Conditions of relaxation and body care centers

Introduction
Relaxation and body care centers are the places designated for relaxation and body care, whether for men or women, through the use of hammam services, such as Moroccan and Shami baths, and the like, relaxation massage or other services permitted for this activity, This shall be at intervals that differ from one person to another. It is known that human skin is susceptible to infection with parasites and germs if the service provider does not observe the cleanliness of his hands, equipment and tools, and the environment for providing the service, Doing so may cause transmission of these germs from an infected person to another healthy person, or being injured while receiving a massage, Therefore, the owners of these centers must adhere to health and professional conditions aimed at preventing the spread of infection or exposure to any injury

Objectives
These terms are intended to specify the licensing and operating requirements of relaxation and wellness centers for this activity in a manner that is clear and easy to read and enforceable by investors, with a view to improving the level of service and achieving the highest quality of health and safety standards provided in this activity, improve its external and internal appearance.

Scope of application
These provisions apply to male and female relaxation and body care centers that provide one or more of the following services: a health bath, steam, jacuzzi, sauna, Relaxing massage.

1. Licensing Requirements

1. In case of changing the area of the centers, the approval of the competent authority shall be obtained.
2. The approval of the General Directorate of Civil Defense must be obtained.
3. The site shall conform to the license and the use of the building.
4. It is prohibited to start operating without obtaining a municipal license.
5. The municipal license to practice the activity shall be displayed in a prominent location in the centers.
6. Issuance and cancellation procedures shall be, renewal, and amendment in accordance with the Municipal Licensing Procedures Law and its Implementing Regulations.
7. In case the center is moved to another location, the license shall be revoked and a new one shall be issued.
8. It is prohibited to engage in activities outside the boundaries of the licensed center or to use public sidewalks or setback areas without a permit.
9. Refrain from contacting and accessing any other nearby center/store, unless the license of either of them so stipulates.
10. It is prohibited to engage in activity after 12:00 pm unless a special permit is obtained, except for the holy month of Ramadan and holidays.
11. Violation of the licensed activity is prohibited.
12. The health control record issued with the license shall be maintained, Provided that he presents it to the inspector upon any visit, except for the areas where the Electronic Health Monitoring Law is applied.
13. Any change in data or observations recorded in the Register is prohibited. whether abrasive, or by erasure, or removal, or any other method.
    

2. Spatial Requirements

1-2 location and area

1. The location of the activity shall be on a street designated for commercial use in accordance with approved plans and building documents.
2. The center shall be on a ground or ground floor and a mezzanine floor, with the exception of repeated floors in commercial buildings, malls, tourist accommodation facilities rated four stars or more, or equivalent.
3. The area of the hammam or the massage parlour shall not be less than 72 m2.
4. The activity of a health bath and a massage parlor may be practiced with a separate license with a total area of not less than 72 m2.
5. Table No. (1) shows the minimum size of bathrooms and massage rooms for both men and women.

Table No. 1: Minimum area of bathrooms and massage rooms

3. Technical Requirements

1-3 structural requirements

1. Floors shall be slip-resistant and have a flat surface free of cracks and pits, It is impermeable to water and is easy to clean and washable, and it is made of materials that are not affected by industrial detergents.
2. All water drainage holes must be covered, It shall be fitted with a mesh cover and shall be sealed.
3. Walls, floors, and ceilings shall be free from defects and cracks.
4. The roof of the center shall be of concrete or the like, smooth and painted, and shall not have any protrusions or holes allowing the accumulation of dirt and the passage of insects.
5. False ceiling, if any, shall be made of fireproof materials and not affected by moisture.
6. The sanitary bath and sauna shall be equipped with a steam control device with a thermostat and a thermometer.
7. Ventilation methods should be taken care of, hot air is expelled, and unwanted odors.
8. The floors and walls of the bathroom (health, steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi) shall be covered with faience tiles or any other material suitable for the nature of the activity, provided that it is non-absorbent, saturated, easy to clean, and non-slip.
9. The floors of the health bath (steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi) shall have a floor drain to ensure that water does not collect on the floor.
10. The doors of the bathroom (health, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi) must be equipped with shutters that open outwards.
11. Seats inside the steam room shall be made of marble, ceramic, or removable fiberglass, reinforced plastic, and the like.
12. Hot water vapor shall be supplied through a pipe connected to an apparatus into the room, and the steam vent shall be at the top of the room or at the bottom of the room without affecting the safety of the occupants, The temperature of the steam generated from it is controlled by the temperature control panel, as well as the time required for automatic operation and separation.

2-3 electrical requirements

1. Implementation of the requirements of the Saudi Building Code (SBC-201) (section 27) for standby generators used in emergency situations, the Saudi Electrical Code (SBC-401), including the Chapter 54 and Section 82 grounding systems, and the requirements of the fire protection code. SBC-801 It is recommended to apply the electrical energy efficiency requirements of non-residential buildings (SBC-601) with separate systems and networks, ensuring that all materials comply with approved standards.
2. The electrical requirements of paragraphs 5003,8,7, and (4,9,5003) of the Saudi Building Code (SBC-801) and the requirements of Chapter (720) and Clause 11.9-55 of the Building Code must be applied. Saudi (SBC-401 .)

3.3 Ventilation and conditioning

1. Design, implementation, installation, operation and maintenance of all ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems, devices, and fixtures, With the need to comply with the requirements of the Saudi Mechanical Code (SBC-501), especially Chapter No. 4, as well as the application of the requirements of the Saudi Building Code (SBC-201).
2. The center shall be well air-conditioned and ventilated to prevent the temperature inside the center from rising above 25°C.

4.3 Sanitary works
Implementation of the requirements of the Saudi Building Code for sanitary installations, equipment, and maintenance (SBC-201), including Chapter 29, as well as the requirements of SBC-702.

5.3 Security, Health, and Safety Requirements

1. Placing a warning sign in the centers prohibiting smoking of all types of tobacco.

4. Operational Requirements

1.4 Health Operational Requirements
Personnel Requirements

1. A Saudi male or female worker practicing relaxation massage must obtain a certificate from within or outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2. The profession of a non-Saudi male or female massage therapist must be relaxation.
3. Employees follow proper hygienic practices (frequent hand washing, personal hygiene, not touching the nose and mouth).
4. Avoid hygienic practices (smoking or sleeping in the workplace).
5. Upon the appearance of any disease symptoms, any worker shall be suspended from work until it is ascertained that he is free of diseases.
6. It is prohibited to use the facility to store personal items in places other than those designated for it.
7. The management of the activity shall be restricted to full-time male and female citizens.
8. All female workers and beneficiaries must be women.
9. All male employees and beneficiaries must be male.
10. Separate drawers shall be designated for storing employees’ belongings

11. The center shall have a uniform appropriate to the nature of work throughout working hours.
12. Corners between walls, floors, and ceilings must be kept clean.
13. All tools and equipment used in the centers must be re-disinfected after each use session.

14. Do not wear any metal while working in the bath (steam, sauna).
15. Commitment to professional ethics after exposure to sensitive areas of the client', s body.

2.4 Technical Operational Requirements

1-2-4 Reception and Waiting Area
The reception and waiting area shall be provided with a minimum of two seats.

2.2.4 Equipment
Equipment for the operation of the center must be provided to serve the beneficiaries.

3.2.4 Activities permitted within the activity

1. A separate municipal license is not required for activities that can be practiced within the relaxation and wellness centers.
2. An indoor board is allowed for each additional activity, If the license holder wishes to add the activities of the center.
3. It is permitted to engage in one or more of the activities listed in Table No. 2 below, subject to the specified area.