Acupuncture a guide to safe practice

This page provides guidance on how to obtain permission to carry out acupuncture together with information on how to perform acupuncture activities hygienically and safely

What must I do if I want to carry out acupuncture on my premises?

It is a legal requirement that any business carrying out this activity is registered with Breckland Council. You will need to complete an application form and return it to our offices with the required one off registration fee.

Why do I need to be registered?

Any activity that involves piercing the skin creates a risk of infection and the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B. There is also the risk of needle-stick injury, metal allergy, forgotten needles etc from this activity. It is necessary that we check operators to ensure adequate standards of hygiene and safety are maintained.

What must I do?

Your premises must meet certain standards with regard to structure and cleanliness, operators must be properly trained and it is important that a safe acupuncture procedure is followed.

Premises

All parts of the premises where the procedure takes place must be kept in good repair so that they can be effectively cleaned in particular:

The room in which acupuncture takes place and any furniture and fittings must be provided with a smooth impervious surface that can be kept clean.

There should be adequate storage for equipment.

A supply of hot and cold water should be available nearby preferably with liquid soap dispensers or disposable paper towels.

Rooms should be designed to protect the privacy of the client.

Autoclaves must be maintained and thoroughly examined by a competent person who will provide you with a certificate.

Cleanliness

All equipment must be cleaned and where necessary sterilised before use to eliminate the risk of infection. In particular:

Single use disposable needles should be used.

•  All equipment such as tweezers etc must be sterilised. This can only be achieved using an autoclave. See separate leaflet on sterilisation and disinfectant.
•  Sterile equipment must be used immediately or kept sterile until used.
•  Tables and couches should be covered with disposable paper sheets.
•  Working surfaces should be cleaned down with hot water and detergent at regular intervals during the day and disinfected after each client.
•  Smoking, drinking or eating must not take place during treatment.
•  Needles should be disposed of in sharps containers. Other waste must be disposed of safely and collected by a competent waste contractor who is registered to take clinical waste.

Acupuncturists

All acupuncturists must be appropriately trained, competent and follow good personal hygiene. All acupuncturists need to prove they are competent to practice. They should preferably have attended a relevant course and be a member of a recognised association. Newly qualified and inexperienced persons should be adequately supervised.

It is strongly recommended that any training be documented.

Personal hygiene

Handwashing must be carried out before and after treatment.

• Cuts, sores or open wounds should be covered with an impermeable dressing.
• Disposable gloves must be used for each client if; the client is bleeding or has an open lesion, the client is known to be infected with a blood-borne virus or the acupuncturist has an open lesion on their hand or is handling items that may be contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids.
• Clean washable clothing should be worn.
• It is recommended that staff are vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Acupuncture procedure

Technical skill and experience are essential for anyone carrying out this activity. The basic procedure is to:

• Wash hands.
• Clean clients skin.
• When holding needle never touch the shaft or needle point.
• Ensure needlepoint is well away from finger and other sources of infection.
• Use water soluble pen to mark acupuncture points.
• Seal points with clean swabs.
• Dispose of needle in a sharps container and other waste in clinical waste bin.

Client information and records

It is important that the client signs a consent form and although there is no legal age for receiving treatment it is recommended you obtain parental/guardian permission for anyone under 16 years of age.

You need to check if a client is suffering from any medical condition, which may affect the treatment or require written authorisation from the client's GP. Aftercare advice should be provided and ideally this should be in writing. Detailed client records should be made and ideally be kept for at least three years. This information is important should the client suffer subsequent medical complications.

What action should I take if staff receive a needle stick injury?

Encourage puncture to bleed.

• Wash with cold water.
• Cover with dry dressing.
• Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
• Record details of accident.

What else do I need to do?

There are a number of other things you need to do:

• When you receive your registration it should be displayed in a conspicuous position on your premises.
• You should have employer's liability insurance and it is recommended you also have public liability insurance.
• You will also need to comply with general health and safety requirements and the Breckland Council Byelaws in respect of acupuncture, tattooing, cosmetic piercing and semi-permanent skin colouring.

Where can I get further information?

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the health and safety team at:

Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1EE

Tel: 01362 656870 or email: healthandsafety@breckland.gov.uk.