Advice for the beauty therapy industry (WA)

Code of Practice for Skin Penetration Procedures 1998 (WA)

Guide to cleaning and disinfecting equipment (WA)

Massage Therapy (WA)

Use of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in nail products (WA)

Key Advice from “Advice for the Beauty Therapy Industry” (WA) PDF

It is crucial to be aware of potential health risks associated with skin penetration procedures, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, excessive bleeding, scarring, exposure to toxic chemicals, and allergies. To mitigate these risks, always follow correct infection control guidelines and comply with the Code of Practice for Skin Penetration Procedures.

Relevant Information for General Beauty Procedures from “Code of Practice for Skin Penetration Procedures 1998” (WA) PDF

When performing beauty therapy procedures involving the use of depilatory waxes, dyes, pigments, or other solutions, stringent hygiene practices must be followed to prevent cross-contamination:

Advice for the beauty therapy industry (NSW)

Beauty, body art and skin penetration industries (NSW)

Clinical Waste (NSW)

How to sterilize (NSW)

Key Advice from “Beauty Treatment Businesses – NSW Health” Fact Sheet and Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW)

Beauticians carrying out skin penetration procedures in NSW must implement stringent infection control practices to prevent the spread of infections. Procedures like waxing, electrolysis, microdermabrasion, cuticle cutting, razor scraping, and cosmetic tattooing are defined as skin penetration procedures. Poor cleaning and hygiene of equipment and surfaces can spread viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, including Hepatitis C and B, staphylococcal, streptococcal, and pseudomonas infections.

General Infection Control and Business Hygiene

• Registration: Businesses carrying out skin penetration must be registered with the local council and meet all necessary planning and building standards.
• Premises Design: The business must be designed and constructed for easy and correct cleaning. Surfaces (floors, shelves, fittings, furniture) must be smooth, durable, impervious to moisture, and easily cleanable.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: The premises must be kept in a clean condition and good repair. Treatment areas, such as benches, should be cleaned between each client, or a clean covering placed over the surface. Documented cleaning and maintenance procedures for fixtures, fittings, and equipment are required, and staff must be trained.
• Waste Disposal: All waste must be tightly bagged and disposed of daily. Clinical waste (with blood or bodily fluids) must be disposed of in a clinical waste bin and collected by a licensed waste collector.
• Hand Hygiene: Hands must be washed before and after attending to a client, before and after a procedure, after exposure to a body substance, after touching a client’s surroundings, and after removing gloves.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Beauticians must wear clean gowns or aprons and single-use gloves during skin penetration procedures (this may not apply to waxing unless exposure to bodily substances is expected). Cuts or wounds must be covered with sealed waterproof bandages.

Equipment and Product-Specific Practices

• Sterilisation: All articles that penetrate the skin must be sterile before use. Sterilisation must be carried out in a steam-under-pressure bench top autoclave in line with AS/NZS 4815:2006.
• Single-Use Equipment: Equipment that is difficult to clean and sterilise should be single-use. Needles used in skin penetration procedures must be sterile, single-use, and disposed of into an appropriate sharps container directly after use.
• Reusable Equipment (Non-Penetrating): Articles used in a skin penetration procedure that do not penetrate the skin must be correctly cleaned and kept in a clean condition.
• Sterile Packaging: Sterile packaging should be opened just prior to starting the treatment. Sterile parts of equipment that will penetrate the skin should not be touched with bare hands. If handling sterile equipment is necessary, a pre-packed sterile alcohol swab, a sterile dry swab, or sterile single-use gloves should be used.
• Product Dispensing (Liquids, Creams, Inks, Pigments): To prevent cross-contamination, all liquids, creams, inks, and pigments need to be decanted into single-use containers, and a new single-use applicator used for each person.
• Waxing: The wax and any instrument used to apply the wax (spatula, roller, or cartridge) must be immediately disposed of after completing the procedure (no double dipping). Melting down, reheating, and filtering wax does not destroy or remove bacteria and viruses. Wax must not be reused on another client. Do not apply wax to broken skin or over an area where blood has been drawn.
• Manicures/Pedicures: Ensure all tools are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between clients. Cuticle cutting is considered a skin penetration procedure.
• Cosmetic Tattooing: Adhere to strict infection control. Use an aseptic non-touch technique to pour inks into sterilised containers or caps before working on a client. If inks need dilution, only use sterile water and dispose of any leftover inks. Equipment should be covered with single-use plastic to minimise contamination and disposed of immediately after the procedure.
• Sharps Containers: Must meet AS/NZS 4261:1994 (Reusable containers) or AS 4031:1992 (Non-reusable containers).
• UV Cabinets: Be aware that UV cabinets and other common appliances typically do not sterilise equipment.
• Linen: Clean towels and linen must be used for each new client. Linen should be washed in detergent and hot water. If an impervious cover (such as plastic) is used, it must be cleaned and disinfected before being used for each new client.

