Standards for skin piercing and tattooing

  1. Separate rooms are provided for;
    • Waiting area; and
    • Carrying out of skin piercing and tattooing.
  2. The waiting area has a displayed notice advising that;
    • Skin piercing and tattooing will not be carried on any person under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
    • Skin piercing will not be carried out on any child under the age of 16, unless accompanied by a person who has parental rights or responsibilities in respect of that child and who has given their consent in writing to the skin piercing; and,
    • Tattooing will not be carried out on any person under the age of 18.
  3. The room used for the purposes of carrying out skin piercing and tattooing must have the following facilities;
    • Wash hand basin with hot and cold running water, which uses non hand operated taps;
    • Paper towel holder containing paper towels;
    • Soap dispenser containing soap;
    • Washable bench or chair with a disposable paper sheet;
    • Dispenser containing alcohol solution;
    • Waste buckets with pedal operated lids for general waste and clinical waste.;
    • Sharps container for the storage of needles after use; and,
    • First aid kit.
  4. Unless disposable equipment is used, the following equipment should be stored and properly maintained for use on the premises:
    • Ultrasonic cleaners;
    • Instrument baths; and,
    • Autoclaves and autoclave pitches.
  5. The premises will be ventilated and limited for the purpose of skin piercing and tattooing.

In addition, the following conditions shall be imposed.

  • The accommodation of the facilities within the premises shall be maintained in good repair and state of cleanliness.
  • Only sterile, single use disposable needles may be used for skin piercing or tattooing.
  • For the purposes of tattooing, only sterile pigment or ink, pre-packed in single use vials may be used.
  • The activity of skin piercing or tattooing must be carried out by an operator wearing disposable vinyl or non-latex gloves, which must be changed for each client.
  • A supply of the following must be maintained; disposable vinyl or non-latex gloves; disposable razors; and, disposable single use needles.
  • Any equipment which is not disposable shall be thoroughly cleaned with effective disinfectant after each use.
  • Skin piercing shall not be carried out on a child under the age of 16 unless accompanied by a person who has parental rights or responsibilities in respect of that child, who has given their consent in writing to the skin piercing.
  • Any equipment, which is disposable, must be disposed of immediately after use in an appropriate waste receptacle.
  • For tongue piercing a sterilised clamp must be used.
  • Information in an easy to understand format must be provided to the respective clients to explain;
  • The process of skin piercing or tattooing;
  • The risks of the procedures; and,
  • The after care requirements of the procedure.

Skin piercing and tattooing