Use the links below to jump to the relevant section of this page.
What Procedures are Considered Skin Penetration?
The Operator’s Responsibility
Skin Penetration Business Notification
Legislation, Guidelines & Code of Best Practice
NSW Health Fact Sheets on Skin Penetration Procedures
Council's Role Regarding Skin Penetration
Making a Complaint
What Procedures are Considered Skin Penetration?
The Public Health Act 1991 defines a "skin penetration procedure" as any of the following procedures:
(a) acupuncture,
(b) tattooing,
(c) ear piercing,
(d) hair removal,
(e) any other procedure (whether medical or not) that involves skin penetration,
(f) any other procedure prescribed by the regulations, but does not include:
(g) a procedure carried out in the practice of medicine or dentistry by:
(g i) a medical practitioner registered under the Medical Practice Act 1992 , or
(g ii) a dentist registered under the Dentists Act 1989 , or
(g iii) a person acting under the direction or supervision of such a medical practitioner or dentist, or
(h) any other procedure prescribed by the regulations.
The Operator's Responsibility
Some procedures, if not undertaken correctly, present a risk for disease transmission to both clients and operators. Therefore, it is mandatory for all skin penetration operators and premises to comply with the Public Health (Skin Penetration) Regulation 2000.
Skin Penetration Business Notification
It is a requirement that all skin penetration operators register their business details with Council prior to carrying out any procedures.
The correct procedures for carrying out skin penetration are outlined in the following legislation & guidelines.
Legislation, Guidelines & Code of Best Practice
NSW Health Fact Sheets on Skin Penetration Procedures
Ear Piercing
Nose Piercing
Body Piercing
Tattooing
Acupuncture
Council's Role Regarding Skin Penetration
Council's Environmental Health Officers routinely inspect hairdressing salons, beauty salons and premises that carry out skin penetration procedures.
The objectives of Council's inspections are:
- To ensure the health of the public is protected when they receive treatments or services from these premises;
- To ensure operators are aware of their obligations to carry out safe, clean and hygienic procedures; and
- To ensure that the premises where procedures are undertaken comply with the relevant standards.
Council also keeps a public register of premises that carry out skin penetration procedures.
Making a Complaint
You may make a complaint to Council about the condition of a premise, operator, or the way in which the procedure or treatment was carried out.
To make a complaint please phone Council on 9735 1222 or write to:
General Manager
Auburn Council
PO Box 118
AUBURN NSW 1835
The personal information that you provide is confidential and will not be disclosed without your consent.