Ink-redible hygiene achievement for South Derbyshire tattooist
A South Derbyshire tattooist has become the first in the District to be awarded the highest possible rating for its hygiene.
Firefly Tattoo Parlour in Alexandra Road, Swadlincote, is the first tattooing business in South Derbyshire to sign up to the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme (THRS) and be awarded a mark of 4 (very good).
South Derbyshire District Council is urging more businesses to come forward to join the four other studios within Derbyshire that currently hold a four-star rating.
Authorities in Derbyshire signed up to the THRS scheme last year. It is being led by Derbyshire County Council, with inspections carried out by borough or district council Environmental Health Officers.
Officers will give premises a rating based on their assessment of standards including:
- Cleanliness of premises and equipment
- Use of single-use needles and sterilisation of other instruments and materials to avoid the risk of infection and transmission of infectious diseases
- Customer age checks
- Staff training, vaccinations and health screening
- Recognised trade body membership
Participating studios are awarded a rating following an inspection, ranging from 1 (needs improvement) to 4 (very good).
THRS is a voluntary scheme and is supported by the The Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, which aims to inform the public about the hygiene standards in a tattoo studio, encourage them to factor hygiene standards into their choice of tattoo studio, drive up standards and best practice and reduce the risk of infection.
Other South Derbyshire businesses are urged to sign up by contacting Lisa Brooks on 01285 595948 or by emailing Lisa.Brooks@southderbyshire.gov.uk
Cheryl Jenkins, owner of Firefly Tattoo Parlour, said:
“We take cleanliness and customer care very seriously so we are delighted to be awarded the top rating.
“By signing up to THRS it’s given us the official recognition we want as hygiene is one of the most important things when it comes to tattooing.”
Councillor Peter Watson, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council’s Environmental and Development Services Committee, said:
“The Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme has the potential to give studios an extra edge by showing their customers that they have high standards in all aspects of their business.”
More information on the scheme can be found by visiting www.tattooratings.co.uk
People interested in viewing their local tattooist’s hygiene ratings can visit South Derbyshire District Council’s Environmental Health Facebook page at www.facebook.com/southderbys.
29 March 2017