01/12/2005
Tighter laws imposed on skin colouring and piercing
Tighter regulation of the piercing and semi-permanent skin colouring industry have come into force.
Nigel McMahon, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, said Northern Ireland had saw an increase in the number of people getting all sorts of piercings and semi-permanent skin colourings.
"As this upward trend continues, it is vital that measures are put in place to protect the health of customers and reduce the risk of transmission of blood-borne virus infections, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C," Mr McMahon said.
"The new legislation means that councils can now require all businesses within the industry to be registered and to adhere to strict cleanliness and hygiene procedures."
The introduction of the new regulations are as a result of a consultation carried out in 2004. Industry regulators, operators and the health sector were questioned on the existing Council powers over ear piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and electrolysis businesses.
"The new powers and their extension to other parts of the industry, is good news for everyone involved, especially customers," Mr McMahon continued.
"It is now law that businesses providing any semi-permanent skin colouring or piercing service can be required to be registered and must ensure their premises and equipment are kept in a safe and hygienic condition," he concluded.
(MB/SP)
Nigel McMahon, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, said Northern Ireland had saw an increase in the number of people getting all sorts of piercings and semi-permanent skin colourings.
"As this upward trend continues, it is vital that measures are put in place to protect the health of customers and reduce the risk of transmission of blood-borne virus infections, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C," Mr McMahon said.
"The new legislation means that councils can now require all businesses within the industry to be registered and to adhere to strict cleanliness and hygiene procedures."
The introduction of the new regulations are as a result of a consultation carried out in 2004. Industry regulators, operators and the health sector were questioned on the existing Council powers over ear piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and electrolysis businesses.
"The new powers and their extension to other parts of the industry, is good news for everyone involved, especially customers," Mr McMahon continued.
"It is now law that businesses providing any semi-permanent skin colouring or piercing service can be required to be registered and must ensure their premises and equipment are kept in a safe and hygienic condition," he concluded.
(MB/SP)
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