2.4 Salon Physical and Operational Requirements
Key Takeaways
Carpet is not an acceptable floor covering in work areas unless the salon's most recent licensure application was before January 1, 2017 (Minn. R. 2105.0360, subp. 4).
An outlet may have no more than two appliances plugged in unless a UL-listed power strip with a circuit breaker is used, and power strips and extension cords must plug directly into outlets (subp. 5).
Every salon needs a designated sink with hot and cold running water, soap and single-service towels that is not a restroom sink, mop sink, water fountain or pedicure tub; a shampoo bowl qualifies only in a one-practitioner salon (subp. 6).
If a salon has no exhaust system, the HVAC thermostat fan must be on during all business hours (Minn. R. 2105.0360, subp. 7).
Each salon must make safety data sheets available at all times and inform every licensee about chemical hazards and protective measures at least once every 12 months (Minn. R. 2105.0370, item B).
Why this section matters
The Practice Requirements domain starts with salon physical requirements (2105.0360) and salon operational requirements (2105.0370). These are detail questions: what counts as a designated sink, what floor covering is allowed, how many plugs per outlet, how often hazard training occurs. The same facts also support written practical questions about a safe working environment.
Physical requirements (Minn. R. 2105.0360)
Signage and codes (subps. 1 and 1a)
- A salon in a commercial space displays its licensed name at the primary entrance; a salon in a private residence displays it at the driveway entrance.
- If a local ordinance or covenant prohibits the sign, the salon keeps written confirmation no more than three years old from the enforcing official, or the covenant document.
- The salon must meet building, fire and zoning codes as determined by local officials and the state fire marshal.
Walls, ceilings and floors (subps. 3 and 4)
- Walls, ceilings, ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents are kept free of dust and dirt and in good repair.
- Floors are kept clean and free of hair, nails, skin, wax, liquids and other debris at all times, and free of cracks, holes or tears that collect dirt.
- Carpet is not acceptable in work areas where services are provided, unless the salon's most recent licensure application was before January 1, 2017.
Electricity (subp. 5)
The salon's wiring must meet Minn. Stat. 326B.35, and use of equipment must meet the State Fire Code.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Outlets | No more than two appliances or items per outlet unless a UL-listed power strip is used |
| Power strips | Must have a circuit breaker and be plugged into an outlet, not into another power strip |
| Extension cords | Plugged into an outlet, not into another cord; used only for portable appliances as the appliance directions allow |
Designated sinks and disinfecting areas (subp. 6)
- At least one designated sink for handwashing and for cleaning and disinfecting tools.
- It may not be a restroom sink, water fountain, mop sink or pedicure tub. A shampoo bowl may be the designated sink only if the salon has one practitioner.
- Each designated sink has hot and cold running potable water plumbed in, liquid or foam soap, single-service paper or cloth towels and a receptacle for used towels, and is large enough to wash the salon's tools.
- At least one designated sink must be immediately adjacent to a disinfecting area big enough for the wet disinfectant containers.
- All licensees must have continuous access to a designated sink and disinfecting area.
- Each work area must have a sink or a wall-mounted or always-visible hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Restrooms (subp. 6a)
A restroom must be available in the salon or in an adjacent common area. It needs a sink with hot and cold running water, a toilet, soap, single-service towels or a hot air dryer, and a clean waste receptacle emptied daily. Hazardous cleaning agents, chemicals and medications in the restroom are kept in locked cabinets not accessible to the public.
Ventilation (subp. 7)
Ventilation must comply with building codes, local ordinances and state and federal OSHA requirements. If the salon has no exhaust system, the HVAC thermostat fan switch must always be on during business hours. Minnesota does not require every salon to vent to the outdoors; it requires code and OSHA compliance plus continuous air movement.
Furniture, fixtures and fire safety (subp. 8)
- Furniture and fixtures in work areas have washable coverings or finishes and are clean and in good repair.
- Each work area has a clean waste receptacle emptied daily.
- Each salon has at least one readily accessible fire extinguisher maintained annually under the State Fire Code, and every practitioner is instructed in its location and use.
Additional facility rules apply to residence salons (2105.0393), mobile salons (2105.0395) and suite-style salons (2105.0397); see Section 1.3.
Operational requirements (Minn. R. 2105.0370)
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A. First aid | A readily accessible kit meeting ANSI Z308.1-2015 or the most recent version |
| B. Hazard communication | Comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200); keep paper or electronic safety data sheets for every product containing hazardous chemicals available to all personnel at all times |
| B(2). Annual training | At least once every 12 months, inform all licensees of the health effects of hazardous products and how to protect themselves: best work practices, spill cleanup, emergency procedures and personal protective equipment |
| C. Salon license | The active salon license showing the current DLSM posted facing the public side of the reception area or at each customer entrance |
| D. Practitioner licenses | Each licensee meets the display rules in 2105.0190, subp. 4 |
| E. Identification | Every licensee has a valid picture state ID while working and shows it to board staff on request |
| F. Inspection results | Posted as required by 2105.0115 |
Applying the rules: a walk-through
A new two-chair salon plans these features: carpet under the styling chairs, one shampoo bowl as the only sink besides the restroom, a power strip plugged into an extension cord, and no exhaust system.
- Carpet in the work area is not allowed for a salon licensed after 2017.
- With two practitioners, the shampoo bowl cannot be the designated sink; the salon needs a separate designated sink beside a disinfecting area.
- The power strip must plug directly into an outlet and have a circuit breaker.
- Without exhaust, the HVAC fan must run continuously during business hours.
A two-practitioner salon has a restroom sink and one shampoo bowl. Can the shampoo bowl serve as the designated sink?
Yes, if the shampoo bowl is cleaned and disinfected daily and is used only for handwashing between clients
No, the restroom sink must be the designated sink
No, a shampoo bowl may be the designated sink only in a salon with one practitioner
Yes, any sink with hot water qualifies
A salon has no exhaust system. What does Minnesota require for ventilation?
Every salon must install an outdoor exhaust fan at each station
Windows must remain open during chemical services
No ventilation requirement applies to salons
The HVAC thermostat fan switch must always be on during business hours
How often must a salon inform licensees about the health effects of hazardous products and the protective measures they must take?
At least once every 12 months
Every three years at license renewal
Only when a new employee is hired
Only after a chemical spill
Which floor covering is generally prohibited in work areas of a Minnesota salon licensed after January 1, 2017?
Ceramic tile
Carpet
Sealed concrete
Sealed vinyl
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.