Sanitation rules for tonsorial and beauty shops

Definitions and regulated terms

The rules define a “barber” as an individual who cuts, styles and dyes of hair, shaves and trims beards, moustaches, eyebrows and other body hair, and performs related services.
The rules define a “beautician/hairdresser/hairstylist/make-up artist” as an individual who treats hair (including scalp or facial treatment) and also provides manicure and pedicure, dealing with the head, scalp, face, hands, skin, fingernails, toe nails, or feet, excluding medical/paramedical/allied practitioners while engaged in professional practice.
The rules define an “establishment” as a collective term covering barber shops, beauty parlors/salons, cosmetic salons, hair and hairdressing salons, manicuring and pedicuring, tattooing and skin piercing shops, and figure slenderizing salons and similar establishments.
The rules define a “sanitary permit” as written certification by the city or municipal health officer (or in his absence, the sanitation division/section/unit head) that the establishment complies with minimum sanitation requirements upon evaluation/inspection under Presidential Decree Nos. 522 and 856 and local ordinances.
The rules define key sanitation and enforcement terms, including “disinfection,” “sanitize,” “vermin,” “vermin abatement program,” and “sanitation inspector”.
The rules define responsible officials such as the “Secretary” (Secretary of Health), “Regional Director”, “Local Health Authority” (governor for provinces; mayor for cities/municipalities), and “Local Health Officer” (provincial/city/municipal health officer).

Sanitary permit: requirement, application, validity

No tonsorial or beauty establishment shall open or operate for public patronage without a sanitary permit issued by the local health officer using EHS Form No. 101.
Any extension, additional construction, or alteration in an establishment requires a new sanitary permit before operation.
Applications and renewals must be filed with the city or municipal health office having jurisdiction, using EHS Form No. 110.
A sanitary permit shall be issued only upon compliance to at least a satisfactory rating using the sanitary inspection form EHS Form No. 103-B.
Sanitary permit fees must be paid to the local government unit upon application, renewal, and noting, and the fee amount is set through local ordinance.
If there is a change in ownership, the new owner must apply within fourteen (14) working days to have the change noted in the records and permit and must pay the corresponding fee for noting.
The sanitary permit is valid from the day of issuance until the last day of December of the same year, and it is renewed every beginning of the year thereafter.
Upon recommendation of the local health officer, the permit may be suspended or revoked by the local health authority for violation of sanitary rules and regulations.
The sanitary permit must be posted in a conspicuous place and must be available for inspection by authorized health and other regulatory personnel.
Each city or municipality must keep a record of all establishments issued sanitary permits and renewals, showing: (a) the name/address of the permit holder (who must be the actual operator), (b) establishment location, (c) purpose(s) for which the permit was issued, (d) date first issued and renewal dates, (e) changes in occupation and management since first permit, (f) sanitary conditions under which the permit/renewals were issued, and (g) revocation of the permit; the record must be available for inspection by officers of the Department of Health or local government units at reasonable times.

Minimum sanitary facilities and water control

Drinking water must comply with the Code on Sanitation (P.D. 856) requirements on Water Supply and must conform to the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
Every water supply source must have a certificate of portability issued by the local health officer.
Establishments must maintain a minimum of forty (40) liters of water per capita per day.
Running water under adequate pressure must be provided in areas where food is prepared/processed/handled and where food equipment/utensils are washed; water pressure must be maintained at 1.41 kilogram per square centimeter (20 psi).
If drinking water is not supplied from a piped water system, it must be handled, transported, and dispensed in a sanitary manner and may be stored in a separate tank/reservoir/container approved by the local health officer.
Sewage from tonsorial and beauty establishments must be disposed in a public sewerage system, or where none exists, in a manner that complies with the Code on Sanitation provisions on sewage, excreta disposal, and drainage.
Each room must have at least two (2) refuse receptacles/containers with swing covers made of impervious materials: one for biodegradable and one for non-biodegradable wastes.
Refuse containers must have tight-fitting lids/covers that are vermin-proofed and easily cleaned, and must be lined with: black-colored plastic trash bags for non-biodegradable and green-colored plastic trash bags for biodegradable.
After emptying, each container must be cleaned inside and outside with water, soap and brush.
Refuse storage must be arranged so it is inaccessible to vermin, prevents insect/rodent attraction/harborage, and prevents nuisance.
Refuse storage areas must be kept clean at all times.
All refuse must be disposed at least once a day, or at frequencies necessary through the city/municipal collection system or other approved method, in a manner that prevents nuisance.
Sharps must be disposed in a puncture-proof container and must be pre-treated prior to disposal.

