HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments
HLTINF005 Course Overview
The HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments course at Artisan Training Academy is a nationally recognised online unit of competency for cosmetic tattoo artists, body piercers, tattoo artists and beauty therapists who deliver any kind of skin penetration treatment. The course is delivered 100% online, self-paced, with the practical demonstration assessed by video submission — or you can book the practical in person at our Worongary academy on the Gold Coast if you’d prefer hands-on assessment with our trainer.
HLTINF005 is the infection prevention unit most often required by Australian state and local councils for the Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence and for clinic registration of skin penetration premises. If you do cosmetic tattooing, body piercing, body tattooing, skin needling, or you support cosmetic injectables, this is the unit your council typically asks to see.
Key Outcome
On successful completion, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments from Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085). This is the credential most Australian councils and insurers ask for when registering a skin penetration premises or applying for a Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence.
Course Facts at a Glance
- Unit code: HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments
- Accreditation: Nationally recognised unit of competency from the HLT Health Training Package (RTO 46085) — not a full qualification
- Duration: Up to 3 months of online self-paced study
- Delivery: 100% online theory with practical demonstration assessed via video submission, or practical booked in person at our Worongary academy
- Skill level: Beginner & Intermediate — suits new entrants and existing practitioners
- Assessment: Unit Knowledge Test (26 written questions, open book) + Unit Project (written activity, practical demonstration, verbal questions)
- Language: English
- Course fee: $300 standalone, or included free when bundled with selected cosmetic tattoo short courses (see below)
- Certification: Nationally recognised Statement of Attainment on successful completion
HLTINF005 Free with Selected Cosmetic Tattoo Short Courses
As an RTO, we’re able to include HLTINF005 free of charge when you enrol in selected cosmetic tattoo short courses with Artisan Training Academy — including the Cosmetic Tattoo Fundamentals, Brow and Lip Fundamentals, Lip Blush, Nano Brows, Ombré Brow and Ultimate Brow Technique courses. This saves you the $300 standalone HLTINF005 fee and means you walk away with both the cosmetic tattoo technique and the nationally recognised infection prevention credential most councils require to operate.
If you’re already enrolled in the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing (SHB50321), HLTINF005 is already included in your enrolment — you don’t need to take it separately. Get in touch if you’re unsure which pathway includes HLTINF005 for free.
Who Is HLTINF005 For?
HLTINF005 is the accredited infection control certification used across the cosmetic tattoo, body modification, and skin penetration industries in Australia. It’s designed for individuals who make independent treatment decisions in a clinical setting, and it’s commonly required by local councils for skin penetration premises registration. The course is suitable for:
- Cosmetic tattoo artists — brow tattoo, lip blush, eyeliner, nano brows, ombré brow, microblading practitioners
- Body tattoo artists working in registered tattoo studios
- Body piercers — ear, nose, navel, and other body piercing services
- Skin needling and microneedling practitioners
- Cosmetic injectables practitioners in clinical settings
- Beauty therapists moving into skin penetration treatments
- Health industry workers in cosmetic clinics and medi-spas
HLTINF005 is often a prerequisite for other advanced courses involving skin penetration treatments. If you’re working in a salon environment without skin penetration procedures, the SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards unit may be the more appropriate fit — HLTINF005 is specifically the skin penetration version. Browse all our infection control courses to compare.
Skills You’ll Learn
This nationally recognised skin penetration infection control course is mapped to the five elements of the HLTINF005 unit of competency. You’ll leave able to:
- Comply with infection control regulations, guidelines and related legal obligations — identify the federal, state, territory and local council requirements that apply to skin penetration procedures, and review your organisation against them.
- Monitor hygiene of premises — observe and maintain cleaned and disinfected surfaces, instruments, linen and disposable coverings, and manage cleaning product dilution, sharps and biohazard disposal.
- Maintain infection control for skin penetration treatments — apply National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) standard and additional precautions, ensure penetrating instruments are sterile at time of use, and follow correct skin preparation procedures.
