Aromah Wellness Centre – Health & Safety, Risk Assessment and Fire Safety Information for Practitioners
Business name: Aromah Wellness Centre
Address: 288 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 2AS
Responsible person / duty holder: Gloria Sichel, Owner / Manager
Applies to: Self-employed practitioners, teachers, therapists, contractors and any approved persons renting or using the premises
Review date: May 2027
Version: 1.0
Important Note for Practitioners
Aromah Wellness Centre provides rented rooms and studio space for self-employed practitioners.
Practitioners are responsible for the safe delivery of their own treatments, therapies, classes and services.
This document explains the health and safety arrangements, premises rules, fire safety arrangements and building-related risk assessments for Aromah Wellness Centre.
Practitioners must also ensure they comply with all laws, regulations, professional standards, insurance requirements, training requirements and treatment-specific risk assessments that apply to their own practice.
This includes, where relevant:
Client consultation forms
Client consent forms
Contraindication checks
Treatment-specific risk assessments
Safeguarding requirements
Infection control procedures
Clinical waste disposal
Professional body requirements
Licensing requirements
Insurance requirements
Aromah Wellness Centre is responsible for the general premises, shared equipment and building safety arrangements. Practitioners remain responsible for the safe and lawful delivery of their own services.
HEALTH & SAFETY DOCUMENT
1. Health & Safety Policy Statement
Aromah Wellness Centre is committed to providing a safe, clean and welcoming environment for practitioners, clients, visitors and contractors.
The centre is used by self-employed practitioners who rent space to provide wellness, therapy, beauty, movement and wellbeing services. Members of the public attend the premises as clients, students and visitors. Children and vulnerable adults may also attend where the practitioner is appropriately trained, insured and responsible for their own safeguarding arrangements.
Aromah Wellness Centre will take reasonable steps to:
Maintain the premises in a safe condition
Provide safe shared facilities and equipment
Keep fire exits and escape routes clear
Maintain fire safety systems
Provide basic first aid arrangements
Provide cleaning products for general room reset and hygiene
Review and update premises risk assessments where needed
Record and respond to accidents, incidents, hazards and near misses
Make practitioners aware of their responsibilities when using the space
Practitioners must take reasonable care of their own health and safety, the health and safety of their clients, and the safety of other people using the premises.
2. Scope of this Policy
Practitioners confirm they have read and understood this document by completing the registration form and agreeing to the Health & Safety and Fire Safety policies.
This policy covers:
General premises health and safety
Use of therapy rooms
Use of the studio
Cleaning and hygiene responsibilities
Shared equipment and facilities
Electrical safety
Heating and portable electrical equipment
Manual handling within the premises
Lone working and personal safety
Access and accessibility limitations
Children and vulnerable clients from a premises-safety perspective
Fire safety and evacuation procedures
Accident, incident and hazard reporting
This policy does not replace the practitioner’s own professional obligations, treatment policies, clinical procedures, safeguarding procedures or insurance requirements.
3. Premises Overview
Aromah Wellness Centre includes:
3 therapy rooms
1 studio
2 reception / waiting areas
Kitchenette
Bathroom
Staircase
Cloakroom / open waiting area
Layout
Ground level:
Reception
Therapy Room 1
Toilet
Main entrance / exit
Side exit through Therapy Room 1
Basement level:
Studio
Therapy Room 2
Therapy Room 3
Cloakroom / open waiting area
Kitchenette
Therapy Rooms 2 and 3, and the cloakroom area, are accessed through the studio area. Practitioners must consider this when booking rooms and must not treat the cloakroom as a private changing area. A sign is displayed advising that clients should not change there and should use the bathroom where required.
There is a curved staircase with a banister and carpet. Clients and practitioners may use the stairs to access the basement areas.
There is no step-free access. Both entrances have a step. The centre is not wheelchair accessible. Practitioners are responsible for checking whether the room they book is suitable for their client’s mobility and access needs.
4. Permitted Activities
The centre may be used for the following activities, provided the practitioner is appropriately qualified, insured and responsible for their own treatment-specific procedures.
