Places where piercing and tattooing take place are called Personal Service Settings.
Public Health Inspectors have jurisdiction over them in relation to infection control.
In December 2002, Personal Service Settings were notified of procedures that would be necessary to ensure the control of infection regarding piercing.
An important distinction has been made between piercing the lobe of the ear and all other body parts. Equipment used for "Body piercing" will require full sterilization. Equipment used for "Lobal Piercing" will require cleansing or sterilization based on the type of tool used.
Some tools are not capable of being fully sterilized. Because those tools cannot be sterilized, they should not be used for piercing other than lobes of ears. Personal Service Settings that perform piercing that involves any part of the body other than the ear lobe need to be equipped with tools that can be sterilized and proper sterilizing equipment.
Both consumers and operators need to be informed of the proper procedures that should be used anytime the skin is pierced for jewellery or to create a tattoo.
Information for Those Considering Tattoos or Piercings:
Information for Personal Service Workers