Maintenance & Servicing SOPs
Keep shears compliant, sharp, and revenue-ready across every Australian climate.
Why SOPs Matter
Sharp, clean shears protect your reputation and keep regulators off your back. Australia’s health departments expect every tool to be clean between clients and sterilised after any blood exposure. Pair that with steel-specific servicing and you’ll squeeze maximum life out of every grind.
Use this SOP to build a maintenance roster that satisfies inspectors, safeguards clients, and keeps chairs turning even when a set goes in for sharpening.
Sanitation Checklist (State by State)
| State / Territory | Key Requirements | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Clean and dry shears between clients; sterilise if exposed to blood per AS/NZS 4815:2006; store in covered containers. | NSW Health |
| VIC | Use ARTG-listed disinfectants on reusable tools; maintain written cleaning schedule; document incidents. | Health Vic |
| QLD / ACT | Follow national handwashing and disinfection standards; single-use towels for drying tools; record sterilisation cycles. | ACT Guideline |
| WA | Infection control plans must cover cleaning, waste disposal, and blood spill procedures; sharps in puncture-resistant bins. | WA Health |
| SA | Tools dropped on the floor must be re-cleaned before reuse; maintain approved disinfectant list onsite. | SA Health |
Tip: Print your relevant guideline and keep it in the break room so every apprentice and rent-a-chair knows the drill.
Sharpening Cadence by Steel
Match your sharpening schedule to the material in your hand. Combine this table with our steel guide to log exact steel types.
| Steel / Grade | Edge Retention | Recommended Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (6CR, 420) | Soft, loses bite quickly | Every 3 months or ~300 cuts | Rotate two pairs to avoid downtime; perfect for apprentices. |
| Mid (440C, hybrid stainless) | Balanced durability | 4–6 months | Book during shoulder season to avoid peak rush. |
| Premium (VG10, ATS-314, cobalt) | High hardness, holds edge | 6–12 months | Only use certified beauty shear sharpeners to keep convex ride intact. |
| Powder Metallurgy (SG2, Micro Carbide) | Exceptional retention | Annually or on performance drop | Schedule sharpening well in advance; limited AU specialists. |
Trusted Australian Sharpeners
- Scissor Excellence (VIC): Mobile Melb service; flat hone polishing for convex edges.
- Excellent Edges (National): Accept mail-ins; supply OEM parts for Joewell, Yasaka, Mizutani.
- Japan Scissors Directory: State-by-state list of vetted sharpeners; confirm left-hand expertise when booking.
- Scissortech Australia: Offers loaners with pre-booked sharpening slots.
Avoid key cutters or knife sharpeners—beauty shears need flat hone or ride-line trained techs.
Downtime Playbook
- Run a two-shear rotation per barber—primary cutter + backup.
- Schedule servicing during roster troughs (early week or after major events).
- Negotiate loaner sets with suppliers or sharpeners for premium shears.
- Conduct quarterly equipment audits; proactive maintenance cuts emergency downtime by up to 50%.
Insurance & Compliance
- Add tools to your business contents or tools-of-trade policy—cover theft, fire, transit up to $10k.
- Guild Insurance and Tradesure both offer barber-specific options; check excess on individual items.
- Keep purchase receipts and photos for claims; store serial numbers in your maintenance log.
- Bundle insurance renewal with annual tool audit so coverage keeps pace with kit value.
Daily / Weekly Routine
- After every client: Brush hair, wipe with ARTG-listed disinfectant, dry, oil pivot.
- End of day: Inspect edges for nicks, log tension adjustments, store in padded cases.
- Weekly: Deep clean station, sanitise holsters, check screws with tension key.
- Monthly: Review maintenance log and plan upcoming sharpening or replacements.
Climate Adjustments
- Coastal shops: Wipe salt spray immediately; use silica gel packets in drawers.
- Regional / dusty: Blow out hinges daily; clean combs and pouches more often.
- Tropics: Store shears in air-conditioned space overnight to prevent condensation.
- Cross-reference the climate care guide once published for deeper tips.
Next Steps
- Download your state guideline and build a visible cleaning SOP board.
- Tag each shear with its steel grade and sharpening due date.
- Book a certified sharpener now—reserve spots 6–8 weeks ahead.
- Review budget, steel, handle, apprentice, shared station, and mobile kit guides to align future purchases with maintenance capacity.
Need A Maintenance Audit?
Drop your current kit list, climate, and sharpening cycle. We’ll recommend SOP templates, trusted techs, and insurance tweaks tailored to your shop.