Skin Penetration and Hair Dressing Businesses

What procedures are considered skin penetration procedures?

Skin penetration procedures include the following:
Acupuncture
Tattooing
Ear piercing
Hair removal
Body piercing
Waxing/electrolysis (or any other hair removal procedure)
Semi permanent make-up
Any other beauty treatment which involves the deliberate penetration of and/or removal of skin
Colonic lavage

Procedures carried out by barbers and hairdressers where skin penetration procedures are not intended are not considered as skin penetration. However, skin penetration may accidentally occur therefore hair dresser/barber shops need to ensure that they have adequate facilities and services to address any accidental skin penetration incidents.

What are the dangers associated with skin penetration procedures?

There are numerous risks associated with skin penetration procedures, the spread of infectious diseases being the main risk.

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another.

Some common infections that can be spread by certain skin penetration procedures include:

Hepatitis C – This is transferred via blood to blood contact. If equipment is not sterilised between uses this disease can be easily spread from one person to another.

Hepatitis B – Spread through contact with blood, body fluids and body tissue. This can remain infectious for up to seven days.

Staphylococcus aureas - This is a common bacterium that lives on the skin or in the nose. Its effects once spread can potentially be fatal. It can be spread by poor personal hygiene and not covering any open wounds.

What are the Operator’s Responsibilities?

If procedures and best hygiene practices are not undertaken correctly, a risk is created for the transmission of skin and blood borne diseases to both the clients and operators. Therefore, it is mandatory for all skin penetration operators and premises to comply with the Public Heallth (Skin Penetration) Regulation 2000.

Registration and Inspections of Skin Penetration Premises

Local Councils are required to keep a register of all skin penetration premises in their Local Government area. This assists Council in keeping a record of where skin penetration premises are located and also assists Council's inspections of all various businesses within the Council Area

Holroyd Council conducts inspections annually during the financial period. Inspections will also occur if council receives a complaint or notification of infections originating from the business.

Annual inspections are compulsory. The 2011/2012 adopted fees and charges are as follows:

Hairdressers/Barber (No Skin Penetration Procedures)

Program Fee (including initial inspection)	$84.50
Reinspection Fee	$32.70

Skin Penetration

Program Fee (including intial inspection)	$214.70
Reinspection Fee	$29.70

What do I need to do to register my business?

If you have recently opened a skin penetration or hairdressing/barber business or have changed owner details please complete Council's Skin Penetration Registration Form and submit this back to Council as soon as possible.

To submit the registration form you can:

In person:
16 Memorial Avenue
Merrylands
NSW 2160

Post:
PO Box 42
Merrylands
NSW 2160

Fax: 02 9840 9734

Email: records@holroyd.nsw.gov.au

Code of Best Practice and Guidelines for Skin Penetration

For more information on Skin Penetration practices, please read the NSW Code of Best Practice for Skin Penetration and also the NSW Guidelines for Skin Penetration.

Other Useful Facts

For other useful industry specific information, see the fact sheets below:

Making a Complaint

You may make a complaint to Holroyd City Council about the condition of a premise, operator, or the way in which a procedure or treatment was carried out:

To make a complaint please phone Council on 02 9840 9840 or write to:

General Manager
Holroyd City Council
PO Box 42
MERRYLANDS NSW 2160

Business Information