Have your say on proposed health and hygiene rules

18 February 2013

Have your say on proposed health and hygiene rules

Auckland Council is seeking feedback on a new bylaw and code of practice aimed at keeping Aucklanders safe and healthy.

Commercial services such as tattooing, body piercing, hair removal, indoor tanning and nail services can have some associated health and hygiene ramifications for consumers. Submissions are now open on the proposed health and hygiene bylaw and code of practice, which outlines a uniform approach to these.

The council, which inherited 11 different bylaws from legacy councils, has drafted a new region-wide bylaw and code of practice to ensure these practices, and the places they are carried out in, are not potentially harmful for to the health of our community.

Proposals include:
• Operators of services that pierce or risk breaking the skin, and possibly drawing blood, will need to comply with the bylaw and the manager will need to obtain a Health Protection Licence – this includes tattooing using traditional tools
• Minimum standards for services that risk burning skin such as sun beds and laser treatments
• Minimum standards for services with higher risk of infection through use of equipment or transfer of water-borne infections such as colonic hydrotherapy or a public swimming pool.

In reviewing the existing bylaws, council has used a risk-based approach. While the proposed rules will cover some types of businesses that are outside existing bylaws, it’s expected fewer will need to be licensed in the future.

For more information and to make a submission on the proposed health and hygiene bylaw, go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/bylaws.

A copy of the full draft bylaw and submission form can also be found at:

• All Auckland Council libraries, service centres and local board offices
• By phoning our customer services team on 09 301 0101.

Submissions close 4pm, 15 March 2013.

ENDS

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