It is important that citizens are reassured that appropriate hygiene and safety standards are being maintained when having invasive body modifications and similar beauty treatments. These procedures present a risk of infection and ill-health, particularly where treatments are not carried out in a suitable environment or in a hygienic manner.
All tattooists in the district have to be registered and inspected by the council before they can legally tattoo to ensure that they are working to health and safety requirements.
Hygiene Accreditation Scheme
We have adopted Nottinghamshire's Hygiene Accreditation Scheme (HAS) which is a voluntary scheme set up to improve and maintain hygiene and safety standards within premises offering Tattooing, Semi-Permanent Make Up and Cosmetic Body Piercing treatments.
All businesses who participate in the scheme are bound by the 'Scheme Rules'.
The scheme assesses the hygiene and safety standards against criteria referred to as the 'Rating Schedule' [Appendix 1 to the Scheme Rules]. The Rating Schedule has been devised using nationally recognised guidance including the Tattoo and Body Piercing Toolkit (opens in new window) produced by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
Hygiene Accreditation Scheme rules and rating schedule
Environmental Health Officers will assess hygiene and safety standards against the Rating Schedule and award the premises a rating:
'0' - 'Urgent Improvement Required'
'1' - 'Major Improvement Required'
'2' - 'Improvement Required'
'3' - 'Satisfactory'
'4' - 'Very Good'
'5' - 'Excellent'
The scheme compliments the requirement to register under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
To achieve the best possible score, proprietors should refer to and utilise the 'Audit Tool' and 'Management System Guidance' documents:
- Hygiene Accreditation Scheme Audit Tool
- Hygiene Accreditation Scheme written procedures guidance document
This rating applies only to the hygiene and safety of the establishment and is not reflective of the skill or quality of the procedures carried out at the premises.
How to apply
You can apply for membership to the scheme using the application form. To process the application, you must return a completed the form and pay the application fee.
Upon receipt of the application form, an officer will contact you to arrange payment. The fee for an inspection and rating is £170.
Request a re-visit
You can request a re-visit by completing the re-visit form. The fee for a re-visit and re-rating is £85.
Please note that the fees can only be paid using a bank card. Cash and cheque are not accepted. Please contact us for more information.
Thinking of getting a tattoo?
If so, it is important to go to a registered tattooist as they work under strict guidelines and are inspected.
Illegal tattooists, also known as 'Scratchers', often work from homes, sheds, pubs and clubs and their premises are unlikely to be set up properly. As they're not being inspected, chances are they aren't using the right equipment, tools and inks. This means there are serious risks of infections and allergic reactions and if equipment isn't properly sterilised then there's also the risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
Did you know it is illegal for anyone to tattoo someone under the age of 18 years? That's even with the permission of a parent or carer. If you're thinking of getting a tattoo and if you're over 18, go first to a registered tattoo studio.
If you're thinking of getting a tattoo and would like more information about the Hygiene Accreditation Scheme, please contact us.
Our campaign to stop illegal tattooists
We need to put a stop to illegal tattooists and make sure they don't cause any more harm. If you would like to report an illegal tattooist then please contact us.