The British Body Piercing Association totally believe that quality, service and health considerations are the most important factors in the philosophy of Body Piercing.

All Associates, Members and Fellows of the Association agree:

(1) **That they will maintain at their own expense a form of public liability and professional indemnity insurance.**

(2) **That they will never practice Body Piercing if such insurance as referred to in (1) above is not in force.**

(3) Never to say, do, carry out, or otherwise perform any word or action by deed or by inference so as to bring into disrepute the profession of Body Piercing or the good name of the Association.

4) Never to use their Membership of the Association as any form of accreditation for any commercial activity (other than the establishment of a bona fide practice in Body Piercing), nor to use their Membership of the Association as any form of accreditation for the teaching in the subject of Body Piercing carried out by any category of Member.

(5) To be at all times cognisant of having a Duty of Care towards any client and never to claim skills that are not in fact possessed. To preserve totally and absolutely the client’s right to anonymity and privacy and never to publish nor declare any information relating to any client or ex-client in a form or manner which is likely to identify such person except with the express permission of such person.

(7) In any advertisement concerning his practice of Body Piercing, to comply with the rules from time to time laid down by the Committee for the Code of Advertising Practice, governing the content matter of such advertisements.

(8) To pay the Annual Dues of the Association on or before the due date of payment and to accept, in the absence of such payment, that Membership shall immediately lapse and that benefits of Membership shall cease.

(9) That all certificates, Diplomas, letters of accreditation or other written communications issued by the Association shall remain the property of the Association and shall be returned to the Association as and when Associate Membership, Membership or Fellowship ceases, or upon the written request of the Council of Management.

10). Not to give anybody a piercing under the age of 14 years. 14 – 16 year olds must bring a parent or guardian with them and below the neck piercings and tongues at this age is at the discretion of the piercer. 16 year olds and over are treated as adults.

11). Not to do any mobile piercings in people’s homes or have piercing parties.

12). Sterility: Clinics must observe the following rules to ensure a clean operating field:

a). Have washable floors and walls.
b). Have a washable couch and use a brand new sheet of bedding roll for each person.
c). Have washable chairs.
d). Have a washable trolley.
e). Have a two wash basins, one for hand washing only, with instant hot water.
f). Have and use a Sharps box for the disposal of ALL used needles.
g). Have and use Biohazard boxes or bags for ALL swabs, tissues, gloves etc. that come into contact with body fluids.
h). Have and use a separate lined and covered bin for all non-soiled tissues, paper towels etc.
i). Prior to piercing, wash hands and arms with a Surgical scrub with soap and water. Use paper towels for drying hands and a paper towel dispenser and soap dispenser.
j). All surgical instruments that are used, which come into contact with broken skin, and jewellery, must be autoclaved to facilitate a clean operating procedure.

13). To have a course of Hepatitis ‘B’ vaccinations.

14). Generally to only pierce using 1.5/1.6mm diameter jewellery and 1mm in nostrils/ Rims of ears. The maximum size in piercings being 2.5mm. The size being at the discretion of the piercer.

15). Not to do any piercing in a place where the skin is broken or where there are spots, veins in the immediate area.

16). To only use the ‘Gun’ method, for piercing ear lobes.

17). Not to administer local anaesthetic injections.

18). To only use pre-packaged, pre-sterilised piercing needles, which are only used once before disposal.

19). To use the “no touch” technique to reduce the risk of skin and soft tissue infections by the wearing of disposable rubber gloves.

20). To have a licence from the LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY to carry out piercing in suitable premises.

21). The piercer and piercee should not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

22). Skin must be cleansed with a pre-injection swab (alcohol based, individually sealed pack) prior to marking and piercing. The marking will be done with a fine indelible pen to avoid tattooing the client.

23). A minimum amount of spray anaesthetic can be used, but not inside the nose. A type specifically designed for the surface of the body with another for oral piercings. Although anaesthetics are not recommended.

24) To measure the depth of the piercing using a vernia guage and mark-up accordingly with an indellible pen.

25). The area to be pierced will be steadied with a pair of sterile clamps. These clamps must not be 'locked'. After the jewellery is in place the plastic sleeve, will be completely removed from the body. If needle blades are used, these are used once before disposal.

26). Once the jewellery is inserted the client will be informed that the jewellery and surrounding area should be touched as little as possible, kept dry, and a recommended after-care lotion be applied. Strong disinfectants and antiseptics or any type of cream should not be recommended.

27). To only use, at the minimum, a top grade low nickel release surgical steel which meets EU requirements for all initial body piercing jewellery, plain uncoloured titanium or niobium, or P.T.F.E.

28). To only attempt to increase the size of a piercing when it is completely healed and then only up to 5mm dia. If any larger, an approved indemnity form has to be signed by the client.

29). To keep records of all piercings i.e. name, date, piercing and jewellery used.

30). Get every client to sign an approved indemnity/ consent form.

31). Not give medical advice but refer clients to their own GP.

© The British Body Piercing Association 2003