Infection control licences for ACT beauty and tattoo businesses

The rule

In the ACT, any business that performs skin penetration procedures must hold an infection control licence from the ACT Government and comply with the Infection Control for Office Practices and Other Community Based Services Code of Practice 2005.

Skin penetration means any process that pierces, cuts, punctures or tears the body. Cutting, shaving or dyeing hair isn't included, and nor is closed ear piercing.

Who needs a licence

The ACT Government lists a wide range of businesses, including:

• beauty salons and nail salons
• tattoo and body piercing studios
• cosmetic skin clinics
• acupuncture and dry needling practices
• dental and podiatry practices
• ear piercing businesses, unless they only pierce the lower lobe with sealed, pre-sterilised disposable fittings.

Mobile practitioners are included, though some types of procedure may be limited to fixed premises. A licence is also needed for skin penetration at temporary events such as markets, festivals and weddings, with a new application for each event.

No skin penetration? No licence, same rules

Businesses doing infection risk procedures without skin penetration, such as hairdressing, eyelash extensions and massage, don't need a licence. They must still comply with the Code of Practice.

Applying

• Apply online, or ask the Health Protection Service to email you a form.
• Include a floor plan that complies with the Code of Practice, and photo ID.
• Companies nominate an authorised agent and provide a recent ASIC company extract.
• Moving location needs a new application. Changes such as a new trading name or a refurbishment are lodged as variations.

Fees and licence terms are listed on the ACT Government's licence page.

Inspections and complaints

Public health officers inspect licensed businesses and investigate hygiene complaints. Keep your practices inspection-ready every day, and follow your workplace procedures and the Code of Practice.