What is a Personal Service Setting (PSS)

Personal service settings (PSS) refer to settings in which aesthetic services are delivered, including, but not limited to:

  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Body piercing and ear lobe piercing
  • Waxing and facials
  • Hairstyling and barbering
  • Tattooing and micro-blading
  • Body modification (for example branding, scarification)
  • Electrolysis and laser hair removal
  • Microdermabrasion

As part of its mandate under the Ontario Public Health Standards, Infection Prevention and Control Protocol, 2019, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) inspects public service settings, to monitor infection prevention and control practices. Trained Public Health Nurses at the EOHU routinely inspect these establishments to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with the Ministry of Health's Ontario Regulation 136/18: Personal Services Settings to prevent the spread of infections, including, blood-borne, and fungal infections.

Adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health.