A higher risk personal appearance service involves any of the following skin penetration procedures, in which the release of blood or other body fluid is an expected result. You need a licence to perform the following activities:
- Body piercing, other than closed ear or nose piercing.
- Implanting natural or synthetic substances into a person’s skin (e.g. hair or beads).
- Scarring or cutting a person’s skin using a sharp instrument to make a permanent mark, pattern or design.
- Tattooing including cosmetic and semipermanent make-up.
- Cosmetic injectables (botox and fillers).
- Non-therapeutic skin penetration procedures (skin needling and PRP beauty therapy).
- Tattoo removal (other than laser) that involves injecting the skin.
You do not require a licence if you perform the following activities:
- Hairdressing
- Closed ear or nose piercing
- Beauty therapy such as hair removal by electrolysis or waxing, manicures, pedicures and the application of cosmetics and treatments
- Massage therapy
However, you still need to comply with other relevant requirements, including:
Businesses that offer higher risk services, need to have a ‘Higher Risk Personal Appearance Service’ licence and the employees who will deliver the high-risk personal appearance services need to complete an Infection Control Qualification with an accredited training provider:
- Infection Control Competency HLTINF005 – Maintain Infection Control Standards in Office Practice Settings.
You need to provide Council with copies of the Statements of Attainment before your licence can be issued.
Your premises design needs to meet the requirements of the Queensland Development Code, Part 5.2 – Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services.
This section of the code details the criteria for higher risk personal appearance services, and gives examples of acceptable solutions around things like:
- Handwashing, instrument and equipment cleaning facilities
- Finishes (joining systems) and finishing materials
A private building certifier can provide you with this certification. Isaac Regional Council does not offer this service, but you can find a building certifier in the yellow pages or by doing an internet search.
Your first step when starting a business is to find out if you need Planning Approval.
Council’s planning scheme guides how land can be used and developed, including the suitability of homebased activities.
To help you determine if the proposal requires Council approval, please contact Council on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) and speak to a Town Planner. If you need Planning Approval, you must obtain it before you can apply for a Personal Appearance Services Licence Application(PDF, 336KB).
Personal Appearance Service Licences expire on 30 November every year and must be renewed. An application for renewal will be mailed out at least 60 days prior to the expiry of the licence. The renewal application must be fully completed and returned to Council with the annual fee by 30 November.
- In Person at an IRC Office (Form & Fee)
- Via post Isaac Regional Council PO Box 97 Moranbah Qld 4744
- Email records@isaac.qld.gov.au
You will receive an outcome regarding your application in 10 business days.
A pre-approval inspection is required for Personal Appearance Service Licences. Council will be in contact with you to organise pre-approval inspection once applications have been lodged.
Council’s Environmental Health Officers are authorised persons under the Act and will be conducting routine inspections of licensed premises throughout the year to monitor compliance with the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003. Officers are also available for advice and assistance in infection control matters.