Today you will explore how occupational safety and health applies to beauty care work in salons and school labs. Sharp tools, wet floors, chemicals, and electrical equipment can all become hazards if they are not managed well. You will identify common risks, learn simple safety rules, and examine the responsibilities of workers, clients, and management. By the end of this lesson, you will start building a personal safety mindset and create a basic checklist to keep your manicure or hand spa area orderly, hygienic, and safe for everyone.
🎯 Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Define occupational safety and health (OSH) and describe its importance in beauty care salons and school labs.
- Identify and classify at least five common salon hazards according to type (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial).
- Develop a simple OSH safety reminder or checklist for a manicure or hand spa workstation, showing responsibilities of workers and clients.
🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) – Efforts to protect workers and clients from injury, illness, or harm while work is being done.
- Hazard – Anything in the workplace that has the potential to cause harm, damage, or ill health.
- Risk – The chance that a hazard will actually cause harm and how serious the harm could be.
- Control measure – Any action taken to remove a hazard or reduce its risk (e.g., rules, equipment, PPE).
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Protective items worn by workers such as gloves, masks, aprons, and goggles.
- Housekeeping – Daily cleaning and organizing practices that keep the workplace safe, neat, and efficient.
- Rights – What workers are entitled to, such as a safe workplace and proper information about hazards.
- Responsibilities – Duties of workers and employers, such as following safety rules and providing safe tools and equipment.
🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
Connect today’s safety focus with what you already know from past beauty care lessons.
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From previous lessons, name two tools and two materials used in manicure or hand spa services.
Show Answer
Sample tools: nail cutter, nail file, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper. Sample materials: cotton balls, alcohol, lotion, scrub, nail polish. -
Why must tools be cleaned and disinfected after every client, not only at the end of the day?
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Cleaning and disinfecting after every client prevent germs from moving from one person to another and help stop infections early. -
Recall one safety rule you already follow when using sharp implements.
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Examples: never point sharp tips toward the client, pass tools handle-first, store them in a closed container, or never leave them at the edge of the table. -
Think of a time you saw a risky situation (wet floor, tangled cords, or open scissors). What could have been done to prevent it?
Show Answer
Sample answers: wipe the spill immediately, tape cords away from walkways, close and store scissors properly, or put up a warning sign until the area is safe.
📖 Explore the Lesson
Checkpoint 1 – What Is OSH in Beauty Care?
Mini-goal: Explain occupational safety and health and why it is essential in salons and school labs.
Occupational safety and health (OSH) is about keeping people safe and healthy while they work. In beauty care, OSH protects both workers and clients from injuries, illnesses, and unsafe situations. A salon may look relaxed and glamorous, but there are many hidden dangers: sharp tools, slippery floors, hot water, strong-smelling chemicals, electrical cords, and heavy chairs or equipment. If these are not managed well, they can cause cuts, burns, infections, slips, or other accidents.
OSH in beauty care does not focus only on emergencies. It also includes planning, training, and daily habits. For example, setting clear rules about cleaning tools, arranging workstations to avoid clutter, posting safety signs, and giving orientation to new workers are all OSH activities. Even in your school lab, your teacher’s reminders about proper uniform, hair tied back, and no running are early forms of OSH.
International and local laws guide employers and workers to follow OSH principles. These laws say that workplaces must be as safe as reasonably possible and that workers have the right to be informed about hazards. As students, you are not yet full employees, but you are already practicing the habits and attitudes of future workers. Understanding OSH from the beginning helps you avoid risky behavior and protect yourself and others.
Real-life tie-in: Imagine going to a salon where the worker uses rusty tools, the floor is wet, and no one seems to care about hygiene. Even if the nails look nice after, you might worry about getting sick or hurt. A salon that applies OSH principles shows care and professionalism in every corner, not just in the final look.
Mini-summary: OSH in beauty care is the system of rules, habits, and tools that keep workers and clients safe and healthy. It covers planning, training, daily routines, and laws that guide safe work practices.
