used annually. Update the register whenever the product range changes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Nitrile gloves (not latex -- latex causes sensitisation and does not protect against methacrylates). Minimum thickness 0.1 mm, replaced after each client.
• FFP2/N95 mask -- mandatory when filing acrylic, buffing gel and any activity generating dust. A surgical mask does not filter chemical dust particles.
• Safety glasses -- when removing gel by e-file and when working with cyanoacrylate adhesive.
• Work apron -- protects clothing from contact with chemical substances.

Employees exposed to chemical substances must undergo occupational health surveillance including assessment of chemical exposure. The employer issues the referral; the occupational medicine doctor determines the scope of examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a workstation extractor mandatory, or is good general ventilation sufficient?

Local exhaust ventilation is always required when working with volatile or dust-generating substances. General ventilation cannot reduce vapour concentrations directly at the workstation to permissible OEL values -- it only dilutes air throughout the room. Both PIP and Sanepid check both types of ventilation during inspections.

Where do I get Safety Data Sheets for the products I use?

An SDS should be provided with the product or be available on the manufacturer's website. If the supplier does not provide it, you have the right to demand it -- and the obligation to have it. Missing SDS documents are a regulatory violation and grounds for a PIP enforcement notice.

Do I need to measure chemical substance concentrations in the air?

Yes, if there is a risk of exceeding OEL values. Employers are obliged to carry out measurements of chemical substance concentrations in the work environment (Art. 227 of the Labour Code). In practice, small salons commission measurements from accredited laboratories (WSSE or private) once a year or whenever the scope of activities changes. Measurement cost: 300-800 PLN.

What are the penalties for lacking ventilation and Safety Data Sheets?

The National Labour Inspectorate can impose a fine of up to 30,000 PLN and issue a work-stoppage order for the workstation. Sanepid can order the salon to close. In the event of an employee's occupational disease -- the employer bears compensation liability.

Are latex gloves not sufficient instead of nitrile?

No. Latex is not resistant to methacrylates and other organic solvents -- substances penetrate through the glove. Additionally, latex is a potent allergen that can sensitise both the employee and the client. Use only nitrile or neoprene gloves suitable for working with chemical substances.