Important Information from NSW Health Fact Sheets

This information is derived from NSW Health fact sheets regarding skin penetration procedures, clinical waste management, and instrument sterilisation.

• The Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation 2022 outline rules for skin penetration procedures.
• A skin penetration procedure is defined as: “Any procedure (whether medical or not) that involves skin penetration (such as acupuncture, tattooing, ear piercing or hair removal or the penetration of a mucous membrane), and includes any procedure declared by the regulations to be a skin penetration procedure.”
• These procedures can include: tattooing, manicures and pedicures, cosmetic tattooing, waxing, piercing, microdermabrasion, and colonic lavage.
• The skin penetration requirements of the Act and Regulation apply to all businesses that carry out skin penetration procedures.
• Skin penetration procedures can spread viral, bacterial, and fungal infections from one person to another through contaminated equipment and surfaces.
• Businesses carrying out skin penetration must be registered with the local council, meet all necessary planning and building standards, and have all necessary approvals before opening.
• Authorised Officers from local councils can inspect skin penetration businesses to ensure they are meeting their health obligations.
• Clinical waste is any waste from medical, nursing, dental, pharmaceutical, skin penetration, or other related clinical activity that has the potential to cause injury, infection, or offense.
• It includes waste containing: human tissue (other than hair, teeth and nails), body fluids or blood, visibly blood-stained body fluids, materials or equipment, laboratory specimens or cultures, animal tissue, carcasses or other waste from animals used for medical research.
• Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, clinical waste does not include any waste that has been treated by a method approved in writing by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
• Treated clinical waste no longer has the properties of clinical waste and can be re-classified for waste regulatory purposes.
• Following changes to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 in 2023, NSW EPA now manage applications and approvals for methods to treat clinical waste.

How to Sterilise Instruments

For effective sterilisation of instruments:

• Methods: Steam sterilisation under pressure and specific temperatures is a common process used to kill micro-organisms. It must be carried out using a steam-under-pressure bench top autoclave in line with AS/NZS 4815:2006.
• Cleaning: Instruments must be cleaned as soon as practicable after use, thoroughly (scrubbing, instrument washer, and/or ultrasonic cleaner) to be free from contaminants and residues before autoclaving. Cleaning should be done in a dedicated equipment wash sink with clean, warm water. Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, fluid repellent masks, fluid resistant aprons or gowns) while cleaning. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning products; household detergents are not recommended. Manual and mechanical cleaning steps are outlined. Ultrasonic cleaners clean but do not sterilise.
• Packaging: Instruments must be packaged individually and labelled prior to autoclaving. Labels must include: date of processing, operator ID, batch number, and sterilisation ID. Ensure packages are opened as far as possible for steam penetration. Most packaging contains a Class 1 indicator.
• Loading: Load the autoclave with packages in a single layer, not overlapping or touching chamber walls. Racks can be used for separation.
• Maintenance: Maintain documented cleaning and maintenance procedures for the autoclave and other equipment. Policies and procedures for reprocessing equipment should cover performance/maintenance tests, autoclave cycle records, employee training, maintenance records, validation/calibration certification, and operation manuals. A validation programme (commissioning, at least annually, and after significant changes) is required to evaluate sterilisation reliability. Chemical indicators can monitor processes. A dedicated reprocessing area for cleaning and sterilising equipment is essential.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official NSW Health resources:

• Beauty Treatment Businesses – NSW Health Fact Sheet
• Clinical Waste – NSW Health
• How to Sterilise Instruments – NSW Health Fact Sheet (PDF)

Please check Victoria Gov website for updates

In Victoria, beauty therapy, hairdressing, and skin penetration businesses (including tattooing and colonic irrigation) must register with their local council under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. These businesses are required to comply with the Act and associated regulations, particularly regarding infection control and record-keeping. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance. 