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In your own words, why is OSH important in a beauty care salon?
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Sample answer: OSH prevents injuries and illness for both workers and clients, keeps the salon organized, and builds trust that services are done safely. -
Give two examples of OSH practices you already see in your school beauty care lab.
Show Answer
Examples: wearing gloves or masks, disinfecting tools after use, posting safety reminders, checking water temperature, or using closed shoes. -
How can poor OSH affect a salon’s reputation in the community?
Show Answer
If clients see unsafe practices or hear about accidents, they may stop coming and tell others, causing the salon to lose income and trust.
Checkpoint 2 – Types of Salon Hazards
Mini-goal: Identify and classify common hazards found in beauty care settings.
Salons and school labs contain different types of hazards. Physical hazards include wet or uneven floors, poor lighting, sharp tools, noisy equipment, and hot surfaces or water. These hazards can lead to slips, trips, falls, cuts, burns, or bruises. Chemical hazards come from products like disinfectants, nail polish remover, adhesives, and strong cleansers. When misused, they can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs or cause headaches.
Biological hazards involve germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi) found in blood, body fluids, or unwashed tools and towels. If blood from a small cut touches unprotected skin or dirty tools, infection can spread. Ergonomic hazards are related to posture and movement: bending your back for long periods, twisting wrists awkwardly, or lifting heavy items incorrectly. Over time, these cause muscle pain, backache, or tired joints.
Finally, psychosocial hazards involve the way people treat one another. Examples are bullying, shouting, harassment, or unrealistic time pressure. These hazards may not leave visible marks, but they damage confidence, increase stress, and lead to mistakes. A professional salon protects workers and clients not just from physical harm but also from disrespectful behavior.
Real-life tie-in: Think about your home. Wet bathroom floors, strong cleaning agents, and heavy furniture can all be hazards. Yet families reduce risk by wiping spills, storing chemicals properly, and lifting carefully. In a salon, doing hand spa or manicures safely requires the same kind of attention to hazards.
Mini-summary: Salon hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial. Recognizing which type you are facing helps you choose the right safety action to reduce risk.
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Classify this hazard: an extension cord lying across the walkway near the hand spa station.
Show Answer
It is mainly a physical hazard (trip or electrical hazard). -
Give one example of a biological hazard during manicure work.
Show Answer
Examples: blood from a cut, fungal infection on toenails or fingernails, or used towels with body fluids. -
Why are psychosocial hazards also serious, even if they do not cause cuts or bruises?
Show Answer
They harm emotional and mental health, create fear and stress, and can lead to mistakes or people leaving their jobs or training.
Checkpoint 3 – Rights and Responsibilities in OSH
Mini-goal: Understand basic OSH rights and responsibilities of workers, employers, and clients.
OSH is not just a set of rules; it is also about fairness. In many countries, workers have the right to a workplace that is as safe as reasonably possible. This means they should be given proper information about hazards, training on safe procedures, access to PPE, and tools that are in good condition. Workers also have the right to refuse very dangerous work and to report hazards without fear of punishment.
At the same time, workers have responsibilities. They must follow safety instructions, use PPE correctly, avoid horseplay, and report hazards or accidents immediately. Ignoring a spill or using tools carelessly puts everyone at risk. In your classroom lab, following the teacher’s safety rules is already practice for fulfilling worker responsibilities in the future.
Employers and school administrators are responsible for providing safe facilities, maintaining equipment, and enforcing OSH policies. They must see that fire exits, first-aid kits, and extinguishers are available and that staff or students know emergency procedures. Clients also have responsibilities; they should follow salon rules, give honest information about allergies or medical conditions, and cooperate during services.
Real-life tie-in: Think of riding a jeepney or tricycle. The driver must follow traffic laws, the government must maintain roads and traffic signs, and passengers must ride properly. Safety is everyone’s shared responsibility. In a salon, the same shared responsibility applies to OSH.
