Prince Edward Island standardizes health and safety for personal services

A stock image of a client receiving a manicure in a salon. (File photo/ruslan_shramko/iStock)

The Government of Prince Edward Island approved new regulations to standardize health and safety requirements for personal services including hair, nail, esthetic and tattoo businesses.

Personal services businesses must register for the Personal Services Program beginning February 1. Environmental Health Officers will complete routine inspections as part of the registration process, said a news release from the province.

“By establishing clear regulations, we are ensuring that the personal services sector in P.E.I. remains a safe and trusted environment for everyone,” said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.

Personal service businesses operate under voluntary safety guidelines. Morrison identified a need for oversight to control infections across the province, said the release.

New regulations will focus on infection control, including sterilization and record keeping “which are already hallmarks of many local businesses,” the release said.

The Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) said they developed these regulations after consulting with stakeholders and the public.

Businesses will have to register every three years.

“Our environmental health team is committed to working alongside shop owners and technicians to provide the information and education necessary for a smooth transition,” said Morrison.

Personal service businesses provide services for people on their body or for their personal care. Examples include:

• body piercing
• hair services
• manicures
• massages
• pedicures
• tattooing
• non-dental teeth whitening
• waxing

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.