Therapy / Treatment Room Activities
Permitted activities may include:
Massage
Sports massage
Deep tissue massage
Lymphatic drainage
Facials
Beauty treatments
Brows and lashes
Reiki
Energy healing
Homeopathy
Counselling / talking therapy
Physiotherapy
Osteopathy
Chiropractic
Cupping, subject to restrictions below
Reflexology
Nails, subject to suitability and agreement
Waxing, subject to restrictions below
Studio Activities
Permitted activities may include:
Yoga
Pilates
Meditation
Sound baths
Breathwork
Qigong
Workshops
Women’s circles
Similar wellbeing activities agreed in advance
Dance / ballet is not currently permitted.
Activities Not Permitted
The following are not permitted unless Aromah Wellness Centre gives written agreement and all required legal, licensing, insurance and premises requirements are confirmed in advance:
Injectables
Botox
Fillers
Tattooing
Piercing
Acupuncture without appropriate licensing and confirmation that the premises requirements are met
Any treatment involving needles unless specifically approved in writing
Wet cupping / blood cupping
Fire cupping
Open flame treatments
Any treatment requiring clinical waste disposal unless the practitioner has arranged compliant disposal and Aromah Wellness Centre has approved the activity in writing
Cupping
Fire cupping is not permitted because open flames are not allowed on the premises.
Dry cupping / silicone cupping may be permitted only where the practitioner is appropriately trained, insured and responsible for their own hygiene, consent, contraindications and treatment-specific risk assessment.
Wet cupping / blood cupping is not permitted unless separately approved in writing and appropriate clinical waste arrangements are confirmed.
Acupuncture and Needle-Based Treatments
Acupuncture and any needle-based treatment must not be carried out unless the correct licensing, insurance, hygiene, handwashing, sharps and clinical waste arrangements are confirmed in advance and approved in writing by Aromah Wellness Centre.
Aromah Wellness Centre does not currently provide a sharps bin or clinical waste disposal.
5. Practitioner Responsibilities
All practitioners using Aromah Wellness Centre must:
Hold appropriate insurance for the services they provide
Hold relevant qualifications, training and professional registration where required
Only provide services they are trained, insured and legally allowed to provide
Carry out their own treatment-specific risk assessments where required
Complete client consultation and consent processes where required
Check contraindications before treatments and classes
Take responsibility for safeguarding compliance where working with children or vulnerable adults
Supervise their own clients and students
Not leave clients unattended in treatment rooms
Clean and reset rooms after use
Bring and remove their own linens, towels and treatment products
Remove their own clinical, contaminated or specialist waste where relevant
Report accidents, incidents, hazards, spillages, damage and near misses immediately
Keep exits, walkways and stairways clear
Avoid creating trip hazards with bags, shoes, props, wires or equipment
Use cubby areas where appropriate for belongings
Use the premises respectfully and safely
Follow fire safety and evacuation procedures
Follow any opening and closing procedure if trusted with keys or access
Practitioners must not:
Use candles, incense, sage, palo santo, oil burners or any open flame
Bring unsafe electrical equipment
Bring portable heaters
Use high-energy electrical equipment without permission
Overload sockets or use unsafe extension leads
Move therapy beds or furniture without permission
Drag furniture across floors
Exceed agreed room or studio capacity
Allow clients behind the reception desk
Allow clients to enter when no practitioner or responsible person is present to receive them
6. Facilities and Equipment Provided
Aromah Wellness Centre may provide:
Therapy beds
Trolleys
Chairs
Mirrors
Music speakers
Coloured / dimmable lighting
Yoga mats
Yoga blocks
Blankets
Meditation chairs
Pillows
Cleaning products
Paper towels / tissues
Bins in each room
First aid kit
Accident / incident reporting process
Fire blanket in kitchenette
Cubbies / locker-style storage without locks
Bottled water in fridge
Fridge / freezer
Kettle
Aromah Wellness Centre does not currently provide:
Linens or towels for practitioners
Sharps bin
Clinical waste disposal
CCTV
Microwave
7. Cleaning, Hygiene and Infection Control
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
Aromah Wellness Centre complies with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations in a proportionate and practical way.
The centre uses a limited number of cleaning products which may be classified as hazardous substances.
Aromah Wellness Centre will:
Keep a record of cleaning products used on site
Follow basic safety guidance provided on product labels
Store products safely and securely
Ensure products are used for their intended purpose only
Avoid mixing chemicals
Replace products when necessary
COSHH information (such as product safety data or label guidance) may be stored digitally and does not need to be printed, provided it is easily accessible if required.
