Monday 23 April, 2007

Local people can look forward to additional protection when using acupuncture, tattoo, piercing, semi-permanent skin colouring and electrolysis services in the borough as bylaws are to be updated by Guildford Borough Council.

A special consultation on the proposed changes is taking place and the public are invited to have their say until Tuesday 1 May.

Anyone providing acupuncture treatment, tattoos, ear piercing and electrolysis is already required to register themselves and their premises with the council and comply with current bylaws. These regulations ensure that practitioners are suitable and equipment is kept clean. The Department of Health has now introduced model bylaws, which will include semi-permanent skin colouring and body piercing.

Cliff Bell, Head of Environmental Health and Licensing Services, says: "The updated bylaws are great news for consumers as they will provide added protection when they are looking for acupuncture, tattoo, semi-permanent skin colouring, electrolysis or cosmetic piercing services. However, we always advise people to ask to see the premises registration certificate which should be on display."

The council is introducing some of the model bylaws in the borough. The proposed additions include:

• Sterilisation equipment must be maintained and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
• Practitioners will have to demonstrate that they have received suitable and relevant training in connection with the procedure they carry out.
• If a couch or seat has a towelling covering, it will be changed every day.
• Single use sharp instruments must be stored in closed 'sharps' containers and disposed of as clinical waste.
• Clinical waste must be disposed of by a registered waste carrier.

Customers will be protected by the new bylaws when using a service that has registered after their introduction. Those services already registered will continue to be covered by existing bylaws.

To view the draft model bylaws, visit the Environmental Health pages of this website. They are also available to view at the council's Millmead offices.  To give your comments on the proposed changes, call Ann Seviour, Occupational Health and Safety Officer on 01483 444386 or email Ann.Seviour@guildford.gov.uk

This initiative is part of Guildford Borough Council's commitment to improving residents’ local surroundings, by focusing on issues that matter most to them such as a cleaner, safer and greener environment.