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. For more information, contact environmental services on (020) 8825 6000.