Licence - tattoo, piercing and electrolysis
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII
requires the following types of skin piercing need be registered
with us.
- Acupuncture
- Tattooing
- Ear-piercing
- Electrolysis
The Act requires registration to cover both the person carrying
on the practice and the premises used for that purpose. There are
no powers to refuse registration, but the practice is controlled
through compliance with byelaws in each case.
The applicant must ensure that the procedures, equipment and
facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease
and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
It is illegal to conduct ear piercing, tattooing, acupuncture or
electrolysis unless the registration has been formally
approved.
Once an application has been made and the fee has been paid, an
inspector will undertake an inspection of the premises. If the
inspector considers the applicant's procedures and the premises to
be suitable, then registration will be approved.
The Inspector will also check compliance with the following
bye-law requirements as well as ensuring that general health and
safety requirements are being met. The inspector will be pleased to
offer any advice or give any help if you are unsure as to how to
meet these obligations.
Bye-laws requirements
Premises
- All surfaces in any part of the premises used by
clients must be kept clean and in good repair
- All furniture and fittings in the treatment area must
be kept clean and in good repair
- Tables, couches, seats etc used in the
treatment area must have a smooth, impervious surface which is
regularly wiped down with disinfectant and covered by a disposable
paper sheet, changed after each client.
- A 'No Smoking' sign must be prominently
displayed. Cleanliness of operatives
- Any overall worn by the operative should be clean and
in good repair
- The operative's hands and nails must be kept
clean
- Any open cut, wound, sore or boil must be suitably
covered by an impermeable dressing
- The operative should not smoke nor drink in the
treatment area
- The operative should have sole use of the washing
facilities which must provide hot and cold running water, soap (or
a similar cleanser) and a nail brush
Equipment
- Any needle, metal instrument or other item of
equipment used in the treatment must be in a sterile condition and
kept sterile until it is used
- If pre-sterilised items are not used then
adequate facilities must be provided for the purpose of
sterilisation.
Applying for a licence
To apply for a licence please contact Environmental Health using
the contact details in the right hand column.