- Sterilise equipment and maintain the steriliser — manage workflow from dirty zone to clean zone, load and run the autoclave to AS/NZS 4815:2006, validate cycles with chemical and biological indicators, and document each load.
- Maintain awareness of clinic design for control of infection risks — identify the premises, surfaces, fixtures and fittings that minimise transmission risk, and arrange the cleaning area so workflow moves dirty → clean → sterile.
HLTINF005 Curriculum
The course content is structured around the five elements of the HLTINF005 unit of competency. Each chapter combines theory delivered through the online learner guide with the practical skin penetration infection control skills you’ll demonstrate in your Unit Project assessment.
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Chapter 1: Comply with Infection Control Regulations, Guidelines and Related Legal Obligations
- Identifying federal, state, territory and local council standards, regulations and guidelines that apply to skin penetration procedures
- Australian/New Zealand standards and NHMRC infection control guidelines
- Reviewing your organisational infection control policy and procedures for compliance
- Identifying infection control risks for skin penetration treatments — cosmetic tattooing, body tattooing, body piercing, skin needling, cosmetic injectables
- Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence requirements
- Monitoring the workplace for potential infection control risks
- Industry codes of practice across Australian states and territories
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Chapter 2: Monitor Hygiene of Premises
- Observing the workplace to ensure surfaces and equipment are cleaned and disinfected
- Cleaning and disinfecting non-penetrating instruments and articles
- Monitoring removal and disposal of contaminated material
- Handling and disposal of sharps; cleaning blood and body fluid spills
- Checking dilution rates, use and storage of cleaning products using Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Monitoring storage of cleaning and treatment equipment
- Providing clean linen or single-use disposable coverings for each treatment
- Placing soiled linen and protective clothing in a suitable receptacle
- Cleaning and disinfecting the work area after each treatment
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Chapter 3: Maintain Infection Control for Skin Penetration Treatments
- Personal protection using NHMRC standard precautions and additional (transmission-based) precautions
- PPE selection for skin penetration practice: gloves, eye protection, masks, aprons, closed-toe footwear
- Hand hygiene techniques and antiseptic application
- Providing single-use, disposable and clean instruments for each treatment
- Ensuring instruments, equipment and items intended to penetrate skin or mucous membranes are sterile at time of use
- Skin preparation procedures to minimise transmission risk (antiseptic wipes, 70% isopropyl alcohol, technique, expiry checks)
- Immediately disposing of single-use items and waste into appropriate containers
- Separating, removing, cleaning and sterilising contaminated items
- Methods of sterilisation: steam, dry heat, chemical, ethylene oxide gas, filtration, cold sterilisation
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Chapter 4: Sterilise Equipment and Maintain Steriliser
- Ensuring work flows from dirty zone to clean zone in the reprocessing area
- Cleaning and drying items thoroughly before sterilisation
- Loading the steriliser (autoclave) and setting the steriliser cycle to manufacturer instructions and AS/NZS 4815:2006
- The three phases of the steam sterilisation cycle: conditioning, exposure, drying
- Unloading packages and inspecting them, with validation using chemical and biological indicators
- Recording and documenting sterilisation details: load contents, cycle settings, date, operator, validation results
- Storing sterile items correctly to prevent contamination
- Monitoring temperature, pressure and exposure time during the sterilising process
- Inspecting and cleaning the steriliser and steriliser trays to manufacturer guidelines and Australian standards
- Calculating steriliser loads, timing and chemical concentrations
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Chapter 5: Maintain Awareness of Clinic Design for Control of Infection Risks
- Identifying aspects of premises, surfaces, fixtures and fittings that minimise risk of transmission — smooth non-porous surfaces, ventilation, dedicated handwashing areas, sharps and biohazard waste containers
- Arranging the cleaning area so dirty, clean and sterile items are separated and workflow moves dirty → clean → sterile
- Cleaning the cleaning and sterilising area to organisational policy and procedures
- Identifying cracks, crevices, standing water or fittings that may harbour bacteria or fungi
- Sustainable cleaning practices and proper disposal of cleaning chemicals
How You’ll Be Assessed
To be deemed competent in HLTINF005, you’ll complete two Unit Assessment Tasks. Both are scored Satisfactory or Not Satisfactory — there are no grades or numerical marks. If your first attempt is Not Satisfactory, you’re entitled to a resubmission.
