Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that all nail salons in New York State will be required to have ventilation systems in order to better protect both technicians and patrons. Beginning October 3, 2016 all new nail salons will be required to comply with the 2015 International Mechanical Code which contains specific ventilation requirements for nail salons and other businesses that provide nail services such as salons.
The code specifies the following regulations for nail salons:
- Supplying fresh outdoor air sufficient to remove all chemicals, vapors, fumes, dust and other air contaminants from the salon and exhaust them safely to the outdoors.
- The ventilation systems must assure that no exhaust air will be recirculated into the salon or into any other space in the building where the business is operating.
- The code also requires specific exhaust systems at all manicure and pedicure workstations.
In a statement on the Governor of New York State website, Governor Cuomo said "These new regulations will make nail salons in New York the safest for employees and consumers anywhere, and are yet another example of our administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable employees and making workplaces across the state safer.”
October 3, 2016 is the deadline for ventilation systems to be installed in new nail salons—whereas salons that were licensed before October 3, 2016 will have five years to comply with the new codes. By October 3, 2021, all salons in New York State will be required to comply. The new regulations can be found here.
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