Draft Guidelines For Tattoo, Body Piercing Parlours Unveiled

New draft guidelines for tattoo and body piercing parlours in Ireland are to be published by the Department of Health. The guidelines will advise on how to prepare customers for procedures, as well as how to maintain good hygiene, ensuring high standards are maintained in the sector.

The advice has been launched due to the growth in tattoo and piercing outlets, and the rising number of people who choose to have tattoos and piercings.

While a majority of cases are performed without incident, the Department of Health have said it is important that customers understand the procedures, and the risks involved.

Practitioners are required to comply with existing legislation, however, there are currently no specific guidelines tailored for this sector. In response, the Department has sought the public's view of the guidelines and launched a consultation process.

The draft document makes specific recommendations on how to minimise the risk of infection; protect the health and safety of clients and practitioners; and operate within recognised rules and laws.

Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, is quoted as saying: "Tattooing and body piercing has become increasingly popular as a fashion statement and the number of premises offering these services has multiplied.

"However there are currently no specific guidelines on hygiene and infection control for this particular sector, beyond the general guidelines that already exist. High standards of hygiene are vital when performing body piercing and tattooing in order to protect the health of clients, and the practitioners.

"This document aims to improve the safety of tattooing and body piercing services provided to clients by promoting evidence-based infection prevention and control practice. The Department of Health and the HSE have developed these draft guidelines for the tattooing and body piercing sector, in response to a specific request from practitioners.

"We very much welcome this request and look forward to receiving input from the sector. The guidelines were developed by public health practitioners and environmental health experts. The Department of Health is now looking for feedback from members of the public and practitioners and would really welcome your views."

Details of the consultation and the draft document will be available on the Department of Health's website from this week. The consultation will remain open until 15 January, 2016.

(JP/LM)