Skin penetration can be defined as a procedure where the skin is cut, torn, punctured, shaved or penetrated in any way. This includes most procedures/treatments carried out by tattoo, body piercing, beauty therapy and acupuncture businesses.

If you want to open a new skin penetration business which includes acupuncture, body and ear piercing, tattooing, manicures/pedicures and beauty therapy services within the City of Fremantle, you will need to first ensure you have correct planning approval and building approval for the premises.

In addition to planning and building you will need to complete the skin penetration premises application form and submit it to the City of Fremantle Environmental Health Department. Please note your application will not be processed if you have not provided evidence that you have obtained the appropriate Planning / Building approvals for the site or confirmation advising that the site has the appropriate approvals in place. 

Age laws

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.

• a person must be 18 years or over to get an intimate body piercing (regardless of parental consent)
• a person must be over 18 to get any non intimate body piercing (e.g. belly button) unless parental consent is provided
• a person must be over 16 to get ones ears pierced unless parental consent is provided.

Acupuncture, Body and ear piercing and Tattooing 

Acupuncture, Body and ear piercing and Tattooing is a form of skin penetration and the premises premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998. 

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 (skin penetration) treatments will be carried out in your proposed business you must also complete the skin penetration premises application form and submit it to the City of Fremantle Environmental Health Department.

Manicures, pedicures and acrylic nails

The Department of Health's advice for the beauty therapy industry web page advises that manicures and pedicures are semi-critical skin penetration procedures. The Department of Health Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) use of MMA in nail products website has more information on the use of MMA.

Manicures and pedicures is a form of of skin penetration and the premises must comply with the Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998. 

Hairdressing

Hairdressing premises are governed by the Hairdressing Establishments Regulations 1972. Cut throat razors are permitted to be used only with an interchangeable single-use blade. 

Massage

In Western Australia there are currently no provisions under the Health Act 1911 regulating massage therapy. However there are still standard precautions massage therapists should take. 

Useful documents

Skin penetration premises application form
Health Act 1911
Health (Skin Penetration) Regulations 1998
Hairdressing Establishments Regulations 1972
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) use of MMA in nail products
Use of cut throat razors

Useful links 

Department of Health
Advice for the beauty therapy industry web page
Department of Child Protection.

Contact us

Planning services
E planning@fremantle.wa.gov.au
T 08 9432 9999
Environmental health services
E health@fremantle.wa.gov.au
T 08 9432 9999