Vermin control, wash/toilet, lighting, and egress

Owners/operators/administrators must maintain a vermin abatement program; if they fail, neglect, or refuse to maintain it, the local health agency undertakes vermin control activities at the expense of the owner/operator/administrator.
Bathrooms and other openings to outdoor space must be effectively screened unless air-conditioned.
Below-grade openings and openings in exterior walls, ground/first floor, and roof must be rat-proofed; in heavy rat infestation, wooden exterior doors must be covered with cuff and chain metal and equipped with an automatic closing device.
Growth of bush, weeds, and grass must be controlled to prevent harborage of ticks, bugs, and other insects.
Deratting, disinfestation, and disinfecting operations must be handled by accredited urban pest control applicators under supervision of the local health office at the expense of the owner/operator/administrator.
The procedure and frequency of vermin abatement must be determined and approved by the local health office.
Vermin control must follow the Code on Sanitation provisions on Vermin Control.
Wash-hand basins must be installed in convenient places as near as practicable to users or as otherwise prescribed and must comply with the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.
Wash-hand basins and hand-washing facilities must be maintained in good repair, clean condition, and supplied with adequate running water during use.
Soap, nailbrush, and clean towels or other hand-drying facilities must be provided.
Toilet facilities must be adequate and sanitary for customers and personnel, easily accessible, with adequate hand-washing facilities and adequate water for hand-washing.
Toilet rooms must be completely enclosed, properly lighted, and ventilated.
Water closet and wash-hand basin numbers must comply with the following minimums:
- For barber shops, beauty parlors, and tattooing shops: for every five (5) chairs, at least one (1) hand-washing facility and one (1) water closet.
- For slenderizing salons: one water closet for each gender for every thirty (30) customers (work-outers); one shower room for each gender for every thirty (30) customers (work-outers); and one (1) drinking fountain for each gender for every fifty (50) customers (work-outers).
Minimum toilet space requirements are: Water Closet: 1.50 square meters/unit, Lavatories: 1.11 square meters/unit, and Urinals: 1.11 square meters/unit.
Minimum ceiling height for toilet rooms is 2.50 meters.
Lighting in toilets must be not less than 10 foot-candles (107.6 lux).
Natural ventilation requires window space at least 10% of the floor area of the toilet room.
Mechanical ventilation requires an exhaust fan of 15.24 centimeter diameter per 10 cubic meter room volume (or equivalent minimum cubic meter of air per minute at 3 air changes per hour), with mechanical exhaust connected to light circuits of windowless toilets/bathrooms.
Establishments must provide a first-aid facility or medical kit for accidents and sterile material to stop flow of blood in cases of wounds.
Floors must be smooth, easily cleaned, maintained in good condition, free from cracks/holes, and must use impervious/non-slip materials in bathrooms and wet areas; floor drains must be provided where needed, and all floors must be kept clean at all times.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, tightly constructed, even, made of non-toxic materials, maintained in good condition, and finished in ways that can be cleaned easily without damaging surfaces; wet areas must have impervious wall finishes.
Lighting standards require illumination levels measured at 75 centimeters (30 inches) above the floor, using a light meter, and must be reasonably free from glare and shadows; emergency lights must be available in power failure/emergency.
Minimum illumination levels must follow the table: 5 foot candles (50 Lux) for hallways/exits/stairways/landings/elevators/escalators; 10 foot candles (100 Lux) for work-out rooms/dressing rooms/lobbies/lockers/bathrooms/toilets; 20 foot candles (200 Lux) for barber shops/beauty parlors/tattooing shops/storage rooms; and 30 foot candle (300 Lux) for supplemental illuminations.
Natural and/or mechanical ventilation must be effective to maintain comfort and safety; where natural ventilation only is provided, window space must be at least 10% of floor area and openings to a clear space must be kept clean.
Where natural ventilation is absent, mechanical ventilation must be provided with required air-conditioning or exhaust fan/blower sizing and air circulation not exceeding 1.02 meter per second air velocity to personnel/guests/customers.
Overcrowding is prohibited: establishments must provide at least 1.50 square meter working floor area per customer, maintain sufficient unobstructed passageways/aisles/working spaces for customer access, and keep other floor spaces compliant with the National Building Code of the Philippines.
Egress rules require at least two (2) egress for customers; front doors must be at least 2 meters wide with swing-out doors; emergency exits and passageways must be unobstructed and have reflectorized sticker signs; all egress must lead to clear areas.

