A NEW hygiene rating scheme for tattoo studios has been launched in Wiltshire with 32 already opting in and Devizes' Mr Swifts Tattoos among those receiving the top rating. 

Wiltshire Council is working with local tattoo studios to launch the rating scheme, which was first devised and adopted throughout Wales.

Studios which have opted in are voluntarily choosing to have the hygiene at their studio reviewed against a number of standards and rated accordingly.

The aim is to help raise and maintain their standards which in turn will help reduce the risk of infections occurring.

There are four ratings in total with ‘four’ being the best rating available.

All ratings will be subsequently published on the Wiltshire Council website and will inform the public on the standards of cleanliness and practice of each studio. The rating scheme does not represent the quality of the tattoo art work itself.

Maggie Rae, corporate director for Wiltshire Council, said: “I’d like to thank all the studios that have signed up to this scheme for working with us.

“Their commitment shows a real desire to maintain high standards and safeguard the health of their customers. It will allow the public to make informed choices when thinking about getting a tattoo.”

Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, said: “This project is positive for all concerned, as the studios will be encouraged to maintain and improve their hygiene safety which in turn could boost their business.

“The customer will also be re-assured that they can choose a studio safe in the knowledge that they know exactly how high their hygiene standards are.”

Tom Swift, who runs Mr Swifts Tattoos in Devizes, has received the top hygiene rating.

He said: “The reason I opted to join the Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme was to show that infection control and hygiene is taken seriously by registered tattoo studios and to make tattooing more acceptable to the general public.

"There are many good tattoo studios in Wiltshire with talented artists and I am proud to be awarded a top rating score.”

When someone registers to be a tattooist they must ensure they and their studio operates in a safe and hygienic manner to reduce the risk of infection either to the tattooist or client.

The studio is subject to periodic health and safety inspections.

Unregistered tattooists are of public health concern for a number of reasons, such as:

• They are acting illegally -  tattooists must be registered with the local authority in whose area they operate under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982;

• Their premises are unlikely to meet appropriate standards of hygiene;

• Their equipment is unlikely to be appropriately or adequately sterilised;

• Their equipment and inks are likely to be of poor quality.

This means is that there is an increased risk of clients developing complications such as infections (skin infections, HIV, Aids, Hepatitis B and C); reactions to the ink and scarring. Some of these complications are life changing and can cause premature death.

Wiltshire Council want anyone who knows of anyone carrying out tattoos illegally to contact the council on 01225 716685. Anonymity will be maintained for anyone coming forward.

The full list of studios in Wiltshire and the rating they received can be found at www.cieh-cymruwales.org/THRS_Wiltshire_Council.html