Health Premises

Skin penetration businesses

Council keeps a register of all premises that carry out skin penetration procedures. Council's Environmental Health Officer will carry out inspections of these premises at any time to ensure that they are being operated and maintained in accordance with the Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2022.

What is a skin penetration business?

Any business which carries out the following activities by people who are not registered as health professionals:

  • Body, nose and ear piercing;
  • Tattooing and cosmetic tattooing;
  • Semi-permanent make-up;
  • Colonic lavage;
  • Waxing and hair removal with tweezers;
  • Electrolysis;
  • Microdermabrasion;
  • Nail treatments (cuticle cutting and acrylic nail application);
  • Blackhead removal using a needle; and
  • Any other procedure that involves penetrating or removal of the skin or is prescribed by the Regulation

Acupuncture businesses registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia are not considered as skin penetration businesses.

Skin penetration procedures not covered by the Public Health Act 2010, the Local Government Act 1993, or the regulations thereunder, include procedures carried out by, or carried out under the direct supervision of, a registered health professional such as a dentist, chiropractor, osteopath, pharmacist, physiotherapist, nurse or doctor. These professionals are governed by other legislation and infection control guidelines and are not regulated by Council.

All other skin penetration businesses must be registered with Council. 

Hairdressers and Barbers

The procedures carried out by barbers and hairdressers, which do not involve skin penetration procedures and are not covered by the legislation.

The Local Government Act 1993 provides standards for hairdressers and beauty salons who do not perform skin penetration practices.

Questions?

For further information contact Council's Environmental Health Officer on 02 9911 3626.