Skin penetration is defined as "a procedure where the skin is cut, punctured, torn or shaved or the mucus membrane is cut, punctured or torn".
If you want to open a new body and ear piercing business within the Shire of Esperance, you will need to first ensure you have correct planning approval and building approval for the premises. Planning / Building can be contacted by phoning (90) 710 666 or by email at shire@esperance.wa.gov.au. Please note that the Environmental Health Services cannot proceed with your application if you have not provided evidence that you have obtained the appropriate planning / building approvals for the site or confirmation from the planning / building department advising that the site has the appropriate approvals in place.
The following Department of Health fact sheets provide more information on skin penetration:
The age limit for getting a tattoo is 18 years of age. The age limit for piercing depends on the part of the body to be pierced:
Acrylic Nails – Use of Methyl Methacrylate ('MMA')
See the Department of Health's Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Use of MMA in Nail Products guide for information regarding this subject.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of skin penetration and premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998. Any acupuncture centre will require both planning and health approvals. Contact Planning Services on (08) 9071 0676 as a starting point.
Beauty Therapy
Only some beauty therapy treatments are regulated by health laws, this includes electrolysis, tweezing, waxing, lancing and any other treatment where the skin is cut, torn, punctured, shaved or penetrated in any way. The Department of Health's advice for the beauty therapy industry fact sheet has more information.
Additionally, if any of the above similar (skin penetration) treatments will be carried out in your proposed business, you must also complete the Beauty & Skin Penetration form and submit it to the Shire of Esperance.
Body & Ear Piercing
Body and ear piercing is a form of skin penetration and all premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998.
If you want to conduct body or ear piercing you must have first obtained written planning approval. Contact Planning Services on (08) 9071 0676 or email shire@esperance.wa.gov.au for additional information.
See the Department of Health's Use of Ear Piercing / Nose Piercing Guns guide for additional information regarding this subject.
Hairdressing
Hairdressing premises are governed by the Hairdressing Establishments Regulations 1972.
All hairdressing establishments must have written planning approval prior to the commencement of operations. Contact Planning Services on (08) 9071 0676 or email shire@esperance.wa.gov.au for additional information.
Please note that 'cut throat' razors are only permitted to be used with an interchangeable single use blade. See the Department of Health's Use of Cut Throat Razors in the Hairdressing Industry guide for more information regarding this subject.
Tattooing
Tattooing is a form of skin penetration and all premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998. If you want to conduct tattooing you must have first obtained written planning approval. Contact Planning Services on (08) 9071 0676 or email shire@esperance.wa.gov.au for additional information.
See the Department of Health's Henna Tattooing guide for more information regarding this subject.
For additional information or assistance contact Environmental Health Services on (08) 9071 0676, email shire@esperance.wa.gov.au or call into the Shire Administration Centre on Windich Street.