Personal service settings
Infection prevention and control requirements for personal service businesses in Niagara, including inspection information, requirements for new or renovating businesses, and how to report a concern.
Inspected at least once per year
Complaints are kept confidential
Applies to commercial and home-based settings
What is a personal service setting?
A personal service setting is any premises where personal services are offered that carry a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. This includes both commercial businesses and home-based operations.
Services covered include, but are not limited to:
- Body piercing and tattooing
- Electrolysis and laser hair removal
- Eyebrow and eyelash services
- Facials
- Hair salons and barbers
- Manicures and pedicures
- Microneedling and microdermabrasion
- Micropigmentation and microblading
Personal service settings are regulated under the Ontario Personal Service Setting Regulation 136/18 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, and must meet the Ontario Public Health Standards.
Inspections
Niagara Region Public Health inspectors inspect personal service settings at least once per year, with frequency depending on the risk level of the services provided. During every visit, an inspection sign is posted in a visible location at the business. Learn how you can maintain safe and sanitary establishments.
Home-based settings
Some businesses that operate in homes or other non-commercial locations may never have been inspected by Public Health. To confirm a setting has been inspected, ask the operator to show you their most recent Personal Service Settings Inspection Report, or check the inspection results online.
You can also view closures, convictions and orders for personal service settings convicted of an offence under Ontario Regulation 136/18 in the past two years, and learn about infection control lapse investigations and reports.
New or renovating your business?
Notify Public Health at least 14 days in advance
Under Ontario Regulation 136/18, you must contact Niagara Region Public Health before opening a new personal service setting, adding services or starting renovations. Find out what to expect and request a consultation.
Report a concern
In addition to regular inspections, public health inspectors investigate complaints about inadequate infection prevention and control practices that may pose a risk to public health.
If you have concerns about a personal service setting or the procedure being performed, contact Environmental Health. The identity of the person making a complaint is kept confidential.