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Personal Service Settings

Personal Service Settings

A personal service setting (PSS) is a business that offers services with a potential risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. These services are regulated  under Ontario Regulation 136/18: Personal Service Settings and must be routinely inspected by public health inspectors. 

Examples of PSS include:

  • Tattooing
  • Ear and body piercing
  • Permanent make-up and micro-blading
  • Hair salons and barbering
  • Aesthetics (e.g., nail services, waxing, facials, eyelash extensions)

Services may be offered at fixed locations, in homes, or at temporary events like festivals and fairs.

Important information for PSS owner/operators

You must notify the health unit at least 14 days in advance if you are:

  • Opening a new business or have not notified the health unit
  • Changing business ownership
  • Relocating your business
  • Adding new services
  • Renovating (beyond routine maintenance)

Head spa treatments are a novel service within the Province of Ontario.  The memo below outlines a recent SMDHU update regarding Halo-Type Head Spas

SMDHU Halo Type Head Spas Memo

Guide for Operating Personal Service Settings (PSS) in Simcoe Muskoka

 PSS Guide Cover

 

New and existing businesses can access this guide for an overview of minimum requirements for opening and operating a PSS. The guide includes information about:

 

Contact a public health inspector in the Infection Prevention and Control Program at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520 ext. 5744 during our regular business hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As a PSS owner or operator, you are responsible for notifying the health unit of your business and ensuring services are provided in a clean and safe manner to reduce the risk of infections to clients and staff.  

All PSS businesses are regulated under Ontario Regulation 136/18: Personal Service Settings and are routinely inspected by public health inspectors. After your inspection, you will receive an Inspection sign that must be clearly posted for the public.  This sign directs clients to an online portal called Inspection Connection where inspection results and enforcement actions (orders, tickets) are posted. 

Public Health Inspectors assess compliance with Ontario Regulation 136/18: Personal Service Settings during inspections.  Additional guidance is provided in the:

  • Choosing the right disinfectant
  • Cleaning and disinfecting
  • Setting requirements
  • Documentation and aftercare
  • Routine practices and risk assessments
  • Occupational health
  • Service specific best practices

All personal services operators who provide services at temporary events (e.g. fairs, tradeshows, etc.) must follow the O. Reg.136/18: Personal Service Settings and receive health unit approval before operating.

Review our Guide to Temporary Personal Service Events for best practice on offering personal services with a temporary set-up. 

For Event Organizers:

Include:

  • Site setup details
  • Full list of PSS vendors
  • Washroom and handwashing facilities

For Vendors:

  • Submit a Vendor Application Form at least 14 days before the event.

Important:

  • Late applications may not be reviewed.
  • Vendors cannot operate without prior approval.

For food services, visit our food safety page for event requirements.

As a PSS operator, these tools will help you maintain safety and meet the requirements of the Personal Service Settings Regulation.

  • Disinfectant Log Sheet - Track when the disinfectant is changed to ensure proper use per manufacturer instructions.
  • Sterilization (Autoclave) & Maintenance Logs - Record sterilization cycles and equipment maintenance to ensure effective sterilization.
  • Household Bleach Chart - Use the chart in English & Vietnamese to prepare bleach disinfectant at correct concentrations (based on 5.25% chlorine bleach). Ensure bleach has no additives.
  • Alcohol Disinfection Chart - Follow this guide (English & Vietnamese) for proper alcohol disinfection of tools needing intermediate-level cleaning.
  • Cleaning and Disinfection Process - All reusable tools must be cleaned and disinfected between clients. If a tool cannot be properly disinfected, it must be single-use and discarded. Follow manufacturer instructions for reprocessing.
  • Routine Practices - Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Use routine safety methods to protect yourself and clients. Learn more about Routine Practices.
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