Acupuncture
What the law says about acupuncture businesses
Anyone running a business which involves the piercing of human skin are subject to the London Local Authorities Act 1991 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. However, most businesses offering acupuncture are exempt from the London Local Authorities Act 1991 provided that they are members of a recognised governing body. Businesses must check with the council's licensing department whether the association they belong to is exempt.
Local byelaws require people and businesses to be registered with the council, under the adopted Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
To help you, please refer to the rules of management for places offering special treatments document.
Premises and procedure guidelines for registering your business
Washing facilities
• a wash-hand basin with an adequate constant supply of hot and cold water should 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
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 body fluids
• use a new pair of vinyl examination gloves for each client
• the operator must not eat or smoke whilst giving treatment
Records
• it is important practitioners keep records of their patients and customers. Good records prove valuable if any question of infection arises later
• records should contain the name and address of each customer and the date the treatment was given
• records should be kept for a minimum of two years
Construction standards for premises
• floors, walls, screens, partitions and ceilings of any part of the premises used for tattooing should be well made with a smooth finish and capable of being kept clean
• there should be adequate natural and artificial lighting and ventilation
• table tops, shelves and other surfaces must have smooth, water proof 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 well maintained
• the room used for treatment should be used for this purpose only
• equipment must be kept in good repair and maintained as specified by the manufacturer. Maintenance records will need to be kept
• the electrical system and appliances must be well maintained
Advice on using needles
• disposable needles are recommended. These should be used once only and then discarded safely
• if you have to use re-usable needles, these must be sterilised before use on another client
• if the skin bruises or bleeds after the insertion of a needle, a small pad of dry cotton wool should be used to cover the area until the bleeding has stopped. Improper sterilisation of needles or washing of hands of the acupuncturist can result in infection
• a needle can bend while still pierced in the body or if the patient suddenly changes his/her position. Bent needles must not be re-used
• if a needle breaks inside a patient, it should be surgically removed after an X-ray
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 licensed waste contractor and incinerated
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 complete the enquiry form.