The tattooing hygiene rating scheme

Getting a tattoo is a big decision, and it is very important that you choose the right tattooist.

Visiting an approved tattoo parlour registered with the Council’s Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme (THRS) gives peace of mind that the tattooist has met high standards of hygiene and professionalism, minimising the risk of incidents of infection and of transmission of infectious disease from tattooing procedures.

Much like the food hygiene standards you see in restaurants and pubs, look out for the THRS certified sticker displayed in the studio window. A list of approved studios is also displayed on this website.

Beware unregistered tattoo artists or ‘scratchers’! These are unregistered, untrained and illegal tattooists who often operate from home or unlicensed premises. The hygiene standards of such operators are unchecked and they usually do not have the training, knowledge and equipment to operate safely.

Whether it be the food or any other service industry, being part of a registered and approved scheme raises safety and quality and helps protects customers.

Passing a hygiene and good practice assessment and becoming a THRS registered tattooist offers reassurance to customers about the standards you meet, and that in turn is good for your business. Satisfied customers mean that they’re likely to come back again, and tell others about their positive experience. Your reputation grows, and your business grows too.

In response to a customer survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, many respondents indicated that a hygiene rating scheme would help them make a decision about where to have a tattoo.

Participation in the scheme is voluntary, by application, followed by an initial inspection at a suitably convenient time, from which your business will be graded into one of three categories:

• Level 1. Satisfactory – Meets a number of criteria relating to hygiene and good practice.
• Level 2. Good – Meets all of the criteria under Level 1, plus specified other criteria.
• Level 3. Very good – Meets all of the criteria listed under Levels 1 and 2, plus specified other criteria.

Inspections may be carried out on an annual basis thereon.

Just like the food hygiene rating symbols you see in restaurants and pubs you’ll be able to display a certified sticker in your studio window and use the symbol as part of your own publicity. You’ll also feature in the dedicated section on the council’s website, where all approved tattooists will be featured.

The THRS application form is available in the documents section below.

Zooz Tattooz in Portsea was the first tattoo studio to be awarded a Level 3 rating under the Council’s THRS scheme. Established 30 years ago, the studio operates in the heart of Portsmouth’s Naval area, and all its tattoos are designed in-house.

Studio owner Jim Orrell said, “I’ve been more than happy to work with the Council on promoting such a scheme, one which will only make the industry better.”

Tattooists must be licensed with their local authority and are inspected under the Health & Safety at Work Act, which covers issues such as cross-contamination and the disposal of needles.

Re-inspections are carried out up to every three years depending on their risk rating.

Below is a list of all current licensed tattoo studios within Portsmouth sorted by the level they’ve achieved in the Tattooing Hygiene Rating Scheme. By becoming licensed, the studio gains the Level 1 rating by default. This means that they comply with all of the necessary hygiene and good practice regulations.

Those studios who want to demonstrate that they’ve gone beyond the basic requirements can apply to be part of the scheme and will be inspected to see if they show the criteria needed to achieve a level 2 or level 3 rating.

It’s important to use a registered tattoo artist for your safety.

Here is a list of registered tattoo artists in Portsmouth.

1. Tattoo on your face and neck

Unless for medical reasons, a tattoo on your face and neck is not advisable. It may limit your employment choices and possibilities of career advancement.

2. Your partner’s name

It is often a bad idea to tattoo a partner’s name on your body. The relationship may end, and you will be left explaining the tattoo to future partners!

3. Choosing a symbol

Firstly, if you have to do research to find out the meaning of a symbol, there’s a good chance many other people won’t know the meaning either. Secondly, not being sure what the symbol means might result in you choosing something of a stupid or offensive meaning.

4. Soon out-of-date?

Be careful not to choose something which might soon become out-of-date or quickly seen to be old-fashioned or over-used, e.g. cartoon characters, pop culture, etc.

5. An iconic face

If the person is still alive, they will change, some more considerably than others! Another risk is that they will later be involved in some embarrassing scandal or commit a serious crime – somebody that you may not then wish to have tattooed on your arm!