Mini-summary: OSH rights include being informed about hazards and having a safe workplace. Responsibilities include following rules, using PPE, and reporting hazards. Employers, workers, and clients all share OSH duties.
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Give one example of a worker’s OSH right in a beauty care salon.
Show Answer
Example: the right to be informed about chemical hazards and to receive training and PPE for handling them safely. -
Give one example of a worker’s OSH responsibility.
Show Answer
Examples: follow sanitation procedures, use PPE properly, avoid horseplay, or report damaged tools and unsafe conditions. -
How can clients support salon safety?
Show Answer
By sharing honest health information, following posted rules, staying seated when told, and reporting any discomfort or hazards they notice.
Checkpoint 4 – PPE and Safe Work Practices
Mini-goal: Describe how PPE and safe work practices reduce risk during beauty care services.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense between hazards and your body. Common PPE in beauty care includes gloves, masks, aprons, goggles, and closed shoes. Gloves protect the hands from chemicals and possible contact with blood or body fluids. Masks help limit inhalation of dust and fumes from products such as acrylic powders or strong polish remover. Goggles shield the eyes from splashes, while aprons and closed shoes protect clothing and skin from spills and dropped tools.
However, PPE works best when combined with safe work practices. These practices include using tools only for their intended purpose, keeping work surfaces dry, mixing chemicals according to instructions, and placing sharp tools in covered containers. Good body mechanics—such as keeping your back straight and adjusting chair height—protects you from ergonomic hazards. Safe work practices also cover how you move: walking instead of running, carrying items carefully, and checking for obstructions.
Using PPE can sometimes feel hot or uncomfortable, especially during long practice sessions, but skipping it can lead to bigger problems, such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, or injuries. Learning to choose and use PPE correctly is an important part of becoming a trusted beauty care professional.
Real-life tie-in: Just as motorcyclists wear helmets and riders wear seatbelts, salon workers wear PPE to reduce risk. You may not be able to control every hazard, but you can control whether or not you use the protection available to you.
Mini-summary: PPE and safe work practices work together. PPE protects your body directly, while safe work habits reduce the chance that hazards will harm you or your client.
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Name two PPE items that are especially useful for manicure or hand spa work and explain why.
Show Answer
Examples: gloves (protect hands from chemicals and body fluids), mask (protects from fumes and dust), apron (protects clothing from spills), closed shoes (protect feet from dropped tools). -
Why is it not enough to rely only on PPE without changing unsafe work habits?
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If hazards are not controlled and habits remain unsafe, PPE can fail or be overwhelmed, and accidents may still happen. -
Describe one safe body mechanic you should practice during a 30-minute manicure.
Show Answer
Sample: sit with feet flat and back straight, keep shoulders relaxed, bring the client’s hand closer instead of bending forward, and adjust the chair or table height.
Checkpoint 5 – Housekeeping and Safety Signs
Mini-goal: Explain how housekeeping and safety signs help prevent salon accidents.
Housekeeping is more than cleaning at the end of the day. It is a constant habit of keeping the workplace neat, dry, and organized. In a beauty care lab, good housekeeping includes sweeping hair, wiping spills immediately, emptying full trash bins, and returning tools to their proper containers. It also includes arranging chairs and trolleys so that pathways are clear. Housekeeping reduces physical hazards like slips, trips, and falls and also helps prevent biological hazards by removing dirty towels and used materials.
Safety signs support housekeeping by giving clear visual reminders. Common signs include “Wet Floor,” “No Entry,” “Wear PPE,” or “No Smoking.” In your school lab, you may see labels on chemical bottles or posters showing steps for washing hands and disinfecting tools. Signs work best when they are simple, easy to read, and placed where people can see them at the right time.
As a learner, you can contribute by designing small labels or reminder cards for your station. For example, a card near the sink might list the steps for cleaning tools. Another sign near the door might remind everyone to wear proper uniform. These simple tools help the whole class remember safety routines even when they are busy.
