Opening a Personal Service Setting

Thinking about opening a personal service setting (PSS) like a hair salon, tattoo studio, or nail spa? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Review the checklist

Before contacting Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), you need to review the New Personal Service Setting Checklist. This checklist helps you understand what’s needed to open your business.

Once you've completed the checklist, contact SWPH to speak with a Public Health Inspector (PHI). It may take up to two weeks to get a response, so plan ahead.

Step 2: Send your notice of intent

You must notify SWPH at least 14 days before opening your PSS. This is required by Ontario Regulation 136/18. If you’re an existing PSS and want to add new services, you also need to give notice 14 days before starting those services.

How to notify SWPH:

• New businesses: Fill out the Notice of Intent to Operate a Personal Service Setting Form
• Adding services: Complete the Change of Services Form

Step 3: Check infection prevention and control guidelines

To keep your clients safe, you need to follow infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices. Review these resources to understand the rules:

• Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings by Public Health Ontario
• Personal Service Setting Guideline (PDF) by the Ontario Government

Step 4: Confirm your property is suitable

Your services must be offered in an approved facility. The New Personal Service Setting Checklist can help you decide if your building is right for your business.

If you offer home-based services, there are some extra things to know.

Home-based personal service settings

You can run a PSS from your home, but you must:

• Follow Ontario Regulation 136/18
• Have a room that pets cannot enter (unless it’s a service animal)
• Have the right sinks:
  • A hand-washing sink (this can be in a nearby washroom)
  • A separate reprocessing sink that:
    • Can fit the largest piece of equipment you use
    • Has hot and cold running water
    • Is not in a room with a toilet
    • Is away from where you provide services to avoid contamination

You also need to:

• Check with your local municipality to see if home-based PSS businesses are allowed
• Ask if a business license is needed

Your PHI will help make sure you’ve completed these steps before your inspection.

Step 5: Create your infection prevention and control (IPAC) plan

Use the Infection Prevention and Control Management Plan Template (PDF) from SWPH to create your IPAC plan. This plan helps you keep track of all the steps needed to keep your business safe.

You should regularly check your plan to make sure it works well.

Download safety signs and resources

The following signs are available to download and use as educational material in personal service settings:

• Correct Handwashing Poster
• Wash Your Hands Poster
• Clean Your Hands Poster
• Personal Service Settings Health and Safety Poster 
• Infection Prevention and Control Management Plan Template
• Disinfection Form Template
• Sterilization Form Template
• Accidental Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Template
• Client Record Form
• Notice to Patrons

Exemptions

Some settings are exempt from Ontario Regulation 136/18. These include:

• Hospitals
• Retirement homes
• Long-term care homes
• Health professionals (e.g., nurses, massage therapists) providing services within their scope of practice
• Personal services provided in a person’s own home