Practitioners are fully responsible for any substances they bring onto the premises, including:
Oils
Waxes
Cleaning products
Chemicals
Treatment products
Practitioners must:
Ensure all products are safe, suitable and used correctly
Follow manufacturer instructions
Store products safely
Take responsibility for any reactions, allergies or risks associated with their products
Remove their own products from the premises unless storage has been agreed
Aromah Wellness Centre is not responsible for practitioner-owned substances.
General cleaning is carried out by Gloria Sichel or an appointed cleaner. General cleaning will usually be completed weekly and additionally where required.
Practitioners are responsible for cleaning between their own clients and after their booking.
Practitioners must clean and reset:
Therapy bed
Trolley
Chair
Door handles and touched surfaces where relevant
Props or equipment used
Floor area where needed
Any spillage or mess caused by the practitioner or client
Cleaning products are provided by Aromah Wellness Centre. Practitioners may use their own products where suitable and safe, provided they do not damage surfaces or create a hazard.
Practitioners must bring their own linens and towels. Used linens and towels must be taken away by the practitioner after each session and must not be left at the centre.
Practitioners must not leave clinical waste, contaminated waste, sharps, used treatment materials or personal treatment products at the centre unless this has been specifically agreed in writing.
Handwashing facilities are available in the bathroom. There are no sinks inside the treatment rooms. If a treatment legally or professionally requires in-room handwashing, a portable handwashing unit may be required and must be arranged by the practitioner and agreed in advance.
8. First Aid, Accidents and Incidents
A first aid kit is kept inside the reception desk. Gloria Sichel is responsible for checking the first aid kit.
There is currently no appointed trained first aider. Practitioners remain responsible for the safety and wellbeing of their own clients during treatments and classes.
If a client, practitioner or visitor becomes unwell or injured, the practitioner should:
Stop the treatment, class or activity if needed.
Make the area safe.
Stay calm and assess whether urgent help is required.
Call 999 in an emergency or where there is any concern about serious illness, injury, collapse, chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe allergic reaction, seizure, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness or other urgent risk.
Use the first aid kit only within their level of competence.
Contact Gloria Sichel as soon as possible.
Record the incident by providing the required information for the centre’s digital accident / incident record.
All accidents, incidents, injuries, hazards, damage, spillages and near misses must be reported to Gloria Sichel immediately.
Aromah Wellness Centre will keep a digital accident / incident record. Practitioners will be asked to provide the required details after any incident.
9. Children and Vulnerable Clients
Children and vulnerable adults may attend the premises where the practitioner is appropriately trained, insured and responsible for safely managing their own session.
Practitioners who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults must ensure they meet all safeguarding, insurance, training, professional and legal requirements that apply to their work.
Where PVG membership or disclosure checks are required for the practitioner’s role, activity or professional body, the practitioner is responsible for ensuring this is in place.
Practitioners are responsible for deciding whether:
A child or vulnerable adult can attend independently
A parent, guardian, carer or support person must stay on site
Their service is suitable for the client
Their safeguarding procedures are adequate
Their insurance covers the work being carried out
Aromah Wellness Centre is responsible for the general safety of the premises only and does not supervise the practitioner’s clients.
10. Accessibility and Access Limitations
Aromah Wellness Centre is not wheelchair accessible. Both entrances have a step.
Therapy Room 1 is on the ground level and may be more suitable for clients with mobility limitations. The studio, Therapy Room 2, Therapy Room 3, kitchenette and cloakroom area are in the basement and
require use of the stairs.
The toilet is on the ground level and is not wheelchair accessible.
Practitioners must check whether their client can safely access the room they have booked before confirming an appointment.
Clients with access needs should be encouraged to discuss this with their practitioner before attending.
11. Lone Working and Personal Safety
Practitioners may work alone in the centre, including during evening bookings. Selected practitioners may be given keys or access arrangements.
Reception is generally 9:00am–5:00pm. Bookings may take place between 6:00am–10:00pm by arrangement.
Practitioners working alone must:
Use their own judgement when accepting appointments
Refuse, stop or rearrange an appointment if they feel unsafe
Keep their phone charged and accessible
Know the exits from the building
Ensure clients do not enter unless the practitioner is present to receive them
Follow the opening and closing procedure where applicable
Lock the premises securely if they are the last person leaving
Report any security concern to Gloria Sichel
There is currently no CCTV and no panic alarm.
Emergency Contact Procedure
If a practitioner feels unsafe or there is an emergency:
Leave the room or building if it is safe to do so.
Call 999 if there is immediate danger or risk to life.