Real-life tie-in: Stores, hospitals, and malls all use signs and regular cleaning schedules to keep people safe. When you see yellow “Wet Floor” signs or arrows showing exits, you are seeing OSH in action. Your beauty care lab can be just as organized.
Mini-summary: Housekeeping removes clutter and contamination, while safety signs and labels give constant reminders. Together, they reduce accidents and support a culture of safety.
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Give three housekeeping tasks that should be done regularly in a beauty care lab.
Show Answer
Examples: wipe and dry surfaces, sweep hair and dust, empty trash bins, separate clean and used towels, and return tools to labeled containers. -
What makes a safety sign effective?
Show Answer
It has clear and short words, readable letters, visible colors, and is placed where people will easily see it before or during the action. -
Suggest one safety sign or label that would be useful in your manicure or hand spa area.
Show Answer
Example: “Use disinfected tools only,” “Wipe spills at once,” “Wear gloves when handling chemicals,” or “Clean tools here.”
Checkpoint 6 – Building a Safety Culture
Mini-goal: Reflect on how daily attitudes and teamwork create a safe salon environment.
Safety culture means “how we do things safely here.” In a strong safety culture, everyone—from owner to newest student—believes that safety is important and acts accordingly. People remind each other politely about PPE, sanitation, and housekeeping. They do not laugh at rules or those who follow them. Instead, they see safety as a sign of professionalism and care for others.
In a weak safety culture, people ignore hazards, rush through procedures, and hide accidents. They may think that safety rules are only for inspections or visitors. This attitude increases risk and eventually leads to real injuries or health problems. Changing a weak culture into a strong one begins with small steps: speaking up when you see a hazard, thanking classmates who clean up, and following procedures even when no teacher is watching.
As a Grade 8 learner, you are already shaping the safety culture of your class. When you finish a practice session and still take time to disinfect tools and tidy the station, you send the message that safety matters. When you respond calmly and honestly after a near-miss or minor accident, you help your classmates learn and improve together.
Real-life tie-in: Think of a group you belong to—maybe a club, team, or family. Does the group encourage safe, respectful behavior, or do people joke about rules? The same group attitudes will appear later in your workplace unless you help build a better safety culture now.
Mini-summary: Safety culture is created by daily choices and teamwork. When everyone values OSH, following rules becomes a habit, not just an order from the teacher or boss.
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Give one behavior that weakens safety culture in a beauty care class.
Show Answer
Examples: joking about safety rules, hiding accidents, refusing to wear PPE, or leaving messes for others to clean. -
Give one behavior that strengthens safety culture.
Show Answer
Examples: reminding classmates kindly about PPE, reporting hazards, cleaning as you go, and taking safety drills seriously. -
How can you personally contribute to a stronger safety culture starting this week?
Show Answer
Sample answer: follow all sanitation and safety rules, help post reminder signs, offer to check stations using a checklist, and speak up respectfully when I see something unsafe.
💡 Example in Action
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Example 1 – Classifying Hazards
During practice, you notice: (a) a wet patch near the sink, (b) an open bottle of nail polish remover without a cap, and (c) a classmate filing nails while bending their back very low. Classify each as physical, chemical, or ergonomic.Show Answer
(a) Wet patch near the sink – physical hazard; (b) open bottle of nail polish remover – chemical hazard; (c) poor posture while filing – ergonomic hazard. -
Example 2 – Choosing PPE
Your group will perform hand spa services using scrub, lotion, and disinfectant. Which PPE items will you prepare and why?Show Answer
Gloves to protect hands from chemicals and any body fluids, apron to protect clothing from splashes, and mask if fumes are strong or the room is not well ventilated. -
Example 3 – Improving a Safety Rule
A rule on the bulletin board says, “Be careful with chemicals.” Rewrite it to make it clearer and more useful.Show Answer
Possible rewrite: “Use chemicals only in labeled containers, wear gloves when handling them, and never mix products unless instructed by the teacher.” -
Example 4 – Responding to a Minor Spill
A few drops of lotion spill onto the floor near the chair but no one slips. What should you do according to OSH principles?Show Answer
Stop and wipe the spill immediately, place the used tissue in the trash, check that the area is dry, and if needed, warn others that the spot was slippery. Do not ignore it just because no one fell. -
Example 5 – Simple Safety Checklist
You want to make a three-point OSH checklist for your manicure station before a client arrives. Write three items you would include.Show Answer
Sample items: (1) Tools are cleaned, disinfected, and arranged on a clean towel; (2) Floor around the station is dry and free of bags or cords; (3) PPE (gloves, apron, mask if needed) is ready and in good condition.
