Safety checklist
Use this handy checklist to ensure you are following procedures safely and correctly:
- Training, instruction and supervision – everyone should be aware of general health and safety requirements while at work.
- Training in specific treatments – every practitioner should be properly trained in the treatment being carried out, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Consultations should not be done on the day of the treatment. They should identify any risks such as infectious diseases, allergies or any other medical condition or other circumstance.
- Consultations must ensure that informed consent is given (risks communicated to the client), and must be in writing and held securely.
- Refusal policy – have clear guidelines in place for when to decline treatments, which should include considerations such as the patient’s physical and mental health. Remember to include age verifications, and be clear about what ID is acceptable.
- Prescription-only medicines must be issued to a named individual client and dispensed via a UK pharmacy. Advance stock must not be held, and should only be used for the individual it is prescribed for, with labels in English and licensed for its use in the UK.
- Unused medicines or fillers (cytoxic/cytostatic waste) – must be disposed of into purple bins and collected by a licensed waste contractor.
- Aftercare advice must be provided and should be specific to the treatment and given both verbally and in writing.
- PPE is worn – such as single use apron, disposable nitrile, powder-free gloves, face covering.
- Hand washing facilities – basin(s) should have hot and cold running water, a supply of liquid soap and paper towels and be in the treatment room.
- Hand sanitiser – should only be used on visibly clean skin, and never on gloves.
- Cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation – have a clear policy about how and when equipment and surfaces are disinfected, and when sterilisation is required. Further guidance is available in the Kent Code of Practice for Hygienic Skin Piercing.
- Harmful chemicals – stored upright in original containers and in lockable cupboards.
- Sharps – correct containers, properly labelled, safely stored and disposed of via a licensed waste contractor.
- Contaminated waste – with blood or other bodily fluids must be placed in a yellow waste bag in a foot-operated, lidded bin and disposed of via a licensed waste contractor.
- Treatment room – all surfaces should be able to be easily cleaned and the room kept clutter-free at all times.