Personal Service Program
The primary goal of the Personal Service Program offered by PEI Environmental Health is to prevent infections associated with personal service establishments through consultation, education, and enforcement of regulations.
Inspections of all personal service establishments are performed on a regular basis for compliance with the PEI Public Health Act and related Personal Service Regulations.
The Personal Service Regulations do not apply to a regulated health professional acting within the scope of their practice. For a complete list of regulated health professionals in PEI, consult the Regulated Health Professions Act, as well as the associated Reserved Activities Regulations that outlines the procedures that are restricted to regulated health professionals in PEI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a personal service?
A personal service is a business in which a person provides a personal service to or on the body of another person. Examples include, but not limited to, body piercing, hair services, manicure, massage, pedicure, tattooing, teeth whitening (excluding dental), waxing, etc.
Do I need to register my personal service business?
Yes, all personal service businesses in PEI must register with Environmental Health. As part of the registration process, routine inspections are completed by Environmental Health Officers to ensure infection prevention and control measures are being followed.
For more information on registering: Personal Service Registration.
How do the regulations apply to personal service businesses operating in a private home?
The Personal Service Regulations apply to all personal service businesses in PEI regardless of where they are located, including those in a private home.
My business is registered with the Hairdressers Association, am I still required to register with the Department of Health and Wellness?
Yes. All personal services businesses in PEI must be registered with the Department of Health and Wellness regardless of other registrations or memberships.
How do I register my personal service business?
You can register a personal service business by completing the online registration form.
Alternatively, you can print a registration form and mail it with a cheque to Environmental Health.
What information do I need to submit with my personal service registration?
With your registration, you will need to provide:
- the business name, telephone number, civic address, email address, and website address, if any;
- the name, telephone number, mailing address and email address of the owner; and
- a list of the personal services provided at the personal service facility.
How much does the registration cost?
The registration costs $100 and is valid for 3 years.
When I register my personal service business, will I get a license or permit?
No, you will not receive a license or a permit. You will receive a receipt as proof of registration and an inspection report as proof of inspection.
Who inspects personal services businesses?
Environmental Health Officers who hold a Certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada) from the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.
Is there a fee for personal service inspections or consultations?
No.
How often are personal service establishments inspected?
The frequency of inspections depends on:
- types of services offered;
- infection prevention and control practices;
- sanitation and condition of equipment and establishment;
- owner and employee infection prevention and control knowledge;
- past compliance with the PEI Public Health Act and Personal Service Regulations; or
- the number of services offered.
How are inspections prioritized?
Environmental Health Officers are prioritizing inspections of personal service establishments based on a risk assessment of services offered, regardless of the location of the establishment (e.g., home based operation, commercial space).
What will inspectors look for during inspections?
Personal Service Establishment Inspections – General Checklist
What are my responsibilities as an owner/operator?
Owners must ensure that:
- The business is registered with the Department of Health and Wellness
- The facility is clean, sanitary, and maintained
- Staff follow infection prevention and control practices
- Written procedures are developed, followed, and kept onsite
- Equipment is properly cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized
- Records are maintained as required by the regulations
What written procedures are required?
Facilities must have written procedures that address:
- Hand hygiene
- Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces
- Handling and storage of clean and contaminated instruments
- Use of single‑use items
- Injury or blood/body fluid exposure incidents
- Reprocessing of critical and semi‑critical equipment
Procedures must be reviewed when new services are added, after incidents, or when directed by an Environmental Health Officer.
How is equipment classified and why does it matter?
Equipment is classified as:
- Non‑critical (contacts intact skin only)
- Semi‑critical (contacts mucous membranes or non‑intact skin)
- Critical (penetrates skin or enters sterile tissue)
The classification determines the level of cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization required before reuse.
Are there rules for piercing guns and energy‑emitting devices?
Yes. Piercing guns and energy‑emitting equipment must:
- Be used according to manufacturer instructions
- Be approved for their intended purpose
- Be cleaned and disinfected as required
What should I do if a client is injured or exposed to blood or body fluids?
You must:
- Provide immediate first aid
- Follow your written exposure procedures
- Clean and disinfect affected areas and equipment
- Complete required records and review procedures as needed
How do I report a complaint about a personal service establishment?
Contact Environmental Health: (902) 368-4970 or envhealth@ihis.org
Resources
Customer Record for Services Using Critical Equipment
How to Clean and Disinfect Instruments in Personal Service Establishments
Infection Prevention Plan Template
Nail Salon Consultation Guide (Vietnamese)
Record of Injury or Accidental Exposure to Blood or Body Fluid
Selecting the Right Disinfectant for your Personal Service Business
Selecting the Right Disinfectant for your Personal Service Business - Vietnamese