Contact Gloria Sichel as soon as possible.
Do not continue a session if safety feels compromised.
Report the incident afterwards for the centre’s records.
Practitioners should also consider their own lone working procedures, especially for evening appointments, new clients and one-to-one work.
12. Electrical Safety
Aromah Wellness Centre has an Electrical Installation Condition Report and aims to keep electrical safety records up to date.
Aromah Wellness Centre will PAT test its own portable electrical equipment where applicable.
Practitioners are responsible for ensuring any electrical equipment they bring is safe, suitable and, where appropriate, PAT tested.
Practitioners must not:
Bring unsafe or damaged electrical equipment
Use frayed cables, damaged plugs or visibly faulty items
Overload sockets
Use high-energy appliances without written permission
Bring portable heaters
Use wax warmers unless agreed in writing
Leave heated blankets or electrical items unattended
Leave chargers or appliances plugged in unnecessarily
Any electrical fault, burning smell, overheating, tripping switch, damaged socket or damaged cable must be reported immediately.
13. Heating and Temperature Control
The centre uses a mixture of portable and wall-mounted heaters, including oil-filled electric radiators. Heating is controlled by Aromah Wellness Centre, not by individual practitioners, unless agreed.
Practitioners must keep heaters away from:
Therapy beds
Blankets
Towels
Curtains
Paper products
Furniture
Client belongings
Treatment products
Any flammable items
Practitioners must not bring their own portable heaters.
A dehumidifier may be used in the studio where needed. Practitioners must not move or interfere with dehumidifiers unless agreed.
14. Manual Handling
Practitioners must not move therapy beds or furniture unless given permission.
Practitioners may move light items such as yoga mats, blocks, blankets and small props, but must do so safely.
Practitioners bringing sound bath equipment or heavier items must take particular care when using the curved stairs. Heavy equipment should be moved in small, manageable loads. Practitioners must not carry loads that obstruct their view or affect their balance on the stairs.
Practitioners must:
Avoid dragging furniture across floors
Ask permission before rearranging rooms
Use safe lifting techniques
Keep stairs and walkways clear
Avoid blocking exits with equipment
Remove equipment at the end of the booking unless storage has been agreed
15. Capacity and Occupancy
Practitioners must not exceed the agreed capacity for the room or activity.
Current working capacities are:
Therapy rooms: maximum 3 people, unless agreed otherwise
Studio movement classes: approximately 6 participants, depending on layout and activity
Studio seated activities / workshops: to be agreed in advance based on layout, access and fire safety considerations
Practitioners must ensure their class or appointment can be carried out safely within the available space.
16. Animals
Gloria Sichel’s small dog may occasionally be present at the centre.
Practitioners must not bring animals to the premises unless agreed in advance. Assistance dogs are permitted where legally required and reasonably manageable within the premises.
Practitioners should inform Aromah Wellness Centre in advance if they or their client has allergies, phobias or access needs relating to animals.
FIRE SAFETY DOCUMENT
1. Fire Safety Policy
Aromah Wellness Centre is committed to maintaining safe fire precautions and clear evacuation arrangements for practitioners, clients and visitors.
Fire safety arrangements include:
Fire alarm system
Mains-wired detection system
2 manual call points
Illuminated fire exit signs
Emergency lighting
Fire extinguishers
Fire blanket in kitchenette
Displayed fire evacuation map
Weekly fire alarm testing
Fire log book
Annual fire extinguisher servicing
Professional fire alarm servicing
No open flame policy
Clear exit routes
Practitioners must read and follow the fire safety rules before using the premises.
2. Fire Exits and Escape Routes
The premises has 2 exits:
Main entrance / exit at reception
Side exit through Therapy Room 1
The main entrance is the main fire exit. The side exit through Therapy Room 1 is an additional exit from the building.
Fire exits and escape routes must never be blocked, locked, obstructed or used for storage.
Practitioners must keep the following clear at all times:
Main entrance
Side exit through Therapy Room 1
Staircase
Studio access route
Doorways
Hallways
Walkways
Fire extinguishers
Manual call points
3. Fire Alarm and Fire Fighting Equipment
The premises has a mains-wired fire alarm / detection system and 2 manual call points.
There are fire extinguishers located:
2 near the front door
2 in the basement
The exact extinguisher types should be checked from the labels on the extinguishers. Common extinguisher types in this kind of premises may include water, foam and CO2. Practitioners must not assume the type and must check the label before use.
