Wales has become the first UK nation to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for special procedures such as tattoos, body piercing, semi-permanent make up, acupuncture and electrolysis.
This new licensing scheme has been put into place in order to reduce the number of infections, eliminate inadequate working practices and to create a public register for licensed practitioners and approved business premises. This will be the final stage of changes introduced under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 and will aim to improve infection prevention and control within the industry.
There are approximately 3,516 practitioners operating in Wales who will need to be licensed and 1,868 premises that will require approval under the new mandatory licensing scheme. Many practitioners have already undertaken the Level 2 Award for Infection Prevention and Control voluntarily and it is reported that the pass rate is 95%. This licensing is being welcomed by local beauty salons and tattoo studios and will help to create a level playing field for such reputable businesses in this industry.
Whilst this mandatory licensing is only being introduced in Wales, there are plenty of products on offer that can help with the prevention of infection throughout the rest of the UK. Clinell produces a wide variety of products to assist with infection prevention and can be used across a range of industries including body art and piercing, facial aesthetics, electrolysis and more. Here are some of the products in their range that will help to control and stop the spread of infection, keeping staff and patients safe. To browse all Clinell products available at SHD, click here.
Clinell Universal Wipes are the number one choice and contain a patented 2-in-1 detergent and disinfectant formulation. This provides hospital grade protection you can trust, killing
99.99% of pathogens, including Hepatitis B & C, HIV, and yeast within 30 seconds. The unique, near neutral pH formula makes them compatible with nearly all surfaces and materials.
Clinell Antimicrobial Hand Wipes are excellent for cleaning and disinfecting hands, with
a dermatologically tested formula. They will kill 99.99% of pathogens within 30 seconds and are supplied in hand pocket sized packs or in a counter top box filled with single, individually wrapped wipes. They are ideal for reducing infection and maintaining healthy skin.
Clinell Alcohol Wipes provide a quick drying and smear free solution for disinfecting. Perfect for cleaning medical surfaces and non-invasive medical devices, they can be used across a wide range of settings. Produced with a 70% isopropyl alcohol formula, the wipes will eliminate 99.999% of pathogens including MRSA, E.coli, Pseudomonas and Enterococcus. The individually wrapped, sterile wipes are also suitable for cleansing the skin prior to injection or tattooing.
It is essential for all practitioners and businesses providing special procedures to adhere to good standards of hygiene and infection control because if not carried out properly, such procedures can cause harm. This new compulsory licensing will ensure that both customers and practitioners are protected at all times.
Sources: https://www.gov.wales/wales-introduce-uk-first-mandatory-national-licensing-scheme-special-procedures-such-tattoos#:~:text=Wales%20is%20set%20to%20become,Officer%20Frank%20Atherton%20has%20announced
