This is the method of removal for unwanted hair on the face or body or the removal of skin tags, moles, warts or thread veins.
Business advice
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 requires that all persons that carry out electrolysis and any premises where electrolysis is carried out must be registered with the local authority, unless the person carrying out the electrolysis treatment is a registered medical practitioner or carries out the treatment under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner. The premises used for the treatment of electrolysis under these circumstances, does not require registration.
There is a registration fee for the premises and for each practitioner. The fee for 2011/12 is £57.50 for each operator and £105 for each premises.
All premises and operators registered by the local authority must comply with strict byelaws and health and safety legislation, and will be inspected to ensure that they comply. The operator and premises registration forms and a copy of the byelaws must be displayed in the premises.
If you practice electrolysis without operator or premises registration you are committing an offence and on summary conviction could be fined up to £200. You could be fined a further £200 if you fail to comply with the byelaws.
If you wish to practice electrolysis within the borough of Basingstoke and Deane please click the link below for an application form and a copy of the byelaws.
Customer advice
If you wish to undergo electrolysis you should check that the operator is registered by viewing their registration certificate. Each operator will have a registration certificate with their name and a unique registration number. The operator certificate will also have the name and address of where they operate on it. To see an example of the registration certificate please click here.
The premises used for carrying out the electrolysis treatment will also be registered and will have a registration certificate issued by the local authority. To see an example of the registration certificate please click here.
When going for electrolysis you should check for the following:
• The premises and operator are registered and the certificates and byelaws are on display
• You are asked to complete a pre-treatment questionnaire which includes medical questions
• The treatment is clearly explained to you before you undergo the treatment
• The premises and operator look clean and tidy
• The needles used are sterile and single use – the operator should open the packet in front of you
• The needles are disposed of after use
• The operator washes their hands in soap and hot water and dries them before putting gloves on
• You are provided with verbal and written aftercare advice following your treatment.
If you have concerns prior to your treatment you should discuss them with the operator and if you are not happy do not undergo the treatment.
If you have any concerns regarding cleanliness, general health and safety or the treatment itself please contact the food and safety team on 01256 844844 or ehteam@basingstoke.gov.uk
