Routine inspections may soon expand to all personal services in P.E.I. under proposed rules
CBC
The province has released draft regulations aimed at improving health and safety standards for personal-care services in Prince Edward Island.
Those include hair care, esthetics, nails, piercings, tattooing and body-modification services. Amendments to the Public Health Act related to this sector were passed by the Legislative Assembly in May.
The Department of Health and Wellness developed the draft regulations, which would apply to all personal service providers.
“We think that Islanders are going to feel very good about this change,” said Tanya O'Brien, the province's director of environmental health.
“We think they're going to be happy that we are putting these regulations into place and that we are going to be implementing routine inspection schedules with these facilities and upholding the infection prevention and control standards that are outlined in the regulations.”
Islanders can read the draft regulations and submit feedback through the province’s website.
O'Brien said that, at the moment, routine inspections are only done at tattoo and needle-piercing facilities, while the rest of the personal services sector is inspected only when a complaint is made or when an operator requests one.
“The new proposed regulations will actually establish a routine inspection protocol for all personal services facilities in the province, and they will ensure that the same infection prevention and control standards are applied to all personal services facilities in the province,” she said.
Under the proposed regulations, businesses would need to register and provide details such as their location and services offered.
There would be a $100 registration fee, which would remain valid for three years before needing renewal, she said.
O'Brien added that the proposed regulations also spell out the standards required from a business owner to operate a safe, compliant workplace that protects both staff and clients.
This includes requirements around things like staff hygiene, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of surfaces and equipment.
The regulations would also require operators to follow consistent procedures for equipment and facility maintenance, and to ensure staff are educated on safe practices.
All public feedback will be reviewed in early January, and the regulations are expected to come into effect in February, O’Brien said.
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