CITY OF GREATER GEELONG
HEALTH SERVICES
INFORMATION FOR
STARTING A NEW
HEALTH BUSINESS
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In Victoria it is required by law that all Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 premises are registered with their local Council. A Public Health and Wellbeing Act premise consists of Hairdressers, Beauticians, Tattooists, Body Piercers, Myotherapists, colonic irrigation and other physical therapies.
If you are thinking of starting your own business, there are some important steps you will need to follow.
STEP ONE – Approval from other authorities
Permits or exemptions may be required from other authorities prior to applying for a registration with the Councils Health Services Unit.
These may include, but are not limited to:
Building Services…………………………...... / ( 03 5272 4454Statutory Planning…………………………………………… / ( 03 5272 4456
Local Laws & Permits……………………...... / ( 03 5272 4500
Barwon Water………………………………………………….. / ( 03 5226 2500
Victorian Commission for Gambling & Liquor Regulations (formerly Liquor Licensing Victoria)…………… / ( 1300 182 457
Consumer Affairs Victoria………………………………... / ( 1300 558 181
STEP TWO – Approval of plans of your premises
An Approval of Plans form needs to be submitted to Council, along with the nominated fee and two copies of plans PRIOR to any work commencing.
The plans need to include:
· The layout of all fixtures, fittings and equipment
· A description of materials to be used for surface finishes including walls, floors and bench tops. (A legend on the side of the plan may be used).
· A summary of the work to be undertaken at your new premises
The requirements for the Hair, Beauty and Skin Penetration industry are available from your local council or from the Department of Health website.
STEP THREE – Premises Construction
Once Council has received all the relevant information and is satisfied that it meets all the requirements, a plan approval letter will be sent to the applicant along with a Public Health and Wellbeing Act registration form.
An officer may request further information and/or an inspection of the premises prior to the approval being given. An officer is also available at any time during the construction phase to meet you on-site.
STEP FOUR – Granting registration
An inspection of your premises must occur PRIOR to the business opening. Please advise the officer of your intention to open as soon as you know so that an inspection can take place once all works are completed.
The registration form must be fully completed and returned to the Health Services Unit with the nominated fee.
The officer will then give you approval to open the business and will conduct a full compliance assessment at a later date to ensure compliance.
Once the officer is satisfied that all requirements have been met then a Certificate of Registration will be issued.
Your premises can only open once you have completed the above steps to the satisfaction of the officer. It is illegal to operate an unregistered business.
The registration period is from 1 January to 31 December each year. A renewal of registration will be sent to you approximately one month prior to end of the registration period.
Inspections will be carried out throughout the year to ensure compliance.
Information available from the Health Services Unit:
· Health Guidelines for the personal Care and Body Art Industry
· Food Premises Specifications for Structural Design
· Mobile Food Guidelines
· Home Occupation Guidelines
· Bed and Breakfast Guidelines
· Food Labelling information
· Thermometer Supplier list
· Food Safety Supervisor requirements
· Tobacco legislation summary sheet
· Mechanical Exhaust Ventilation Specifications
· Gas Safety Information
Other useful sites:
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/
If you require any further information or assistance you may contact the Health Services at the City of Greater Geelong on ( 03 5272 4411
Requirements for Hairdressers and Beauty Therapy Premises
· Procedure rooms no less than 2.5metres square
· Equipment and furniture appropriate for procedures provided
· Adequate ventilation & lighting for workspaces
· Floors and walls to be sealed (smooth, impervious and easily cleaned)
· Provision of cleaning and sterilizing area
· One way flow for items to be cleaned and processed
· Adequate bench space for good work practice
· Equipment wash area including double bowl sink with splash backs and water temp >70˚C.
· Hand washing facilities need to be located in an easily accessible area where available for use by all staff
· The hand wash basin needs to be provided with Hot and Cold water through a single outlet and adequate splash back
· UV cabinets are not considered an approved method of cleaning and/or sterilisation
· Adequate storage for clean and dirty linen
· Adequate storage for bulk stock and chemicals
· Storage shelves in each treatment room
· Adequate waste receptacle for general waste
· Adequate waste receptacle for hazardous waste
· Sharps container to be onsite, where applicable
· Storage to be provided for personal belongings and personal protective equipment
· Records to be kept of treatments provided
Requirements for Body Piercer & Tattooist Premises
All the above items are to be followed; however the following also need to be complied with:
· The hand wash basin needs to be provided with hot and cold water through a single outlet and adequate splash back needs to be hands free
· Hand washing facilities need to be located in the immediate procedure areas
· Appropriate and sufficient process/appliances for the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of instruments
Sale of Liquor
If you wish to sell liquor at your premises, you are required to apply for, and obtain a Liquor Licence. To apply for Liquor Licence contact Victorian Commission for Gambling & Liquor Regulations ( 1300 182 457. You will also need to Contact Councils Town Planning department on ( 5272 4456
Liquor is classified as food and any premises that sells stores or prepares food must have a registration or notification under the Food Act 1984.
Financial Services
If you wish to set up your health business from home, your property may be charged at the mixed use rate which will incur an increase in your rates by 40%. This is less than the commercial rate. Please contact Councils Financial Services on ( 5272 4650 to discuss.
Possible Changes to Rates for Home Occupations
Council rates are based on land use. A change in land use could lead to a change in rate classification. Residential rates are the lowest rate differential for property used exclusively for residential purposes.
Where properties are used for sale of goods or services or other commercial purposes they will be subject to Commercial rates. Commercial rates are approximately 87% higher than Residential rates in 2011/2012. Where there is an element of both residential and commercial activity on a property (eg. a business from home) the Mixed Use rate category may apply. Mixed Use rates are approximately 38% higher than Residential rates in 2011/2012.
If you have any queries on rates please contact Councils Financial Services on ( 5272 4650
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