Electrolysis
What the law says about businesses using
electrolysis
Anyone conducting a business which involves piercing human
skin is subject to the
Local Authorities Act 1991 and the
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Local byelaws require
people and businesses to be registered with the council, under the
adopted
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
The rules of management for places offering special treatments document should also be able to help you.
Premises and procedure guidelines for the registration of
your business
Washing facilities
• a wash-hand basin with an adequate constant
supply of hot and cold water must be provided at a point
conveniently accessible to the operating area. The basin shall be
fitted with foot or elbow operated taps
• soap and disposable paper towels must be
available and accessible. Hot air hand dryers are also acceptable,
but not re-usable fabric towels
• clean washable clothing should be worn eg
disposable apron
Personal hygiene
• hands must be washed before and after direct
contact with the client, and with items that have been in contact
with the clients blood or other bodily fluids
• use a new pair of vinyl examination gloves for
each client
• the operator shall not eat or smoke whilst
giving treatment
Records
• it is important practitioners keep records of
their patients and customers. Scrupulous records prove valuable if
any question of infection arises later
• records should contain the customer name and
address and the date the treatment was given
• records should be kept for at least two years
Construction standards for premises
• floors, walls, screens, partitions and ceilings
of any part of the premises used for tattooing, should be of sound
construction, with a smooth finish and capable of being easily
cleaned and kept clean
• adequate and satisfactory ventilation must be
provided along with suitable and sufficient general and local
illumination
• table tops, other surfaces and shelves must have
smooth impervious surfaces, such as plastic laminate, and must be
in good condition
• the surface of the couch or chair should have a
smooth impervious surface, such as vinyl, and be in good condition
• the room used for treatment should be used for
this purpose only
• equipment must be kept in good condition and
maintained as specified by the manufacturer. Maintenance records
will need to be kept
• maintenance of the electrical system, from
consumer board to all appliances, is specifically required
Waste material
• any waste likely to be contaminated with body
fluids - with the exception of syringes, needles and scalpel blades
- must be collected in a sealable, leak proof waste bag. Syringes
with needles and scalpel blades must be placed into sharps boxes
• both these type of wastes - known as clinical
waste - must be collected by a competent contractor, licensed by
the council, for incineration
Ealing Council provides a free clinical waste service for residents. The council also offers a clinical waste service for businesses in the borough at competitive rates. For more information, contact environmental services on: 020 8825 6000, or e-mail: customers@ealing.gov.uk.
Leaflets
A leaflet about
electrolysis is available in pdf
format.