Barber shops and beauty parlors: operational sanitation

The operator must maintain floors, walls, ceilings, coverings, shelves, fittings, furniture, appliances, equipment, instruments, tools, and things within the establishment in good repair and sanitary condition to ensure hygienic conduct.
No pets are allowed inside barber shops or beauty parlors.
Soiled towels/cloths and similar materials must be removed daily and returned only after washing and disinfection.
Adequate supplies must be maintained for exclusive use of the barber/beautician, including antibacterial cleansing agents and nailbrushes and clean towels or suitable hand drying equipment.
Antibacterial cleansing agents must meet the following specified concentrations/forms: 4% Chlorhexidine gluconate, foaming detergent; 0.5% Chlorhexidine gluconate (aqueous); 0.5% Chlorhexidine gluconate in 95% ethyl alcohol with 1% glycerol; 0.5% Chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol; or 3% Hexachlorophene antibacterial cleansing agent.
All persons employed must wear clean working garments/uniform while working.
Every barber/beautician must thoroughly cleanse hands with water and soap or antibacterial agent immediately before and immediately after serving each customer.
No person with an infectious disease may work or be permitted to work in the establishment.
Smoking by a barber/beautician while attending to a customer is strictly prohibited, and a “No Smoking” sign must be posted conspicuously.
Hair clippings and other wastes (including shaving lather and paper) must be collected after each hair treatment and placed in a refuse receptacle.
Soiled towels, cloths, and paper must be placed in proper receptacles.
A waiting room must be provided for customers.
A separate clean towel or neck band must be used for each customer.
The barber/beautician must completely wrap unused paper strip or clean towel around each customer’s neck before fastening any apron/wrap/protective device.
A customer may not recline in a chair/couch unless the headrest is first covered with a clean unused towel/cloth/clean sheet of paper.
Prohibited practices include: using rotary hair brush, sponge, powder puff, neck duster, substances in block form, or anything likely to transfer infection; applying to skin/face powders/rouge or similar cosmetics except using a clean applicator (e.g., eye liner/lipliner/fresh clean pad/brush); applying petroleum jelly or similar substances unless taken from container with disinfected spatula/applicator or using sterile disposable spatula/applicator; applying creams or face-massage substances unless removed from collapsible tube or container with sterile disposable spatula/applicator.
Permanent waving solutions must not be applied from fluids/solutions previously used on another customer; heating clips and tongs used for waving/styling must be wiped with disinfectant.
Depilatory wax may be used only if not previously used on another person, or if previously used it must be strained through a metal strainer to remove hair/extraneous matter and heated to at least 130°C for 15 minutes.
Equipment must be kept clean and disinfected before and after use on each customer.

Disinfection and disease-control duties for barbers/beauticians

Razors, scissors, forceps, combs, clippers (when not in use) must be kept in provided containers kept closed except during placement/removal.
Containers must be cleaned daily using cloth/pad impregnated with one of the specified disinfectant solutions: 95% Ethyl Alcohol, 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, or 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite (hospital grade disinfectant).
Portable bowls/basins/cups and similar containers must be thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and dried with soap/detergent after use and kept dust-free.
Disinfection procedure must follow specified sequences:
- For razors/scissors/shears/combs/nippers/nail cutters/nail files: wash with soap/detergent, dry with clean cloth/towel, then immerse in the Table 3 disinfectant solution.
- For clippers: brush clipper teeth to remove hair, dip blades in Table 3 solution, and wipe blades with swab/cloth impregnated with Table 3 solution.
- For hair/shaving brushes: wash with water/soap/detergent, then immerse in Table 3.
- For towels/cloths/aprons/wraps and washable fabrics: immerse in Table 3 or soak in water at least 71°C for at least 10 minutes, then wash in water and soap, then dry or iron at least 71°C.
- For plastic aprons/wraps: wash in water and soap/detergent, then dry with clean cloth/towel.
- For hair clips/rollers used in hair waxing/styling contacting customer hair: wash, dry, then immerse in Table 3.
- Electric heating clips/tongs: wipe with swab/cloth impregnated with Table 3 solution.
- Equipment capable of immersion must be disinfected by immersion in Table 3 solution.
Barbers/beauticians must provide extra-care to clients with infectious skin disease, head lice, or other parasitic infestation and must advise the client to see a physician/dermatologist.
After each service, barbers/beauticians must: disinfect readily movable equipment used; destroy/disinfect/dispose of used paper/pads/swabs and place towels/cloths/coat/overall in a sealed container and disinfect at first practicable opportunity; scrub hands with brush and water and soap/antibacterial agent; and clean/disinfect nippers/nail cutters/nail files/brushes/scissors/emery boards and similar instruments, including cleaning beveling machine attachments before reuse.
PPE such as surgical/face masks must be used during acrylic nail polishing or similar procedures for protection against airborne particles.
All equipment must be cleaned and disinfected as specified after every use.