Fire extinguishers should only be used by someone who is trained or competent to do so and only where it is safe. The priority is always evacuation.
A fire blanket is located in the kitchenette.
4. Fire Evacuation Procedure
If the fire alarm sounds or a fire is discovered:
Stop the treatment, class or activity immediately.
Leave the building by the nearest safe exit.
Practitioners must guide their own clients, students or visitors out of the building.
Do not stop to collect belongings.
Do not use the kitchenette or return to any room.
Close doors behind you where safe to do so.
Go directly to the assembly point.
Call 999 once safe to do so.
Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe by the Fire and Rescue Service or the responsible person.
Assembly point: St Andrews Fish & Chip Shop
Responsibility During Evacuation
Practitioners are responsible for evacuating their own clients, students and visitors.
If Gloria Sichel or another appointed responsible person is on site, they will coordinate the evacuation where safe to do so.
If Gloria Sichel is not on site, the practitioner leading the booking must:
Evacuate their own client or group
Encourage any other person nearby to leave
Call 999 if required
Inform Gloria Sichel as soon as possible
Not re-enter the building
Practitioners should keep a clear understanding of who is attending their appointment or class so they can account for their own clients during an evacuation.
5. Fire Prevention Rules
The following are not permitted:
Candles
Incense
Sage
Palo santo
Oil burners
Open flames
Fire cupping
Smoking or vaping inside the premises
Practitioner-owned portable heaters
Unapproved high-energy electrical appliances
Unattended heated blankets
Practitioners must:
Keep heaters away from flammable materials
Keep paper, towels, blankets and oils away from heat sources
Keep electrical equipment in safe condition
Switch off equipment after use
Report damaged plugs, sockets or cables
Keep exits and stairs clear
Avoid storing bags, shoes or props in walkways
6. Kitchenette Fire Safety
The kitchenette includes a kettle, fridge / freezer and fire blanket. No microwave is provided.
Practitioners must:
Use the kettle safely
Keep the kitchenette tidy
Keep paper, towels and flammable items away from heat sources
Not bring additional kitchen appliances
Not leave appliances unattended
Report faults immediately
Clean any spillages immediately
7. Risk Assessments
The following risk assessments cover premises-related hazards at Aromah Wellness Centre.
Practitioners must also carry out their own risk assessments for their specific treatments, classes, clients, equipment and professional activities.
Risk ratings are expressed as:
Low: existing controls are generally suitable
Medium: further care or monitoring required
High: activity should not continue until further controls are in place
Risk Assessment 1: General Premises Safety
Hazards: General building hazards, shared spaces, room access, client movement, reception area, basement layout.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, clients, visitors, contractors.
Risk level with controls: Low to Medium.
Existing controls:
Premises layout explained to practitioners
Clear separation of practitioner responsibilities and centre responsibilities
Reception desk not accessible to clients
Clients should not enter unless received by a practitioner or responsible person
Cloakroom area is not a private changing room
Sign displayed advising no changing in cloakroom
Practitioners responsible for supervising their own clients
Hazards must be reported immediately
Further actions:
Keep website information updated
Review premises risk assessment when layout or use changes
Add CCTV if decided in future
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and individual practitioners.
Risk Assessment 2: Slips, Trips and Falls
Hazards: Stairs, bags, shoes, yoga props, wires, wet floors, client belongings, therapy room equipment.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, clients, visitors.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Curved staircase has carpet and banister
2 wet floor signs available for use when needed
No loose rugs or regular trailing wires reported
Practitioners must keep walkways clear
Belongings should be placed in cubbies or away from walkways
Spillages must be cleaned immediately
Practitioners must reset rooms after use
Extension leads should be limited and used safely
Fire exits and stairs must be kept clear
Further actions:
Continue monitoring stairs and flooring
Repair or report any loose carpet, damaged flooring or lighting issue immediately
Remind practitioners not to leave bags, shoes or props in walkways
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and individual practitioners.
Risk Assessment 3: Therapy Room Use
Hazards: Therapy beds, client movement, treatment products, low lighting, practitioner equipment, room access, limited ventilation in some downstairs rooms.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners and clients.
Risk level with controls: Low to Medium.
