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Bye-law requirements

Making sure procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic and comply with the law.

The applicant must ensure that procedures, equipment and facilities used: 

  • are safe 
  • are hygienic 
  • prevent the spread of disease 
  • follow the general duty of care required by Health and Safety 

Premises 

  • all surfaces in any part of the premises used by clients must be clean and in good repair. 
  • all furniture and fittings in the treatment area must be clean and in good repair. 
  • all furniture in the treatment area must have a smooth and non-porous surface. This includes tables, couches, and seats. All must be regularly wiped down with disinfectant. A disposable paper sheet must cover this furniture. This needs changing after each client. 
  • a 'No Smoking' sign must be prominently displayed. 

Cleanliness of operatives 

  • overalls worn should be clean and in good repair. 
  • hands and nails must be clean. 
  • any open cut, wound, sore or boil must have a sealed, waterproof dressing. 
  • no smoking or drinking in the treatment area. 
  • the operative should have sole use of the washing facilities. There must be hot and cold running water, soap (or a similar cleanser) and a nail brush. 

Equipment 

  • equipment used in the treatment must be sterile and kept sterile until use. This includes any needle, metal instrument or other item. 
  • if pre-sterilised items are not used there must be facilities available for sterilisation. 
  • when tattooing. all dyes used must be bacteriologically clean and inert. Dispose of containers used to hold dyes of at the end of each treatment or sterilise before re-use. 

General 

  • it is an offence to  tattoo any person under the age of 18 years. 
  • a person under the age of 18 years may receive body piercing. There must be written permission from the parent or guardian. Or, the treatment takes place in the presence of the person's parent or guardian. 
  • nipple and genital piercing is against the law for under 18's. This is regardless of parental consent.  
  • before treatment starts talk to the client about their health and the suitability of the treatment. 

Contact Licensing