If you're thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing, you should consider the following safety issues first to make sure your procedure is safe.
Always use a registered tattooist or piercer. We register all tattoo artists and piercers in Belfast and issue them with hygiene and safety regulations. Ask to see their registration certificate or call us on 028 9027 0428 to check their status.
Never try to pierce or tattoo yourself or ask a friend
to do it for you as it's extremely dangerous.
Check both the premises and staff meet cleanliness and hygiene standards and display a valid registration certificate.
You should also be aware that using needles for piercing or tattoos carries some of the following risks:
infections – unclean needles can cause the spread of diseases
such as hepatitis and HIV (the virus which causes AIDS)
allergic reactions – some people can have allergic reactions to jewellery metals, tattoo dyes or aftercare products
bleeding – some parts of the body may bleed more than
others, for example, lips and genitals
swelling – swelling can occur after a piercing, for example, the tongue can swell to twice its normal size. It's important that the correct size of jewellery is used.
embedding and migration of jewellery – jewellery can
move away from the original point of insertion and can sometimes sink beneath the surface of the skin.
Information for businesses
If you are a tattooist or piercer, you must register with us. We can inspect your premises for cleanliness and hygiene and issue you with a registration certificate.
If you've had a piercing or tattoo and are concerned
about the cleanliness or hygiene of the premises or staff, call us on 028 9027 0428 or email envhealth@belfastcity.gov.uk
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