What are the rules if I want to apply PMU?
by: Nohemy Delsol
Read a brief introduction to the standard here and use the attached checklist to test yourself.
Anyone who wants to place a form of tattoo on someone automatically has to deal with (legal) obligations. In the Netherlands, these obligations are largely laid down in the Dutch version of the EU standard (EN 17169) for tattooing and PMU.
Since January 1, 2022, the rules for installing PMU have become a lot stricter. In the NEN-EN 17169 standard drawn up by the LCHV of the RIVM you will find these new and tightened responsibilities of the business owner, the requirements that the facilities must meet, how to deal with hygiene on location, hygiene and safety during and after the application of PMU.
In the Netherlands, a permit is also required for tattooing or applying PMU. It is therefore prohibited to carry out PMU activities in an area without a permit. After a permit application, the GGD inspector from your region will come to check your studio and policy documents and to observe you during a PMU treatment on the points from the new standard.
Some changes compared to the old hygiene guideline are minimal, while other points have only just been introduced.
Some simple examples:
● Pigment(s) may now only be poured into sterile ink cups or pigment rings;
● Wearing a clean apron during PMU placement has also been made mandatory and aprons must be changed for each client;
● Artificial nails, nail polish and all hand and wrist jewelry, including watches, must be removed prior to tattooing.
In short, many habits that were previously allowed are no longer allowed. Although these new rules and large amount of new information can be intimidating for aspiring PMU specialists, making the switch can be difficult for experienced PMU specialists. As an aid, I have drawn up a number of questions for you in the form of a checklist so that you can test whether you already partly meet the requirements of the new standard.
Checklist
Go through the questions below. If you can answer all questions with a 'yes', then you already largely comply with the new standard.
● Do you have a procedure or work instruction on hand hygiene for your studio?
● Do you have a procedure or work instruction about the use of personal protective equipment?
● Do you have a procedure after exposure to body fluids?
● Do you have work instructions about the storage and control of the sterile (packaged) materials?
● Do you have an inventory management system?
● Do you have work instructions for preparing and cleaning up the work/instrument table?
Have you answered a question with a 'no' one or more times?
This means that you still have to sort out a number of points. The NVWA is the authority that ensures that the standard is complied with. Consider the permit, age limits and safety of inks/pigments. If violations are identified (e.g. through a report), measures are taken in accordance with the NVWA intervention policy. You could lose your permit or receive a fine.
Finally…As a PMU specialist, it is important to deliver great work, but it is also equally important to meet all legal requirements. To make it a little easier for you, I have listed the most important links for you. You can find more information about the laws and regulations regarding PMU via the links below.
Do you want to learn everything about the standard in one go and/or do you want to prepare as best as possible for the permit? Then register for the E-learning 'Hygiene, safety and PMU', where all relevant topics are discussed. After completing the course, you will receive a digital certificate.
Useful links
- Dealing with personal data
- NVWA: Legislation and regulations
- RIVM: LCHV standard NEN-EN 17169 and explanation on the standard
- Public database of the RIVM from licensed studios
- Find here a GGD in your region
- Permit requests
- Follow the E-learning 'Hygiene, safety and PMU'
Contact lines
- NVWA: info@nvwa.nl
- RIVM - National Center for Hygiene and Safety: lchv@rivm.nl
