Beauticians carry out many beauty treatments that involve skin penetration procedures, including waxing, electrolysis, microdermabrasion, cuticle cutting, razor scrapping and cosmetic tattooing.These skin penetration procedures can damage client’s skin and there is a risk of infections spreading between clients. Poor cleaning and hygiene of equipment and surfaces can spread viral, bacterial or fungal infections from one client to another. This can result in diseases such as Hepatitis C and B, or staphylococcal, streptococcal and pseudomonas infections.
Businesses can find the rules for skin penetration procedures in the Public Health Act 2010 (the Act) and the Public Health Regulation 2022 (the Regulation).
Procedures defined as Skin Penetration under the Act can include:
• tattooing (including cosmetic tattooing)
• manicures and pedicures
• waxing
• piercing
• microdermabrasion
• colonic lavage.
NSW Health has produced several factsheets to assist operators in complying with the legislation that are HERE
Under the Act, all premises that conduct skin penetration are required to be registered with Council prior to engaging in trade. Penalties apply for failing to do so.
Useful Links:
NSW Health
NSW Health - skin penetration registration form
NSW Fair Trading - tattoo licence facts/form