Tattooing and skin piercing: premises and sterile practice

The premises requirements for tattooing and skin piercing do not apply to medical practitioners, chiropodists, physiotherapists, registered nurses, registered midwives, and persons assisting them or under their supervision while performing tattooing or skin piercing.
A tattooing/skin piercing establishment must have at least one (1) lavatory or sink for every five (5) tattooists or skin piercers, with access as near as practicable to practitioners.
The lavatory’s water operation must be controlled by arm or foot operated pedals.
Drinking water must be adequate and potable, from public or private system, and must comply with the Code and Philippine National Standards.
There must always be adequate soap or antibacterial cleansing agent (Table 2), nailbrushes for practitioners, clean paper/tissue, and clean towels/hand drying equipment.
Floors, walls, ceilings, floor coverings, shelves, fittings, furniture, appliances, equipment, tools, and other items must be maintained clean and in good condition.
All surfaces used for placement of appliances/equipment/tools must be durable, smooth, and impervious with no cracks/crevices.
Clean towels/linen and other materials must be stored in adequate vermin-proof cupboards/cabinets or similar fittings.
Waste receptacles must be provided for waste generated; sharps must be pre-treated in puncture-proof containers.
Infectious/pathologic/hazardous waste must be segregated from other waste, disposed in receptacles/containers lined with yellow-colored plastic trash bags, and pre-treated prior to disposal.
Personnel hygiene requirements include: wearing clean washable white/light colored gown/coverall, keeping hands fingernails/body clean, cleansing hands before starting and after completing work and after toilet use or handling soiled materials/waste, and refraining from work when suffering from communicable disease.
Smoking is prohibited except in a clearly separated designated area; personnel must not smoke while working.
Eating while servicing a customer is prohibited.
Only sterile and disposable sharps/needles must be used, and equipment/instruments must be disinfected before and after every use.
After service, the practitioner must wash readily movable appliances/implements/tools used with water and soap/detergent, dry with a clean towel/cloth, and immerse in disinfectant solution (refer to Table 3, Section 6).
After service, the practitioner must immediately destroy/sterilize/dispose of all paper/tissue/pad/swab/appliances/implements/tools and things used; aprons/coats/overalls must be placed in a seated container and disinfected by soaking in water at least 71°C for at least 10 minutes, then washed with water and soap, dried, and ironed at least 71°C.
Hands must be cleaned by scrubbing with nailbrush and soap or antibacterial cleansing agent (Table 2).
After each customer service, benches/tables/equipment articles used must be cleaned and washed with disinfectant solution (Table 3).
Contaminated tables/articles must be covered with clean towel/cloth/tissue; used paper towel must be disposed immediately after service and must not be used again for another customer.
Before starting tattooing or skin piercing, the skin area must be cleansed with a sterile swab impregnated with skin disinfectant solution (Table 4) containing: 95% Ethyl Alcohol, 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, Cetrimide and Chlorhexidine Paint A.P.F., 0.5% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in 70% Ethyl Alcohol, 0.5% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, or 10% Providone-Iodine in 70% Ethyl Alcohol.
All appliances/implements/things contacting customer skin must be cleaned and sterilized before first application to a customer, before any subsequent application if touched by another person, and (for tattooing) before each separate dye/ink application.
Sterilized disposable sharps/needles must be used for every customer.
Where an electrical actuating appliance is used, the hand piece must be sterilized by wiping with clean paper towel/tissue/cloth soaked in 95% Ethyl Alcohol.

