A skin penetration procedure in The Public Health Act 2010 is defined as: “..any procedure (whether medical or not) that involves skin penetration (such as acupuncture, tattooing, ear piercing or hair removal or the penetration of a mucous membrane), and includes any procedure declared by the regulations to be a skin penetration procedure..”
Skin penetration procedures may include, but are not limited to:
- Waxing
- Tattooing
- Nail services involving cuticle cutting and foot scrapers (manicure/pedicure)
- Cosmetic tattooing (eyebrow feathering, microblading, lip blush etc)
- Piercing
- Microdermabrasion
- Cosmetic injections
- Colonic Lavage
- Skin needling
- Electrolysis
Strict infection control procedures are required to minimise the transmission and spread of viral, bacterial and fungal infections caused by contaminated equipment and unhygienic practices. This may include HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
It is necessary to obtain development consent prior to conducting any fit-out work or skin penetration activity. It is recommended that you seek planning advice to assist with the preparation and lodgement of your Development Applications.
All beauty salons, hairdressers, barbers and tattoo premises operating within the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA must register their business details with Council. To register a new business or to notify of any changes to business details for existing registered businesses, please complete the following.
All Skin penetration premises are inspected to ensure compliance with public health standards outlined under the:
Whilst conducting inspections, Councils Environmental Health Officers focus on a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to:
- Cleanliness of the premises
- Effective sterilisation of equipment and hygiene practices
- Construction and maintenance of the premises and equipment
- Skills and knowledge of staff
A fee is charged to the occupier for this inspection in accordance with Fees and Charges.
Failure to meet the requirements of the Act and Regulation may result in:
- Penalty infringement notices
- Notices or Orders
- Legal proceedings/prosecution
To further assist businesses, Council's Environmental Health Officers offer free training courses in various languages.
NSW Health has also developed a range of resources to assist hairdressers/barbers, beauticians and tattooists in maintaining public health and hygiene standards.
For more information, ​contact