Premises standards play a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment for non-surgical aesthetic treatments. At present, the premises where such procedures are carried out can vary significantly; ranging from practitioners' or patients’ homes to CQC-registered clinics. Regardless of the setting, the physical space where these treatments occur must meet high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety.

Until a national licensing scheme for non-surgical aesthetic premises is established, the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) remains a key institution in overseeing the standards of these environments through the provision of its PSA accredited voluntary practitioner register. The JCCP ensures that practitioners registered under its scheme adhere to strict guidelines, not just regarding their clinical skills but also in maintaining a safe, suitable environment for treatments.

I strongly encourage anyone considering non-surgical treatments to stay updated on JCCP’s work or engage with their efforts to promote patient safety and high standards in aesthetics by visiting the JCCP & Me website: https://www.jccpandme.org.uk/

Safety and Hygiene

First and foremost, premises standards are designed to ensure your safety. Non-surgical aesthetic treatments often involve injections, other medicines, devices or machines that, if not handled properly, can lead to injury. Establishing and maintaining high hygiene standards in treatment premises helps minimise risks such as infections, cross-contamination, and other health issues.

The premises should be equipped with proper waste disposal systems, regular cleaning protocols, and hand sanitising stations. Equipment should be sterile, and infection control protocols must be strictly followed. Aesthetics practitioners should account for factors such as proper ventilation, appropriate lighting, sufficient space for treatment areas, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The JCCP provides useful guidance on the standards required for premises carrying out non-surgical treatments, including what needs to be in place to create a safe environment. You can find this guidance here and utilise it in your decision making prior to having any procedures.

At a minimum, the premises you visit should include:

· Cleaning protocols

· Risk assessment, risk management, and control measures

· Accident and incident reporting, along with first aid and medical emergency arrangements

· Infection prevention and control measures

· Medicine management and secure storage facilities

· Waste management and disposal policies

· Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations and any local licensing requirements

Clinics also have a duty to comply and adhere with local health and safety regulations to ensure the premises are fit for delivering non-surgical treatments. In the UK, there is existing regulation that oversees clinics

For example, all lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) must comply with current standards (for example, BS EN 60601-2-22:2013 for medical lasers and BS 60601-2-57:2011 for IPL). They are also regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and, in some instances, the system regulator and local authority. Other existing criteria include: The London Local Authorities Act 1991, standard conditions, National Occupational Standards, Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) (2012) UK quality code for higher education part B: assuring and enhancing academic quality chapter 10: managing higher education provision with others, CQC regulation 15 premises and equipment or an equivalent system regulator in the devolved administrations, MHRA lasers, intense light source systems and LEDs—guidance for safe use in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices (2015).

By following the Premises Standards created by the JCCP, clinics and practitioners can mitigate potential legal risks, avoid fines, and safeguard their reputation. Practitioners who treat clients in spaces that don’t comply with the law risk significant consequences, whether in terms of health and safety concerns or legal action resulting from negligence. You can find numerous useful guides related to non-surgical procedures here.