Health and Wellbeing Act for Health, Beauty & Accommodation Businesses

Introduction

Frankston City's Health Services seeks to ensure Beauty Therapy businesses, Hairdressers, Tattooists, Body piercing businesses and Accommodation businesses are clean, safe and operating in accordance with the Health and Well Being Act 2008 (commencing January 2010).

Council Environmental Health Officers conduct regular inspections and compliance checks in conjunction with and investigation of complaints in order to ensure Health Act businesses comply with the provisions of the Health and Well being Act 2008 and its relevant regulations and guidelines.

Standards

The following standards apply for Health, Beauty and Accommodation businesses:

• Health and Well being Act 2008 - www.legislation.vic.gov.au
• Health Guidelines for Personal Care and Body Art Industries - www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas  
• Public Health and Well Being Regualtions
• Residential Tenancy (Caravan Parks and Movable Dwellings) Regulations
• Occupancy permit for 1B premises must be obtained for rooming house registration.

Starting a Health Act Registered business

When setting up a Health and Well Being Business the following issues need to be considered:

• Have property inspected and check if other permits are required
• Develop a floor plan
• Request fit out and a final inspection.
• Register your business

1. It is advisable to request an initial site inspection to determine suitability of the property and to ascertain if permits are required from building, planning, local laws and other authorities such as South East Water;
2. A detailed floor plan will need to be developed and submitted showing layout, materials/surfaces suitability (stainless steel, laminate etc.), adequate facilities.
3. Checking with your EHO at regular intervals throughout the fit out period and requesting a final inspection prior to opening for trade will ensure your business is on track to begin trading without delay.
4. The Health and Well Being Act requires that Health Business's register with their Local Council. Contact your area EHO at Council Health Services to obtain a registration application.

Purchasing a Registered business

When purchasing an existing business:

• Check with council for registration currency
• Request a Transfer Inspection to determine any issues before settlement
• Complete transfer application form and pay fee

1. Check that the business you wish to purchase is registered with Council. All businesses must register with the Council in accordance with Health and well Being Act 2008;
2. In order to operate the business you must request to have the registration transferred from the existing proprietors name to your own. A transfer inspection is generally conducted to alert you to any issues outstanding and requiring attention. Transfer requests must be in writing and allow at least 3 working days for the process to be completed;
3. Complete and return the Transfer of registration form and applicable fee to Council. Your EHO will then arrange a follow up inspection in the following weeks.

Complaints

Consumer complaints relating to Health and Well Being Act Businesses are investigated by Council Health Services in areas including:

• Unclean premises
• Unclean techniques or procedures
• Infections contracted from premises
• Unregistered premises
• Overcrowding at accommodation premises
• Vermin infestations
• Maintenance problems

For further information concerning the above matters visit the following websites:

• www.consumer.vic.gov.au
• Frankston City Council Building Dept
• www.health.vic.gov.au

All complaints relating to these matters should be immediately reported to Council Health Services on 9784 1931.

Contact

For more information, contact Council's Environmental Health Coordinator on (03) 9784 1931 or email correspondence@frankston.vic.gov.au.