Skin Piercing Activities
Frequently asked questions?
I want to get a piercing, where should I go?
You should only go to an operator that is registered with the local authority, and you can check this by asking to see their registration certificate, which should be on display. These premises will have been inspected and should comply with Dartford Borough Council’s byelaws and Code of Practice.
I am considering having my lips outlined with semi-permanent make-up; does the operator have to be registered?
Dartford Borough Council now has byelaws that require this activity to be registered.
The standard of cleanliness at the premises I went to was very poor, who do I complain to?
You should contact the local authority where the premises are based. If this is Dartford Borough Council, then you should contact the Commercial Team in the Environmental Health Services department at:
Dartford Borough Council
Civic Centre
Home Gardens
Dartford
Kent DA1 1DR
Tel: 01322 343434
Email: healthandsafety@dartford.gov.uk
My 17 year old son / daughter has come home with a tattoo; I thought this was illegal, what can I do?
Under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969, it is an offence to tattoo any person under the age of 18 years, regardless of parental consent, unless it is performed for medical reasons by a qualified medical practitioner or a person working under their direction.
The Police are the enforcing authority for this, so any complaints should be directed to them.
I’ve recently had a tattoo and I’m unhappy about the quality of the artwork, what can you do?
The byelaws and Code of Practice only relate to hygiene issues. We are unable to comment on the quality of the artwork.
What is an autoclave?
This is a piece of equipment that uses heat, steam and pressure to kill all pathogenic microorganisms and their spores.
Why does the tattoo artist or piercer wear gloves?
Gloves should be worn whenever a procedure is being done that will break the skin. This protects both the client and artist from any blood borne pathogens that may be present.
How can you tell a bad tattoo from a good one?
The quality of work will depend on the artist who applies your tattoo. Be sure of who you are dealing with.
Ask to see samples (live or photos) of their work. Pay attention if they offer only one or two photos, or if the quality jumps from good to poor (some artists will put other artists’ work in their photo album along with their work and forget to tell you it’s not all theirs).
Look out for breaks in the lines, shaky lines, lines that do not meet or lines that overrun each other, gaps in colour or shading. Does the tattoo look like art, or something you would like to have for the rest of your life? While no artist can produce a perfect tattoo every time, there should be some consistency to the artwork.
