Personal Service Settings

As part of its mandate under the Ontario Public Health Standards, 2018 and the Infection Prevention and Control Protocol, 2019, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) inspects personal service settings (PSS) to improve infection prevention and control practices and to minimize the risk of blood-borne/other types of infections during the delivery of personal services. PSS refer to settings in which aesthetic services are delivered, such as but not limited to:

  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Body piercing and ear lobe piercing
  • Waxing and facials
  • Hairstyling and barbering
  • Tattooing and micro-blading
  • Body modification, such as branding or scarification
  • Electrolysis and laser hair removal
  • Microdermabrasion

Public health inspectors (PHIs) at OPH routinely inspect these establishments to ensure that service is delivered in accordance with the Ministry of Health's Ontario Regulation 136/18: Personal Service Settings to prevent the spread of  infections such as blood-borne or fungal.

Residents are urged to consider their own personal safety before obtaining personal services. Learn more about what to look for in a specific service before and during your appointment.

Residents are also encouraged to look for a certificate - issued by OPH - that ensures the premises has been inspected by a Public Health Inspector. They can visit the Personal Service Settings Inspection Results to review the most recent inspection history of all PSS in Ottawa.

Investigation of complaints

All complaints are dealt with in confidence. If you have any questions or concerns about a personal service settings, you can contact *Ottawa Public Health (*insert new web page link to:  Feedback and Complaints about Ottawa Public Health Programs and Services). 

Personal Service Settings Inspection Reports

  1. Know before you go
    • Ottawa Public Health inspects *personal service settings(*add new webpage link) located in private homes and commercial settings such as hairdressers, barber shops, tattoo and body piercing studios as well as facilities that provide electrolysis, acupuncture and various other aesthetic services.
    • For inspection results, please visit the Personal Service Settings Inspection Results Page to view the most recent inspection results or to submit a complaint
  2. Look around and ask questions
    • Take time to observe staff practices to ensure they are using clean tools and have clean hands
    • Ask staff any questions that you may have. 
  3.  Make an informed decision
    • If you are uncomfortable with what you see or what you hear, do not be afraid to refuse the services
    • You have the right to receive a safe services with clean tools and clean hands
  4.  Report concerns or complaints
    • You can help prevent the spread of serious infections
    • All complaints are dealt with in confidence. If you have any questions or concerns about a personal service setting, you can submit a complaint about a facility. 

Special events: Application guidelines

Special events in the City of Ottawa that offer personal services on-site must comply with all applicable sections of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario regulation 136/18 Personal Service Settings. 

Special events include conventions, expos, shows, and fairs.

To learn more about operating a personal services setting at special events, visit the Operating a Personal Services Setting webpage.

 

 

 

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is committed to working with new and existing business owners to prioritize the health and safety of patrons and employees.  

Prior to opening, renovating, or relocating a Personal Services Setting business, owner/operators are required to submit an electronic copy of floor plans indicating all sinks, reprocessing areas, food and beverage preparation areas, and storage areas (equipment and sinks labelled) to OPH for review and approval.   

To learn more about starting a personal service setting business, visit the Operating a Personal Services Settings webpage.

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