Skin Piercing Treatments

Stay safe when considering a tattoo

For your safety, Hartlepool Borough Council registered tattoo artist, and the premises they work from.  This is to ensure that tattooing is done using appropriate equipment, which is kept clean and hygienic and by tattoo artists who work safely.

Using an unregistered tattoo artist, or 'scratcher', can result in a poor tattoo that puts you at serious risk of contracting diseases such as Hepatitis B and HIV.

If you're looking to get a tattoo, don't be tempted into a cheaper rate offered by an unregistered tattoo artist as it's simply not worth the risk.

Health risks

Unregistered tattooists may operate in unhygienic conditions with poor quality equipment bought online.  If equipment isn't sterilised properly or strict hygiene requirements haven't been followed, there could be an increased risk to your health.  Your tattoo could result in scarring, an infection or transmission of a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis B and HIV.

Underage tattooing

The Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 states that it is an offence to tattoo a person under the age of 18.  Unregistered tattooists operate illegally and can be negligent when it comes to checking the aft of their customers.  Report underage tattooing to the police by calling 101 or contact us on the telephone number or email address below.

Check your tattoo artist is registered

You should only use a tattoo artist who is registered with the council.  You can check that a tattoo artist is registered here or by contacting us.

Hartlepool Borough Council also operates the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme.  This is a voluntary scheme that provides customers with important information about the hygiene and safety at local tattoo studios.  Further information about the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme and the studios that are registered on the Scheme is available here.

Keeping safe

If you're getting a tattoo, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself safe:

• If, after checking the council's list of registered tattoo artists you are still unsure, please contact us.
• Make sure that the establishment is spotlessly clean and that equipment is sterilised.  Don't be afraid to ask how they sterilise the equipment if you would like peace of mind.  Equipment should be sterilised in a special machine called an autoclave.  Alternatively a tattoo artist may use sealed, sterile equipment that is disposed of after one use.
• Make sure tattoos are done with new needles - walk away if you don't see the needle being removed from a sealed package.
• The tattoo artist should always wash their hands and put on a fresh pair of medical-type gloves before they begin.

Report any concerns

 

If you're concerned about a tattoo artist working in your area or think someone is operating illegally contact us of (01429) 523354 or licensing@hartlepool.gov.uk