Posted: 16-Aug-2006 << BACK
Unregistered tattooists could be dangerous
Health and safety officers at South Bedfordshire District Council are warning local people who are thinking of getting a tattoo to make sure they use a registered tattooist.
If you are thinking of getting a tattoo you must make sure you check the premises and that they display a registration certificate from the council's Environmental Health Service. If it doesn't it means the owners may not keep their equipment sterile, clean their needles properly to stop infections or dispose of their waste appropriately.
The council is embarking on a project to raise awareness about tattoo safety and will be writing to and visiting premises to make sure they understand and meet the standards set out in a District Council by-law.
It is a criminal offence to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 and as part of their promotion, council officers will be visiting upper schools during Health and Safety Week in October to ensure pupils are aware of the law surrounding tattoos.
Environmental Health Manager Sandra Moore said: "if you are interested in getting a tattoo, please choose who you use wisely. If they are not registered, ask yourself why not. If premises are not meeting the high standars required of them, you could be subjecting yourself to danger of contracting hepatitis C, hepatitis B or HIV (AIDS), through needles that have not been properly disinfected.
"The council has controls in place to monitor safety in premises that are registered. If we became aware of anyone operating as a tattooist who is not registered we will take action to make sure they do so, or discontinue their work.
If you are unsure who is registered with the council contact Environmental Health, who keep a record of all registered premises
(From the Leighton & Linslade Citizen, August 10th).
