South Derbyshire District Council - Personal treatment licences

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII requires that the following types of skin piercing need to be registered with us:

Acupuncture
Tattooing
Ear-piercing
Electrolysis

The act requires registration to cover both the person and the premises. There are no powers to refuse registration, but the practice is controlled through compliance with byelaws in each case.

Charter Mark - Customer Service Excellence

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 a fee of enter amount 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 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.

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.

Completed forms should be sent to the address below. Fees are chargeable for all of these licences; see the fees and charges document in the related documents section. The fee should accompany the application.