Skin penetration rules in Western Australia

The law

In WA, skin penetration businesses must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration Procedure) Regulations 1998 and the Code of Practice for Skin Penetration Procedures. The Code sets minimum infection control standards for hygiene, disinfection and sterilisation. Local government environmental health officers inspect premises and investigate complaints.

What counts as skin penetration

WA Health describes it as cutting, puncturing, tearing or shaving the skin, or cutting, puncturing or tearing a mucous membrane. Examples include tattooing, piercing, scarification, branding, dermal anchors and acupuncture, plus beauty therapies such as waxing, shaving, tweezing and electrolysis.

The rules don't apply to doctors, dentists, podiatrists or nurses (or people working under their direction) when the procedure is part of that practice. Lasers, such as for hair removal, come under radiation safety regulations instead.

Notify your local government

• Tell your local government your trading name, business address and the types of procedures you offer.
• Give them a layout of the premises before opening, showing fixtures, basins, shelving and flooring.
• Mobile practitioners must have each place they work registered with the local government.

WA Health says owners who don't comply can be fined up to $1000, plus daily penalties.

Training

WA Health doesn't name a set qualification, but it says the person doing the procedure must know infection control and safe work practices, and employers must give adequate training. Ask your employer what they require.

Beauty services in practice

WA Health's advice for beauty therapists includes:

• Wax is single-use. Roll-on wax heads are thermally disinfected after each client unless the manufacturer shows otherwise.
• Electrolysis uses a sterile, single-use needle for each treatment.
• Cosmetic tattooing follows the same rules as tattooing.
• UV cabinets don't sterilise tools.

Age limits

WA has age rules for tattooing and piercing minors, which differ for intimate piercing and ear piercing. Check WA Health's page before working with anyone under 18.

Talk to your local government's environmental health team before you open, and follow your workplace procedures.