📝 Try It Out
Work in your notebook or during practical time. Use the suggested answers to self-check after you think on your own.
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In two to three sentences, explain what “occupational safety and health” means in a beauty care salon.
Show Answer
Sample answer: OSH in a salon means protecting workers and clients from injury and illness while services are done. It includes recognizing hazards, following safety rules, using PPE, and keeping the environment clean and organized. -
List one example each of a physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazard in a beauty care setting.
Show Answer
Examples: Physical – wet floor; Chemical – strong disinfectant; Biological – used towel with body fluids; Ergonomic – bending over the client for too long; Psychosocial – teasing or bullying a co-worker. -
Draw a simple top-view sketch of a manicure station and label at least three areas where hazards might appear (for example, floor, tools tray, chemical shelf).
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Look for labeled spots such as “floor near basin,” “tools tray,” “chemical shelf,” “chair area,” or “electrical outlet,” showing awareness of possible hazards. -
Write three short safety rules that you think should always be followed in the beauty care lab.
Show Answer
Examples: “Disinfect tools after every client,” “Wipe spills immediately,” “Use only labeled containers for chemicals,” “No running or playing in the lab.” -
Design one small safety reminder card for your workstation. Write the exact message and where you will place it.
Show Answer
Sample: Card message: “Check tools: Clean? Disinfected? Ready?” Placement: taped near the tools tray or mirror where it is easy to see before starting a service. -
Identify two rights and two responsibilities of a beauty care worker related to OSH.
Show Answer
Rights: to a safe workplace, to be informed about hazards, to receive proper PPE. Responsibilities: follow safety rules, use PPE correctly, report hazards and accidents honestly. -
Write a short dialogue (3–4 lines) where you politely remind a classmate to wear PPE.
Show Answer
Sample: “Friend, I noticed you’re about to use remover without gloves. Let’s wear gloves so our skin stays protected. I can get a pair for you if you like.” -
Describe one ergonomic change you can make right now in your classroom to improve comfort and safety while practicing manicures.
Show Answer
Examples: raising or lowering the chair, moving the hand rest closer, ensuring feet are flat on the floor, or changing the angle of the lamp. -
Think of a near-miss you have experienced (or can imagine) during school activities. Describe it and explain what OSH step could prevent it next time.
Show Answer
Answers will vary; look for a clear description plus a practical prevention step such as better housekeeping, PPE use, or rule enforcement. -
Complete this sentence in your notebook: “A safe beauty care salon looks like…, sounds like…, feels like…”.
Show Answer
Encourage learners to mention clean and organized areas, calm and respectful voices, and a feeling of trust and confidence in the environment.
✅ Check Yourself
Answer these items to review the key ideas from today’s OSH lesson.
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(Multiple Choice) Which statement best describes a hazard?
a. A rule about proper uniform
b. Anything that has the potential to cause harm
c. An accident that already happened
d. A worker who cleans tools
Show Answer
Correct answer: b. Anything that has the potential to cause harm. -
(Multiple Choice) Which item below is not a type of salon hazard?
a. Physical
b. Chemical
c. Biological
d. MusicalShow Answer
Correct answer: d. Musical. -
(True/False) Risk refers to how likely a hazard will cause harm and how serious the harm could be.
Show Answer
True. -
(True/False) If the floor is wet but no one has slipped yet, it is not considered a hazard.