Existing controls:
Therapy beds and basic furniture provided
Maximum therapy room capacity: 3 people unless otherwise agreed
Practitioners must not leave clients unattended
Practitioners must check client suitability for their treatment
Practitioners must clean and reset the room after use
Practitioners must bring their own linens and remove them after use
No open flames allowed
No clinical waste disposal or sharps bin provided
Practitioners must report damage or hazards immediately
Further actions:
Treatment-specific risk assessments remain the practitioner’s responsibility
Needle-based treatments require licensing and written approval before being allowed
Review ventilation requirements if activity type changes
Responsible person: Individual practitioners for treatment safety; Gloria Sichel for premises safety.
Risk Assessment 4: Studio / Movement Class Use
Hazards: Movement injuries, overcrowding, props, mats, sound bath equipment, low lighting, basement access, access through studio to other rooms.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, teachers, clients, students, visitors.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Studio capacity for movement classes is approximately 6 participants
Larger seated activities must be agreed in advance
Practitioners must assess suitability of the activity and clients
Practitioners must supervise their own class
Practitioners must ensure mats and props are safely placed
Walkways and exits must remain clear
TR2, TR3 and cloakroom access through studio must be considered when booking
Practitioners must clean and reset equipment after use
Further actions:
Agree seated capacity on a case-by-case basis
Review capacity if layout, fire assessment or use changes
Responsible person: Individual practitioners for class safety; Gloria Sichel for premises safety.
Risk Assessment 5: Cleaning and Hygiene
Hazards: Cross-contamination, unclean surfaces, treatment residue, used linens, spillages, cleaning chemicals.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, clients, visitors.
Risk level with controls: Low to Medium.
Existing controls:
General cleaning carried out weekly and additionally where required
Practitioners clean between their own clients
Cleaning products provided
Practitioners must clean beds, trolleys, chairs, touched surfaces and spills
Used linens and towels must be removed by practitioners
Bins provided in rooms
Clinical waste must not be left at the centre
Further actions:
Review cleaning frequency as centre use increases
Replace products as needed
Keep cleaning products safely stored
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and individual practitioners.
Risk Assessment 6: Infection Control
Hazards: Infection transmission through surfaces, linens, hands, treatment products, close contact, bodily fluids.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners and clients.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Bathroom handwashing facilities available
Practitioners responsible for hygiene standards for their own treatments
Practitioners must bring and remove their own linens
Practitioners must clean touched surfaces between clients
Practitioners must not leave clinical waste at the centre
No sharps bin or clinical waste collection is provided
Treatment-specific infection control is the practitioner’s responsibility
Further actions:
Do not approve higher-risk treatments unless premises, licensing and waste arrangements are confirmed
Portable handwashing may be required for some treatments and must be provided by the practitioner where relevant
Responsible person: Individual practitioners for treatment-specific infection control; Gloria Sichel for shared premises arrangements.
Risk Assessment 7: Electrical Safety
Hazards: Faulty equipment, overloaded sockets, heaters, chargers, speakers, heated blankets, high-energy appliances.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, clients, visitors.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
EICR held and intended to remain up to date
PAT testing carried out on centre portable equipment where applicable
Practitioners must ensure their own electrical equipment is safe and PAT tested where
appropriate
No overloaded sockets reported
High-energy equipment requires permission
Practitioners may not bring portable heaters
Heated blankets must not be left unattended
Faults must be reported immediately
Further actions:
Keep electrical records updated
Review equipment as business use increases
Remove damaged or unsafe equipment immediately
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel for centre equipment; practitioners for their own equipment.
Risk Assessment 8: Heating and Portable Electrical Equipment
Hazards: Fire risk, burns, overheating, fabrics near heaters, portable heaters, unattended heated blankets.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, clients, visitors.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Heating controlled by Aromah Wellness Centre
Practitioners cannot bring their own portable heaters
Heaters kept away from fabrics, beds, towels, curtains, paper and furniture
Heated blankets allowed only if not left unattended
High-energy appliances require permission
No open flames allowed
Further actions:
Monitor heater positioning regularly
Review heated blanket use if concerns arise
Consider written approval system for any electrical treatment equipment
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and individual practitioners.
Risk Assessment 9: Manual Handling
Hazards: Carrying equipment, moving props, carrying sound bath items down curved stairs, liftingheavy loads.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Practitioners must not move therapy beds
Practitioners must not move furniture without permission
Practitioners may move light props only
Heavy sound bath equipment must be carried carefully in light loads
Practitioners must not carry items that block their view on stairs
Practitioners must avoid dragging furniture
Further actions:
Remind practitioners to plan equipment transport safely
Refuse storage or equipment use that creates a hazard
Responsible person: Individual practitioners.
