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Council’s health officers undertake regular inspections of premises involved in skin penetration. The Public Health Act, 1991 defines a skin penetration procedure as:
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Acupuncture
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Tattooing
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Ear piercing
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Hair removal
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Any other procedure (whether medical or not) that involves skin penetration. This includes body piercing, waxing, electrolysis, semi-permanent makeup and any beauty treatment which involves the deliberate penetration or removal of the skin
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Any other procedure prescribed by the regulation.
Note - this does not include procedures performed in the practice of a registered medical practitioner.
The definition does not include hairdressers or barbers as their practices do not involve the deliberate penetration of the skin. They are required to follow infection control procedures when skin is accidentally cut or penetrated and to prevent the spread of skin infections such as tinea, herpes, staphylococcal, streptococcal and pseudomonal infections.
If skin penetration procedures are not undertaken correctly they have the potential to transmit bacterial and fungal infections, as well as viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C. Infection control procedures must be implemented to protect the health of the client and the operator.
New business owners
Before opening or purchasing an existing a hairdresser or skin penetration business, it is vital that you contact council.
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New Premises
It is a legislative requirement that prior to opening for trading, that all skin penetration premises must be approved and registered with Council. For information on development applications click on the highlighted link.
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Inspections
Skin penetration premises, as well as beauty and hairdressers, are inspected twice year to ensure they comply with infection control requirements and basic health and hygiene.
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Useful links
These websites may provide useful information including legislation and fact sheets:
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Fact Sheets
For further information on infection control procedures, please refer to NSW Health Department Skin Penetration Code of Best Practice and the following NSW Health Department fact sheets:
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