City of Fremantle
Coastal Charm
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 (linked below) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 premises are governed by the Hairdressing Establishments Regulations 1972. Cutthroat razors are permitted to be used only with an interchangeable single-use blade.
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.
