Retailer Big W recently advertised a beginner’s tattoo kit on its web site, sparking furore from customers regarding the company’s health and safety standards.
The kit was uploaded to Big W’s market page by a third-party retailer for $111 and included a working tattoo gun, needles, and ink for anyone to purchase with no age restrictions or warning signs.
There are a range of strict laws within Australia regarding the tattoo industry and the health and safety around them, with most states and territories making it illegal for anyone under 18 to be tattooed.
However, the kit seemed to slip through the cracks, and Big W advertised it on its website without any restrictions or warnings.
Perth tattoo apprentice Annika Strugnell said she’s disappointed to see a trusted Australian retailer advertise this sort of dangerous material to the public.
“We get trained by industry professionals to complete our artwork in a safe matter and to a high standard, and that’s not something you can learn overnight with a beginner kit and a YouTube video.”
She also said it can be harmful for kids if they get their hands on these sorts of products.
“If they’re not trained properly or apply the wrong amount of pressure, they can really hurt themselves and cause permanent damage.”
Perth mother and nurse, Pia Dransfield, said she sees people come in all the time with infected tattoos that haven’t been properly cared for or stick and poke tattoos done at home that have gone wrong and scarred the skin.
“With products like these so easily available for kids and adults it really increases these [risk] factors and promotes unhygienic tattoos.”
She also said that as a mother she would hate to see her kids use this product.
“Young kids’ brains aren’t developed enough to make informed decisions about putting permanent tattoos on their bodies. That’s why we have laws against it.”
A Big W spokesperson told 7News the kit has been removed from the website and no orders have been fulfilled.
