Cosmetic (Beauty) piercing guidance

Health and safety requirements and hygiene facilities

Novice piercers should have shadowed an experienced piercer and performed piercings under supervision.

Where possible piercers should have proof of qualifications and these should be displayed on the premises.

The operator must be able to show knowledge of possible contra-indications and shall discuss the client's medical history with them accordingly to include the following prior to piercing.

• Heart Disease
• Cellulitis
• Eczema
• Impetigo
• Genital Warts (if relevant)
• Allergic responses (anaesthetics, plasters, jewellery metals, such as, nickel)
• Haemorrhaging
• Fainting
• Seizures, for example, epilepsy
• Diabetes
• HIV Infection etc.
• Hepatitis

Where these conditions exist or there is past history, written authorisation from their GP is required.

There should be a notice prominently displayed informing clients of the possible risks including:

• Blood poisoning
• Localised severe swelling and trauma around the piercing site
• Scarring
• Jewellery embedding
• Localised infections
• Allergic reactions

The administration of local anaesthetic injections by body piercers is an offence.

The operator and the client shall not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances.

Needles must be pre-packed and pre-sterilized and used once only. Hollow needles should have a minimum of 1.55mm diameter.

Needles should be disposed of in a proper "sharps" box and should be taken to an approved outlet i.e. a local hospital.

Jewellery should be of suitable grade surgical steel or high carat gold and must be kept sterile until inserted.

Ear piercing guns must not be used for any other parts of the body. “Butterfly clips” must not be placed on the back of a nose piercing.

Surgical spirit must not be used on a nose piercing.

Customers must be given verbal and written information regarding cosmetic piercing aftercare.

This should include:

• Normal bathing and showering permitted otherwise keep dry
• Clean hands before touching jewellery
• Turn jewellery when wound is not dry
• Do not cover wound closely to permit access to air
• Expected healing times of wound
• Possible indication of complications
• Advice on how to deal with redness, swelling and pain - also recommendation to consult GP if the problem does not improve within 24 hours.