Ohio salon and barbershop inspection checklist

The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board inspects every salon and barbershop at least once every two years, within 90 days of opening, and after complaints. Inspections are unannounced. Inspectors check that every worker is licensed, that implements are cleaned then fully immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant, that single-use items are discarded, that capes and towels are clean for each client, and that the facility is clean. (ORC 4713.07, OAC 4713-1-10, OAC Chapter 4713-15)

When the inspector shows up

The Board must inspect a licensed salon, barbershop, school or tanning facility: ORC 4713.07

• within 90 days after it opens,
• when a complaint is filed,
• within 90 days after a violation was documented, and
• at least once every two years.

Inspections are unannounced and happen during normal business hours. An inspector can inspect whether the door is locked or not, as long as you are open for business. OAC 4713-1-10

Who answers for what

The facility owner is responsible for common areas. Each licensee is responsible for their own service area and any area they are using when the inspector arrives. Booth renters are equally responsible for common areas when they are present. If your rented room is locked, you or someone you authorize must open it within an hour of the inspector arriving. OAC 4713-13-07, OAC 4713-13-02

The checklist

Each item names the rule so you can read the exact wording.

1. Licenses

• Every person working holds a current Board license for what they are doing, including booth renters. Cosmetology-branch renters need an independent contractor license. ORC 4713.14, ORC 4713.39
• Individual licenses do not have to be posted at the station. Cosmetologists and other cosmetology-branch licensees, including independent contractors, keep the wallet-size or electronic license and a government photo ID ready to show on inspection. ORC 4713.56 Barbers do the same. ORC 4709.09(C)(2)
• The barbershop license and a copy of the Board’s infection control standards are displayed in a public, conspicuous place. ORC 4709.09(B)
• Salons post the Board’s notice with the toll-free number and online process for reporting violations, in a customer area. ORC 4713.41

2. Disinfectant

• Use an EPA-registered disinfectant (or a bleach solution that meets the rule) and follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing, contact time and changing it. OAC 4713-15-02, OAC 4713-1-01(E)
• Non-porous implements are cleaned first, then completely immersed for the full contact time before the next client. Bleach solution needs at least ten minutes. OAC 4713-15-03

3. Clean versus used

• Used implements stay separate from clean ones until they are cleaned and disinfected. OAC 4713-15-01
• Porous implements with natural bristles are discarded after one use. Files, buffers, neck strips and blades are single-use. OAC 4713-15-03
• Clippers, trimmers and attachments are cleaned and disinfected after each use. Keep the manufacturer’s manual for equipment on site. OAC 4713-15-15

4. Station and floor

• The station is clean and free of debris before each service, and cleaned and disinfected at least once a day. OAC 4713-15-03
• The whole facility stays clean except while you are working and turning the station over. OAC 4713-15-01

5. Capes, towels and laundry

• A cape touches skin only if it has been laundered since the last client. Otherwise use a neck strip or clean towel under it. OAC 4713-15-05
• Towels are used once, then laundered in a washing machine with detergent per the label and dried before use. A hamper holds used linens. OAC 4713-15-11

6. Hands and health

• Wash or sanitize your hands immediately before each client. OAC 4713-13-07(B)
• Do not serve a client with visible swelling, eruption, redness, rash or infestation where you would work, without written permission from a physician. The same applies to you working while symptomatic. OAC 4713-15-13

7. Blood and body fluids

• Gloves on, clean and disinfect the area, and double-bag or use a biohazard container for contaminated items. OAC 4713-15-03

8. Paperwork

• CE certificates: 4 hours per renewal, plus human trafficking training. OAC 4713-21-03, OAC 4713-1-14
• Proof of liability insurance. Not a Board rule, but the first thing an owner asks a renter for, and the first thing you will want after a client claim.

What Amanda saw most

“Disinfectant that was mixed weeks ago, a comb sitting in the jar that was not covered, and a renter who had a cosmetology license but no independent contractor license. All three take ten minutes to fix once someone tells you.”

After the inspection

If a violation is documented, expect a follow-up inspection within 90 days. ORC 4713.07 Fines are set by rule. Fix the item the same day and keep a photo.