What must body-piercers do? Even if registration does not apply, a body piercer must ensure that the procedures, equipment and facilities used are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease and comply fully with the general duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The risks associated with body piercing are from blood borne diseases such as hepatitis (B, C etc.) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

The hepatitis viruses are very resilient and can be very infectious, spreading easily from person to person via contact with small amounts of infected blood, tissue fluids and serum. They are so resilient that some strains have been known to survive for 8 years in laboratory conditions.

You can register on-line soon, or by completing a form. Once completed the form should be sent together with the appropriate fee. The licence fee is reviewed each year. See link opposite for the current fee.  

A health and safety inspector will then arrange a suitable time to inspect the premises. If the inspector considers the applicant’s procedures and the premises to be suitable, then registration will be approved.