Cosmetic piercing guidance
Health and safety requirements
Hygiene procedures should be followed as per tattooing.
Novice piercers should have shadowed an experienced piercer and performed piercings under supervision.
Where possible piercers should have proof of qualifications and these should be displayed on the premises.
The operator must be able to show knowledge of possible contra-indications and shall discuss the client's medical history with them accordingly to include the following prior to piercing.
- Heart Disease
- Cellulitis
- Eczema
- Impetigo
- Genital Warts (if relevant)
- Allergic responses (anaesthetics, plasters, jewellery metals, i.e. nickel)
- Haemorrhaging
- Fainting
- Seizures, i.e. epilepsy
- Diabetes
- HIV Infection etc.
- Hepatitis
Where these conditions exist or there is past history, written authorisation from their GP is required.
There should be a notice prominently displayed informing clients of the possible risks including:
- Blood poisoning
- Localised severe swelling and trauma around the piercing site
- Scarring
- Jewellery embedding
- Localised infections
- Allergic reactions
You must keep an adequate first aid kit on the premises and you should have a qualification in basic first aid.
It is recommended that cosmetic piercers are vaccinated for the Hepatitis B virus.
The administration of local anaesthetic injections by body piercers is an offence. Ethyl Chloride must be used with extreme caution.
The operator and the client shall not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances.
Needles must be pre-packed and pre-sterilized and used once only. Hollow needles should have a minimum of 1.55mm diameter.
Needles should be disposed of in a proper "sharps" box and should be taken to an approved outlet i.e. a local hospital.
Jewellery should be of suitable grade surgical steel or high carat gold and must be kept sterile until inserted.
Ear piercing guns must not be used for any other parts of the body. “Butterfly clips” must not be placed on the back of a nose piercing.
Surgical spirit must not be used on a nose piercing.
Customers must be given verbal and written information regarding cosmetic piercing aftercare.
This should include:
- Normal bathing and showering permitted otherwise keep dry
- Clean hands before touching jewellery
- Turn jewellery when wound is not dry
- Do not cover wound closely to permit access to air
- Expected healing times of wound
- Possible indication of complications
- Advice on how to deal with redness/swelling/pain also recommendation to consult GP if the problem does not improve within 24 hours
You should keep adequate records of every customer and the type of piercing. As a minimum you should record the name and the address of the customer.
A diary or day book will suffice but it is advisable to use record cards.
Cosmetic piercing at conventions
Hygiene procedures should be followed as per tattooing.
Novice piercers must have shadowed an experienced piercer and performed piercings under supervision.
Where possible piercers should have proof of qualifications and these should be available for inspection.
The operator must be able to show knowledge of possible contra-indications and shall discuss the client's medical history with them accordingly to include the following prior to piercing.
- Heart Disease
- Cellulitis
- Eczema
- Impetigo
- Genital Warts (if relevant)
- Allergic responses (anaesthetics, plasters, jewellery metals, i.e. nickel)
- Haemorrhaging
- Fainting
- Seizures, i.e. epilepsy
- Diabetes
- HIV Infection etc.
- Hepatitis
There should be a notice prominently displayed informing clients of the possible risks including:
- Blood poisoning
- Localised severe swelling and trauma around the piercing site
- Scarring
- Jewellery embedding
- Localised infections
- Allergic reactions
You must keep an adequate first aid kit and you should have a qualification in basic first aid.
It is recommended that body piercers are vaccinated for the Hepatitis B virus.
Gloves must be worn by all piercers when carrying out piercings.
The administration of local anaesthetic injections by cosmetic piercers is an offence. Any anaesthetic must be used with extreme caution. Medical consent forms must be completed prior to any anaesthetic being administered and must be retained by the piercer.
The operator and the client shall not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances.
Needles must be pre-packed and pre-sterilized and used once only. Hollow needles should have a minimum of 1.55mm diameter.
Needles should be disposed of in a proper "sharps" box and should be taken to an approved outlet.
Jewellery should be of titanium, niobium suitable grade surgical steel (316L) or high carat gold (14 or 18 carat). This must be kept sterile until inserted.
Ear piercing guns must not be used for any other parts of the body other than ear lobes.
Customers must be given verbal and written information regarding cosmetic piercing aftercare.
This should include:
- Normal bathing and showering permitted otherwise keep dry
- Do not use perfumed bathing products
- Clean hands before touching jewellery
- Turn jewellery when wound is not dry
- Do not cover wound closely to permit access to air
- Expected healing times of wound
- Possible indication of complications
- Advice on how to deal with redness/swelling/pain also recommendation to consult GP if the problem does not improve within 24 hours
Surgical spirit must not be used on a nose piercing.
You should keep adequate records of every customer and the type of piercing. As a minimum you should record the name and the address of the customer the date the piercing was carried out.
Every effort must be made to ensure that persons requesting cosmetic piercing are over 18. The client must be asked to produce appropriate proof of age.
Under no circumstances should cosmetic piercing be offered or administered to those who cannot produce appropriate identification and proof of age.
You should not pierce anyone under the age of 18 without parental approval.
Skin piercing consent forms must be signed by the parents/guardian of clients below the age of 18.
If you cannot comply with the requirements then you will not be allowed to trade.