Skin Piercing
Registering for the Practice of Skin Piercing
Who needs to be registered
Anyone carrying on the practice of:
- Acupuncture;
- Cosmetic piercing (ear-piercing and cosmetic body piercing);
- Tattooing and semi-permanent skin colouring (micro-pigmentation, semi-permanent make-up and temporary tattooing); and
- Electrolysis.
The premises where the activity is carried out and the person(s) practicing must be registered with Dartford Borough Council. The person(s) practising will be required to demonstrate that they are competent, and evidence of this is required upon application.
You will also be required to demonstrate that the premises and working practices comply with Dartford Borough Council’s Byelaws and Code of Practice.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, you have a general duty of care to persons not in your employment, and must therefore ensure procedures, equipment and facilities which are used are safe, hygienic and prevent the spread of infection.
It is an offence to conduct any of these skin piercing activities unless the registration process has been completed.
Registration of an individual is not necessary where the person is a registered medical practitioner.
Registration of the premises is not necessary where the practice is under the control and supervision of medical doctor.
How can I register?
You can register by contacting the Commercial Team in the Environmental Health Services department on 01322 343434 or email healthandsafety@dartford.gov.uk.
Alternatively you can download an application form.
Once completed the form should be sent together with the appropriate fee to:
Environmental Health Services
Dartford Borough Council
Civic Centre
Home Gardens
Dartford
Kent DA1 1DR
Upon receipt of the application form and the appropriate fee an officer will arrange a suitable time to inspect the premises. If the officer considers the applicant’s procedures and the premises to be suitable, then registration will be approved.
What will the Inspector look for?
The inspector will check compliance with the Byelaws and Dartford Borough Council’s Code of Practice as well as ensuring that general health and safety requirements are being met. The inspector will be pleased to offer any advice or guidance to help you meet these obligations.
What happens once I am registered?
Unlike licenses that need to be reviewed every year, registrations only need to be granted once.
Your premises will be programmed for regular health and safety inspections along with all other commercial premises in the borough.
What happens if my registration details change?
If you move premises, or the practitioners change, your registration will be rendered invalid and you will need to reapply to Dartford Borough Council.
If you have moved premises, you will need to reapply in full. Once we have received your new application, we will arrange an inspection and, subject to compliance with the Council’s Byelaws and Code of Practice, your new premises will be registered.
If the practitioners change, you must let us know. We will want to know if any practitioners have ceased to practice, and you must be able to demonstrate that any new practitioners are competent. Any new practitioners will need to apply individually for registration to practice.
Training and competency
Where there is no recognised professional training body, practitioners will need to demonstrate competency through references from the trainer or employer.
Practitioners will also need to demonstrate competency through working practices, in particular infection control. Basic first aid training is also desirable.
Additional Information
Thinking about having a tattoo or piercing? Things to consider
Frequently asked questions relating to skin piercing activities
Further aftercare information on piercing and tattoos:
What risks are associated with skin piercing?
What is micro-pigmentation?
What about other treatments?
Information for practitioners on blood-borne viruses