Additional tattooing and skin piercing rules

Tattooing practitioners must: clean and dispose of contents of every bowl/cup/jar/container where dyes/inks were used through waste receptacle or sewage system; sterilize all bowls/cups/jars/containers to be reused; clean and disinfect screens/patterns/templates with swab impregnated with disinfectant solution (Table 3); sterilize the hand-piece used to actuate the needle; and affix a sterile gauze dressing covering the treated area.
Tattooing practitioners may not use ink unless it is drawn from a collapsible tube.
Tattooing practitioners may not apply petroleum jelly or other substance unless taken from its container with a spatula/applicator that is disposed in a waste receptacle after use.
Skin piercing must be performed only with a spring loaded gun or sterilized sharps or needles.
The skin piercing establishment must be fitted with a reticulated water supply and at least one (1) lavatory or basin, maintain adequate soap/antibacterial cleansing agent (Table 2), provide clean towels/hand drying equipment, and require washing/brushing of hands with water and soap/antibacterial agent and drying before and after a complete skin piercing process.
The skin piercer must first clean the whole area of skin to be treated with a sterile swab impregnated with a disinfectant solution (Table 4).

Figure slenderizing salons: disinfection and exam

Operators must maintain cleanliness and good repair of all floors, walls, ceilings, coverings, shelves, fittings, furniture, appliances, instruments, and equipment, and keep them clean.
Domestic animals are not allowed inside a figure slenderizing salon.
Trainers/instructors must be physically clean and wear clean uniform/clothing.
Eating and smoking while working are prohibited.
Operators must keep appliances/equipment/instruments clean and must disinfect them before use each day and immediately after use by each customer (Table 3, Section 6).
Operators of slenderizing salons must require customers before entering/applying for work-out to present a physical and medical examination certificate.
Operators must install required facilities and egress and post the exit plan for customer information.
Operators must prevent attendants and fitness instructors/instructresses from working if they suffer from skin diseases and other communicable diseases.
Operators must provide the establishment with a sufficient first-aid kit.
Slenderizing salons must have separate changerooms for each gender located adjacent to the bathroom, with individual lockers with locks and chairs and lounges.

Plans, inspections, notices, and due process

For new establishments, plans must be submitted to the local health officer for review and approval, as recommended by the sanitary engineer, to ensure compliance with sanitation standards for: water supply, plumbing, sewage and drainage, solid waste facilities, vermin-proofing, sanitary facilities, floor area allocations, and equipment arrangement and materials to be used.
For buildings/malls/atriums/shopping/business centers and other multi-purpose edifices with spaces for rent/lease, the plans must be submitted by the lessee to the local health officer before construction and operation.
Issuance of the sanitary permit to operate is subject to compliance with previously approved plans.
For existing establishments operating before issuance of these rules, renewal applications must be evaluated by the local health office; a transition period of one (1) year is provided to comply with the rules.
No renewal of sanitary permit shall be issued if the establishment has not complied after the one (1) year transition period.
Operators must submit a duly approved plan for issuance of a new sanitary permit before any additional construction or alteration is made.
The city or municipal health officer must cause inspection and evaluation of every tonsorial and beauty establishment requiring a sanitary permit at least every three (3) months, and must conduct additional inspections/re-inspections as deemed necessary.
Fees payable on every inspection are set by local ordinance.
A mission order (EHS Form No. 112) must be issued for every sanitation inspection conducted by sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector and must contain the date, mission order number and series, inspector name and ID number, business names/addresses/categories, and scheduled inspection dates.
Sanitary inspection without a mission order is prohibited.
Owners/operators must report unauthorized inspections executed.
Sanitation inspectors must wear prescribed uniform with proper identification card and must bring required inspection equipment/supplies and copies of sanitation laws and other materials.
Inspections must be conducted at least once every three (3) months.
The sanitary engineer/sanitation inspector must keep inspection/evaluation records in EHS Form No. 103-B and furnish the original report to the owner/operator.
The inspection form has twenty (20) items; non-complying items are marked with an (X); each item carries a demerit of 5; the rating equals 100 minus (number of demerits x 5) and is expressed as a percentage rating.
The percentage rating corresponds to sanitation standards and color codes: 90 to 100% = Excellent (Luminous Green); 70 to 89% = Very Satisfactory (Luminous Yellow); 50 to 69% = Satisfactory (Luminous Red).
The sanitation standard rating sticker (SSRS) (EHS Form No. 104-A/C) must be posted conspicuously