Tattooing and body piercing rules in Tasmania

The law

Tasmania treats tattooing and ear and body piercing as public health risk activities under the Public Health Act 1997. The Director of Public Health can issue compulsory guidelines under the Act, and not following them is an offence. Two apply here:

• Guidelines for Tattooing (April 1998)
• Guidelines for Ear and Body Piercing (April 1998).

Licences and inspections

Local councils licence these businesses. City of Launceston, for example, says its environmental health officers assess premises and operators for clean, well-maintained facilities, safe practices and knowledge of infection control before issuing licences. People who tattoo or pierce without the required licences are operating illegally.

Which activities need a licence, and the fees and renewal terms, are set by each council. Ask yours before you start, including if you offer other skin penetration services.

No home visits

City of Launceston says it's illegal for an operator to come to a client's home to tattoo or pierce. Work happens at licensed premises.

What clients should expect

• A consent form, which lets the operator check for health conditions that may affect the procedure.
• Aftercare advice to reduce the risk of infection.

Age restrictions

Under section 35A of the Police Offences Act 1935, it's an offence to tattoo anyone under 18 or do intimate piercings on anyone under 18. Other body piercing for someone under 16 needs their guardian present. Tasmania Police can give more detail.

Why it matters

Contaminated needles and instruments can spread hepatitis B and C and HIV, and skin infections such as Staphylococcus aureus. Use sterile, single-use needles, sterilise reusable instruments before each client, and never re-use items marked single-use. Follow your studio's procedures and the compulsory guidelines.