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Recommendations of Body piercing

When choosing a body piercer, take advice from other people who have used the piercer before.  Ask questions about how much information they were given about looking after their piercing and how to take jewellery out safely. Check that the staff were helpful and professional.

Visit the shop where you will be having your piercing a few days before, looking out for potential health risks..  After looking around, make sure that you can answer yes to the following questions:

  • Is the piercing area a no-smoking zone?
  • Are pets kept well away from the piercing area?
  • Is the piercer wearing clean, practical clothing, with long hair tied back?
  • Do they use non-sterile surgical gloves that are changed and discarded between each customer?
  • Do they wash their hands regularly, using disposable paper towels to dry them?
  • Have they covered any cuts or wounds on their hands with waterproof dressings?
  • Are the premises clean, with wipe-clean surfaces throughout (including the floor)?
  • Are all needles used discarded after each piercing (single use)?
  • Are other instruments kept in an autoclave (steriliser) until needed?
  • Is the jewellery used appropriate for the type of piercing? Is it made of non-nickel metal? Has it been sterilised immediately before insertion?
  • Will the piercer refuse to pierce more than two sites on the body during one visit?
  • Will the piercer refuse to pierce anyone who cannot prove that they are over 16 years old?

Some local councils keep registers of approved piercers who have passed hygiene and safety standards set out by the council, and who are regularly inspected by health and safety officers.  This is in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1982.  Contact your local Borough, City or County Council for further information about approved piercer schemes.