Infections-bacterial-and-viral

Fact Sheet Vic Health

Public and Environmental Health Guidelines for Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Body Art (NT)

Important Information from NT Health Guidelines:

Key points from the Northern Territory’s Public and Environmental Health Guidelines for Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Body Art, and related NT.GOV.AU information:

• Business Registration: Every hairdressing, beauty therapy, and body art business operating in the NT is required to be registered with the local council. This applies if your business receives payment for services. Applications can be made online for new registrations, renewals, or cancellations.
• Services Requiring Registration: Includes hairdressing (cutting, colouring, treating, shaving), beauty therapy (face/body treatment, manicure/pedicure, artificial nails, semi-permanent make-up, cosmetic tattooing), and body art (tattooing, ear piercing, body piercing, body modification).
• Exempt Services: Application of non-permanent make-up and spray tanning do not require business registration. Procedures performed by a registered health practitioner are also exempt.
• Registration Validity: Registration for beauty and body art businesses is valid for one year and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry. Hairdressing business renewals are not required unless the business moves location.
• Premises Requirements: Floor or building plans showing treatment/procedure rooms, work areas, and hand wash basins are required for registration. Premises must be designed for easy cleaning.
• Fees: Fees apply for registration/renewal, e.g., $91.00 for hairdressing only, $141.00 for beauty therapy or combined services.
• Guidelines Aim: The guidelines aim to minimise the risk of infectious disease transmissions, injury, and other health-related complaints.
• Infection Prevention and Control: As a minimum, all registered practitioners are expected to follow ‘standard precautions’ as set out in the Australian Government’s Australian Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare (2019). These encompass:
  • Use of personal protective equipment (gloves, face masks, face shields).
  • Hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs).
  • Safe use and disposal of sharps (single-use needles and dermal hammers, disposed of immediately in rigid-walled sharps containers conforming to Australian Standards AS 4031:1992 or AS/NZS 4261:1994).
  • Aseptic technique, including skin preparation prior to skin penetration.
  • Routine environmental cleaning.
• Sterile Equipment Storage: Ensure all sterile equipment is stored in a clean, dry environment. Only use sterile equipment that is within its expiry date and when packaging is dry, undamaged, and shows no signs of prior contamination.
• Reprocessing Reusable Items: Semi-critical items (e.g., cups, gua sha tools that contact blood or non-intact skin) can be reused after being reprocessed consistent with AS/NZS 4815:2006 or AS/NZ 4187:2014. If reprocessing cannot be undertaken to these standards, items must be treated as single-use and disposed of immediately.
• Business Hygiene Basics: Premises must be kept in a clean and hygienic state. Any article used on a client must be cleaned before using it on another person. Operators must keep themselves and their clothing clean and have no exposed cuts, abrasions, or wounds.
• Authorised Officers: Can inspect premises, make inquiries, examine/test equipment, take samples, require records, and take photographs/videos to ensure hygiene levels and compliance.

Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 (QLD)

Infection control guidelines for personal appearance services (QLD)

Important Information from QLD Health Guidelines (General Infection Control):

These guidelines, derived from the “Infection Control Guidelines for Personal Appearance Services” PDF, are designed to minimize the risk of infection across beauty therapy and related services. They apply to business proprietors and operators offering services such as beauty therapy, hairdressing, tattooing, body piercing, and skin penetration.

Key Infection Prevention Requirements for Beauty Services:

