BARBERSHOP SPACE REQUIREMENTS

The barbershop should be a pleasant space to enter. The air within the barbershop should neither be dry or stagnant nor have a stale musty odor. Most barbershops are air-conditioned so you can easily control the atmosphere within the shop. The temperature of the shop should be kept at about 70 F. Do not allow the temperature to get too cold or too hot.
You should always check your lighting to be sure there are no burned-out light bulbs and the lighting is sufficient to prevent undue strain on your eyes. The bulkheads, deck, and all flat surfaces need to be kept clean of all hair and dirt. The barbershop should be equipped with a sink, having hot and cold running water. The barber-shop should never be used for lounging, eating, or sleeping. A ship having 101 to 300 personnel should have one barber chair with one additional chair for each 300 personnel. Barbershops with more than one chair should have the chairs spaced 4 1/ 2 to 5 feet apart to allow ample room for each barber. Ships with less than 100 personnel should have portable barbershop utensils stored in a locker. On ships carrying troops, if two or more barber chairs are required for the troops, a separate troop barbershop should be provided.

PERSONAL HYGIENE
Although personal hygiene is a subject most people would choose to keep private, in the shipboard barbershop poor personal hygiene is something that cannot be tolerated. As a barber you should take pride in the way you look. Pay close attention to correct posture and neatness and do the following:

Shower daily.
Use deodorant.
Clean and brush teeth regularly after meals.
Use mouthwash.
Shave daily.
Keep your moustache trimmed properly.
Keep hair trimmed and neatly combed.
Keep nails cut and clean.
Keep shoes shined.

. Wear pants that are clean, without holes, and pressed.

If you do not follow the previous traits, you should try to conform to them. Personal traits are sometimes hard to change, but after you get into a routine, it will be easier. Posture is another factor involving your per-sonal appearance. Most barbers do not realize the benefits of good posture. Good posture not only makes you look better, it builds good health and allows the inner organs to function properly. Standing erect improves your speech by freeing the power source of your voice, the diaphragm. Standing for 8 hours at a time puts extra stress on your body. You will find yourself feeling better after a long day when you stand correctly. The following rules should be followed when standing in the barbershop:

Carry your body weight on the balls of your feet.
Keep your shoulders back.
Hold your stomach in, even if you are not overweight; poor posture can give you a potbelly.
Hold your head high and straight.
Good posture will eventually prevent aching in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and feet, and will make your entire day go easier.