Risk Assessment 10: Lone Working
Hazards: Practitioner alone with client, evening bookings, no CCTV, no panic alarm, locking up, emergencies.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners and clients.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Only selected practitioners have keys / access
Practitioners must use judgement when accepting appointments
Practitioners may stop or refuse appointments if they feel unsafe
Practitioners must keep phones accessible
Emergency contact procedure included in this policy
Opening / closing procedure required for selected practitioners
Incidents must be reported to Gloria Sichel
Further actions:
Introduce CCTV if decided in future
Develop written opening / closing checklist
Review lone working arrangements as evening use increases
Responsible person: Individual practitioners and Gloria Sichel.
Risk Assessment 11: Kitchenette and Hot Drinks
Hazards: Burns, hot water, spillages, electrical appliances, fire risk.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, clients, visitors.
Risk level with controls: Low to Medium.
Existing controls:
Kettle and fridge / freezer provided
No microwave provided
Fire blanket in kitchenette
No extra appliances allowed
Spillages must be cleaned immediately
Practitioners must not leave appliances unattended
Further actions:
Keep kitchenette tidy
Check appliances regularly
Remove faulty equipment immediately
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and practitioners using the kitchenette.
Risk Assessment 12: Practitioner and Client Access
Hazards: Steps at entrance, basement stairs, limited accessibility, no wheelchair access, clients arriving when no practitioner is present.
Who may be harmed: Clients, practitioners, visitors.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Accessibility limitations explained to practitioners
Practitioners responsible for checking client access needs before booking
Therapy Room 1 is ground level and may be more suitable for mobility limitations
Clients should not enter unless received by a practitioner or responsible person
Front door should not be left open where reception is unattended
Further actions:
Include access information on practitioner-facing website pages
Review signage as needed
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and individual practitioners.
Risk Assessment 13: Noise and Shared Room Use
Hazards: Noise transfer, disruption between therapy rooms, studio access through shared areas, conflict between quiet and noisy practices.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners and clients.
Risk level with controls: Low to Medium.
Existing controls:
Practitioners must keep music and sound at a reasonable level
No abusive or offensive music permitted
Studio, TR2 and TR3 access limitations considered when booking
Noisier practices should be planned carefully to avoid disrupting quiet treatments
Practitioners must respect other users of the centre
Further actions:
Consider booking rules to avoid quiet therapies beside louder practices where needed
Review noise complaints if they arise
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and individual practitioners.
Risk Assessment 14: Children and Vulnerable Clients – Premises Considerations
Hazards: Stairs, access limitations, safeguarding concerns, supervision, emergency evacuation.
Who may be harmed: Children, vulnerable adults, practitioners, carers.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Practitioners must be trained and insured to work with children or vulnerable adults
Practitioners responsible for their own safeguarding compliance
Practitioners responsible for deciding whether a parent, guardian, carer or support person
should remain on site
Practitioners must supervise their own clients
Practitioners must consider evacuation and access needs
Practitioners must not leave children or vulnerable clients unattended
Further actions:
Practitioners may be asked to provide evidence of PVG or safeguarding compliance where relevant
Review this policy if regular children’s classes or vulnerable client programmes are introduced
Responsible person: Individual practitioners for safeguarding and client supervision; Gloria Sichel for premises safety.
Risk Assessment 15: Fire Safety
Hazards: Electrical faults, heaters, flammable materials, cleaning chemicals, paper, towels, blankets, oils, kitchenette appliances, basement evacuation, open flames.
Who may be harmed: Practitioners, clients, visitors, contractors.
Risk level with controls: Medium.
Existing controls:
Fire alarm system installed
Mains-wired detection
Manual call points
Emergency lighting
Illuminated fire exit signs
Fire extinguishers provided
Fire blanket in kitchenette
Fire evacuation map displayed
Weekly alarm tests
Fire log book
Annual extinguisher servicing
Professional alarm servicing
No open flames
No practitioner portable heaters
Fire exits kept clear
Practitioners responsible for evacuating own clients
Further actions:
Confirm extinguisher types from labels
Ensure all practitioners know the assembly point
Continue weekly testing and log book records
Review fire risk assessment if premises use, layout or occupancy changes
Responsible person: Gloria Sichel and individual practitioners.