• Hand Hygiene: Essential practice for all operators, including proper technique, appropriate hand hygiene facilities, and hand care.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proper use of disposable gloves (especially for procedures involving skin penetration or potential blood contact), reusable cleaning gloves, plastic aprons, and eye/face protection. Appropriate clothing and footwear are also important.
• Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps: Strict guidelines for any single-use sharps that may be used (e.g., lancing tools if permitted for specific procedures), ensuring their safe handling and immediate disposal.
• Management of Exposure to Blood and Body Substances: Procedures for handling client bleeding and protecting operators from exposure. All blood and body substances should be treated as potentially infectious.
• Routine Environmental Cleaning: Regular cleaning and maintenance of the premises, including specific procedures for managing blood and body substance spills in beauty treatment areas.
• Cleaning, Disinfecting, and/or Sterilizing of Reusable Equipment and Instruments: Detailed procedures for thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting (using thermal or chemical methods), and sterilizing reusable equipment and instruments commonly used in beauty therapy (e.g., metal cuticle pushers, comedone extractors, tools for manicures/pedicures), as well as proper storage and maintenance.
• Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Linen and Waste Materials: Guidelines for managing both general and clinical waste (if blood-contaminated), and proper handling of all linen used in beauty services.
• Specific Guidelines for Beauty and Nail Treatments: The guidelines provide tailored advice for services such as general beauty treatments, nail services (manicures/pedicures, artificial nails), electrolysis, closed ear and nose piercing guns, and foot spas.
• Records for Higher Risk Services: For specific higher risk personal appearance services (see below), businesses must maintain records of procedures performed and instruments used.
• Sterilizing Equipment: Staff must be trained on how to effectively sterilize equipment. Sterilizers and associated equipment require regular servicing in accordance with manufacturer instructions, at least annually, and calibration by a NATA-certified service person.

Important Information from QLD Health Guidelines (Local Government & Risk Levels for Beauty Services):

This information, from the “Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 – a guide for local governments” PDF, clarifies how beauty services are regulated based on risk level in Queensland.

Beauty Services and Risk Levels:

• Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services: These involve skin penetration procedures where the release of blood or other bodily fluid is an *expected result*. While some beauty services may involve minor skin penetration (e.g., cuticle work), generally, a service is considered “higher risk” if it is designed or expected to draw blood. Examples typically outside standard beauty therapy but mentioned in the context of the Act include body piercing, tattooing, cosmetic injectables, thread lifts, PRP therapy, and tattoo removal.
• Non-Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services: Many common beauty therapy services fall into this category. These pose a relatively lower risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases. Examples include standard hairdressing, most beauty therapy treatments (e.g., waxing that does not consistently draw blood, facials, manicures/pedicures that do not involve deep cuticle cutting or consistent skin breakage).

Licensing and Compliance for Beauty Businesses (QLD):

• Proprietors of businesses providing **higher risk** personal appearance services (e.g., if a beauty salon offers services like micro-needling that consistently draws blood, or certain advanced cosmetic tattooing) are required to hold a license.
• Operators performing **higher risk** personal appearance services must hold an infection control qualification.
• Businesses providing **non-higher risk** services (most common beauty therapy services) are generally *not required* to hold a license but *must still comply* with the “Infection Control Guidelines for Personal Appearance Services” or demonstrate an equivalent way to minimize infection risk.
• All licensed premises (including mobile premises) must comply with the Queensland Development Code (Part MP 5.2).
• Fixtures, fittings, and equipment in all beauty businesses must be maintained in good repair and operational order.
• A copy of the “Infection Control Guidelines” must be kept at any premises providing higher-risk services.

For the complete guidelines and specific definitions, refer to the official documents:

• Infection Control Guidelines for Personal Appearance Services (QLD) (PDF)
• Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 – A guide for local governments (QLD) (PDF)

• Employers must make formal arrangements for maintaining and improving safe working conditions and practices.
• This includes conducting competency training and thorough risk assessments for all significant hazards in the workplace.

2. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) (2013)

• Employers should report specific serious incidents (e.g., deaths, major injuries like loss of sight or fractures, certain dangerous occurrences, and some occupational diseases) to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or relevant enforcing authority.
• This applies to workplaces, including beauty salons.
• All personal injuries, regardless of severity, must be recorded in an accident book.

3. Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (1981)

• All businesses, regardless of size, must ensure they have adequate First Aid provisions, including a fully stocked First Aid kit and an eyewash bottle.
• This kit should be fully stocked at all times.
• There should be at least one ‘Appointed Person’ on hand to take charge in an emergency, or a qualified First Aider, depending on the workplace’s specific risk assessment.
• For up-to-date guidance on training providers, refer to the official HSE website.

4. Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992)

• These regulations are relevant wherever manual lifting occurs to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
• Employers must undertake a risk assessment for all activities involving manual lifting and put measures in place to reduce the risk of injury.

5. Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992)

• These cover the use of display screens and computer monitors in the workplace.
• They specify requirements for workstation setup, acceptable levels of radiation emissions (though modern screens typically emit very low levels), correct posture, and the provision of regular rest periods or changes in activity to reduce strain.

6. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) (1998)

• These regulations place duties on employers and those who use work equipment.
• They require that equipment is suitable for its intended purpose, safe to use, maintained in a safe condition, and inspected regularly.
• Users must receive adequate training and information on the safe use of all equipment.

7. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations (1992, as amended)

• These regulations require employers to assess risks, and if they cannot be adequately controlled by other means, provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees.
• This includes items like gloves, masks, and eye protection relevant to beauty treatments.
• The PPE must be suitable for the risk, properly maintained, and employees must be trained in its use.

8. Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations (2013, as amended)

• These regulations are crucial and align with EU Cosmetic Regulations (even post-Brexit for goods placed on the UK market).
• They require that all cosmetics and toiletries placed on the UK market are safe for their intended purpose.
• They impose strict requirements on formulation, safety assessment, labelling (including ingredients, function, expiry), product information files, and responsible person designation.

9. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005)

• All premises must have adequate means of dealing with a fire (e.g., extinguishers, blankets).
• A designated ‘responsible person’ must carry out a fire risk assessment and implement necessary fire safety measures.
• All staff should know the location of fire-fighting equipment, alarms, emergency exits, and designated assembly points.
• Fire drill notices should be clearly displayed.
• Staff must be trained in fire safety procedures, including evacuation. Only properly trained individuals should attempt to use fire extinguishers.
• All fire safety equipment should be checked and maintained regularly.

10. Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)

• Electrical items are potentially hazardous and must be used and maintained properly to prevent injury.
• You should always ensure you are fully trained on a piece of equipment before operating it.
• All portable electrical equipment should be regularly PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) tested by a competent person to ensure it is safe to use.
• If any equipment is deemed faulty or unsafe, you must stop using it immediately, report the problem, and clearly mark it as faulty until repaired.

11. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (2002, as amended)

• COSHH regulations cover the essential requirements for controlling exposure to hazardous substances and protecting people affected by them.
• You must carry out a COSHH assessment to identify all chemicals, products, or other substances (including cleaning products) that could cause harm.
• A substance is hazardous if it can cause harm when inhaled, ingested, in contact with the skin, absorbed through the skin, injected into the body, or introduced through cuts.
• Always check the ingredients and instructions of all products for their contents and proper storage.
• Your COSHH assessment should list hazardous products, identify the risks, who is at risk, and how to minimize that risk (e.g., ventilation, PPE, substitution with less hazardous alternatives).
• Never leave hazardous chemicals in areas accessible to the public.

12. Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (1982) & Licensing

• A special treatment licence may be required by your local borough council if you carry out certain treatments, such as massage, electrolysis, tattooing, or ear piercing, particularly if they involve skin penetration or body fluids.
• Requirements vary significantly between councils across the UK, so it is essential to contact your specific local council to ascertain their licensing requirements for the treatments you offer.

13. Consumer Rights Act (2015) (Supersedes Sale of Goods Act & aspects of Consumer Protection)

• This Act sets out the rights of consumers when buying goods and services.
• Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
• Services must be performed with reasonable care and skill, for a reasonable price, and within a reasonable time.
• It is the responsibility of the business (retailer/service provider) to put things right if goods or services fail to meet these standards.

14. Trade Descriptions Act (1968)

• This Act prohibits false or misleading descriptions of goods and services.
• Information provided to consumers must always be accurate, and false comparisons or misleading price comparisons are not allowed.
• Ensure all claims about products or services are truthful and verifiable.

15. The Equality Act (2010) (Supersedes Disability Discrimination Act 1996)

• This Act protects people from discrimination based on nine “protected characteristics,” including disability.
• Businesses (service providers) have an obligation to make “reasonable adjustments” to premises or to the way they provide a service to ensure disabled people have access to everyday services.
• What constitutes a “reasonable adjustment” is practical and proportionate to the individual business’s size, resources, and situation. You cannot refuse service, provide a lesser standard, or fail to make reasonable adjustments based on disability.