Show Answer
False. A wet floor is already a hazard because it has the potential to cause slips and falls. -
(Short Answer) Give one example of a chemical hazard in a beauty care salon.
Show Answer
Examples: strong disinfectant, nail polish remover, hair dye solution, or cleaning spray with strong fumes. -
(Multiple Choice) Which of the following is an ergonomic hazard?
a. Working with a bent back for a long time
b. Using disinfectant without gloves
c. A dirty towel left on the table
d. A client shouting at staffShow Answer
Correct answer: a. Working with a bent back for a long time. -
(Short Answer) Why is it important to report hazards or near-misses to your teacher or supervisor?
Show Answer
So that the hazard can be corrected, future accidents can be prevented, and everyone learns from the situation. -
(Short Answer) Name one right of a beauty care worker related to OSH.
Show Answer
Examples: the right to a safe workplace, to be informed about hazards, to receive safety training, or to be given proper PPE. -
(Multiple Choice) Which combination is the best for controlling hazards?
a. Ignoring minor hazards and using PPE only
b. Removing hazards where possible, organizing the area, and using PPE
c. Posting signs but not checking if people obey them
d. Relying on luck and experienceShow Answer
Correct answer: b. Removing hazards where possible, organizing the area, and using PPE. -
(True/False) Good housekeeping helps reduce both physical and biological hazards.
Show Answer
True. Cleaning and organizing remove clutter and sources of germs. -
(Short Answer) Give one example of psychosocial hazard in a salon or school lab.
Show Answer
Examples: bullying, harassment, shouting at co-workers, or constant teasing that makes someone feel unsafe or stressed. -
(Short Answer) Why should PPE not be your only safety strategy?
Show Answer
Because PPE can fail or be used incorrectly; removing hazards and using safe work practices are also needed for strong protection. -
(Multiple Choice) Which of the following is a responsibility of a beauty care worker?
a. Hiding accidents to avoid blame
b. Ignoring safety signs
c. Following OSH rules and using PPE properly
d. Allowing clients to walk on wet floorsShow Answer
Correct answer: c. Following OSH rules and using PPE properly. -
(Short Answer) How can safety signs help new students who are not yet familiar with lab rules?
Show Answer
Signs give simple visual reminders about what to do (or avoid) in each area, guiding new students even when they forget spoken instructions. -
(Reflection Check) After today’s lesson, what is one OSH habit you want to improve in yourself during beauty care practice?
Show Answer
Answers will vary; learners might mention better housekeeping, more consistent PPE use, proper posture, or faster reporting of hazards.
🚀 Go Further (optional)
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OSH Poster Design – Create a mini-poster that shows three key OSH rules for your beauty care lab using simple words and drawings.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Encourage large, readable text and clear icons (e.g., gloves, mop, sign). Display posters near workstations to reinforce safety messages. -
Hazard Hunt Activity – In small groups, list as many hazards as you can find or imagine in a sample salon layout.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Provide a floor plan or allow a walk-around. Have groups categorize hazards (physical, chemical, etc.) and present suggested controls to the class. - Interview at Home – Ask a family member about safety practices in their workplace or at home (e.g., kitchen, farm, shop).
- Safety Checklist Draft – Design a one-page OSH checklist specifically for a manicure or hand spa station.
- Safety Culture Pledge – Work in groups to write a short “Safety Culture Pledge” for your class to recite before practical sessions.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Provide 3–5 guide questions. In the next session, connect their answers to OSH concepts used in beauty care.Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Ask learners to include pre-service, during-service, and post-service checks. Refine drafts together and adopt one version as a class checklist.Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Encourage statements about respect, honesty, sanitation, PPE, and teamwork. Print and display the final pledge prominently.🔗 My Reflection
Notebook prompt:
Think about a real or imagined beauty care workplace (salon, spa, or school lab). Describe one scene where OSH is clearly practiced and one scene where OSH is ignored. How do these scenes differ in what you see, hear, and feel? Which scene would you want to work in and why?
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