Nail Salon Ventilation and Air Quality Compliance Checklist
Nail salons contain some of the highest concentrations of hazardous airborne chemicals in any workplace. This inspection ensures ventilation systems meet OSHA exposure limits and state board ventilation requirements to protect nail technicians from chemical exposure.
- Industry: Beauty & Wellness
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes
- Role: Nail Salon Owner / Safety Officer
- Total Items: 36
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems
Inspect local exhaust ventilation at nail stations.
- Source capture ventilation (downdraft table or vented arm) operational at all stations?
- LEV systems ducted to outside - not recirculating unfiltered air inside?
- LEV system filters replaced per manufacturer schedule?
- Exhaust fans functioning at rated capacity - no unusual noise or reduced flow?
- Exhaust intakes not blocked by products, tools, or debris?
- Minimum air velocity at nail station meets manufacturer specification?
General HVAC and Makeup Air
Verify general HVAC system provides adequate fresh air.
- Makeup air (fresh air supply) adequate to replace exhausted air?
- General HVAC providing minimum 7.5-10 air changes per hour for nail salon?
- HVAC filters clean and replaced within schedule?
- HVAC not set to recirculation-only mode during chemical services?
- Air flows from clean areas (client waiting) to potentially contaminated areas (work area)?
- Salon slightly negative pressure relative to outdoor (air flows out, not in)?
Employee Exposure Monitoring
Monitor and minimize employee chemical exposure.
- No MMA (methyl methacrylate) products used - all acrylics MMA-free?
- No employees reporting headaches, dizziness, or respiratory symptoms?
- Industrial hygienist air testing performed in past 2 years?
- Employees taking breaks in fresh air area - not in chemical workspace?
- Pregnant employees rotated to lower exposure tasks?
- Staff trained on chemical exposure risks and right-to-know?
Respiratory Protection and PPE
Verify respiratory protection when engineering controls are insufficient.
- NIOSH-approved respirators available for high-exposure tasks (acrylic application)?
- Staff informed that paper/surgical masks do not protect against chemical vapors?
- Chemical-resistant gloves available (nitrile minimum) for acrylic and gel work?
- Eye protection available for UV gel, acrylic dust, and dip powder?
- UV curing lamps: client and technician hands protected from UV exposure?
- PPE stored properly - not contaminated or expired?
Chemical Management and Storage
Verify nail chemicals are managed safely.
- All monomer, primer, and acetone containers closed when not in use?
- Monomer dispensed in small amounts in dappen dish - large bottle not left open?
- Filing and buffing done under ventilation or with dust mask?
- Acetone stored in flammable storage cabinet away from heat?
- SDS available for all acrylic, gel, dip, and acetone products?
- Nail product waste disposed per SDS - not in regular trash for large quantities?
Ventilation System Maintenance
Track ventilation system maintenance.
- Ventilation system professionally inspected within past year?
- Filter change log current?
- Exhaust ducts cleaned of lint and debris accumulation?
- Protocol for equipment failure (open doors, reduce service volume)?
- HVAC contractor contact information accessible?
- Mechanism for employees to report ventilation concerns without retaliation?
Related Beauty & Wellness Checklists
- Nail Salon Tool Sterilization and Autoclave Compliance Checklist
- Nail Salon Dip Powder and Acrylic Chemical Safety Checklist
- Nail Salon MMA and Prohibited Chemical Compliance Audit Checklist
- Nail Salon Pedicure Foot Bath Sanitation Compliance Checklist
- Laser Hair Removal Safety and Compliance Checklist
- Chemical Peel Safety Protocol and Compliance Checklist
- Microneedling Safety and Compliance Checklist
- Spa and Salon Waxing Safety and Sanitation Checklist
Related Nail Care Checklists
- Nail Salon Tool Sterilization and Autoclave Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Nail Salon Dip Powder and Acrylic Chemical Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Nail Salon MMA and Prohibited Chemical Compliance Audit Checklist - FREE Download
- Nail Salon Pedicure Foot Bath Sanitation Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Nail Salon Ventilation and Air Quality Compliance Checklist?
This nail salon ventilation and air quality compliance checklist helps beauty & wellness teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for nail salon owner / safety officer professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nail Salon Ventilation and Air Quality Compliance Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems, General HVAC and Makeup Air, Employee Exposure Monitoring, Respiratory Protection and PPE, Chemical Management and Storage, Ventilation System Maintenance. It is designed for beauty & wellness operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Who should use this Nail Salon Ventilation and Air Quality Compliance Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Nail Salon Owner / Safety Officer professionals in the beauty & wellness industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.