SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Are you opening a new beauty or body art business or making changes to an existing one? The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding business owners and operators that they are responsible for providing personal services in a clean and safe manner to decrease the risk of spreading infections to their customers and staff. This responsibility includes notifying the health unit if you plan to operate, renovate or provide additional services, even if services are provided from your residential address.

Beauty and body art businesses (personal service settings) are places where personal services are offered and there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Tattooing
• Body and ear piercing
• Hairdressing and barbering
• Manicures and pedicures
• Micro-blading/needling
• Waxing and electrolysis
• Facials and skin services
• Permanent make-up
• Eyelash extensions

Business owners and operators are responsible for making sure they are in compliance with Ontario’s Personal Service Setting (PSS) Regulation. Anyone planning to open a new business, or renovating or adding services to an existing business, must notify the health unit. Notification must be submitted in writing using the online Notification form for PSS Businesses  at least 14 days before opening or offering the new services so it can be inspected by a public health inspector.

Find more information about public health regulations for operating a personal service setting at www.smdhu.org/PSS  or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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