Assessment Task 1
A written knowledge test of 26 questions covering the theory of infection prevention for skin penetration treatments — including federal, state and local council regulations, NHMRC standard and additional precautions, cleaning and disinfection methods, sterilisation principles, steriliser operation and validation, and clinic design. The test is open book and untimed. You can handwrite responses or type them, and submit independently.
Assessment Task 2
A combined project where you integrate the maintenance of infection control with skin penetration technical skills. The written activity and verbal question components can be completed in writing and submitted online. The practical demonstration component must be completed either in person at our Worongary academy, or submitted as a recorded video if you’re unable to attend the studio — verbal questions on the practical can also be answered on-camera as part of the video submission.
The Unit Project covers:
- Identifying potential cross-contamination risks and protecting yourself and the client from infection
- Choosing and using appropriate cleaning, disinfection and sterilising procedures for instruments, equipment, equipment attachments and work surfaces
- Correct steriliser operation procedures: packaging items, loading, monitoring, validation, calibration and documentation
- Disposing of waste and sharps to Australian standards
- Providing a written review of workplace compliance with relevant state or territory and local council laws, regulations and requirements for skin penetration treatments
For students without access to an autoclave or sterilisation equipment at their own workplace, our Worongary academy provides full access to the autoclave, PPE, cleaning and disinfection products, handwashing facilities, single-use disposable equipment, sterile storage area and waste receptacles required for the practical.
Delivery, Location, Inclusions & Certification
HLTINF005 Online Course Delivery & Training Location
HLTINF005 is delivered 100% online and self-paced through our learner portal — you can complete the theory and Unit Knowledge Test from anywhere in Australia within your 3-month enrolment window. The practical demonstration can be submitted as a recorded video from your own salon, studio or workplace, or you can book in to complete it on site at our Gold Coast academy in 1/86 Quambone Street, Worongary QLD 4213. Whichever you choose, the credential issued is identical.
Course Materials Included
- Comprehensive learner guide structured around the five elements, with the NHMRC guidelines, Australian standards and procedures you’ll need for the Unit Knowledge Test and the workplace.
- Self-study guide and learning activities workbook that reinforces each performance criterion chapter by chapter.
- Assessment tasks and workplace documentation templates — Australian standards reference sheets, equipment manufacturer instructions, infection control policy templates and Safety Data Sheet examples.
- Access to autoclave and cleaning supplies when you complete the practical at our Worongary academy.
- Two assessment attempts with resubmission included if your first attempt is Not Satisfactory.
- Direct trainer support from Carlye and the Artisan team across your enrolment.
Student Requirements
To enrol in HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments you’ll need:
- Basic Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) in English
- A Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Access to a functional PC or tablet device with uninterrupted internet access
- Recording equipment (a smartphone or tablet is suitable) if you’re submitting your practical demonstration by video
- A printer for assessment documentation
LLN & Digital Skills
Before enrolment, we’ll review your language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to confirm the course is suitable. If you need support or reasonable adjustments, we’ll discuss options with you. See our Student Guide for details.
Certification
On successful completion of both assessment tasks, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments, issued by Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085). This is a single unit of competency from the HLT Health Training Package — it’s not a full qualification, but it’s a verifiable national credential recognised across Australia.
Third-party Delivery Statement
Artisan Training Academy RTO 46085 delivers all training and assessment directly. We do not use third-party providers to deliver training or conduct assessments for any qualification or unit on our scope. If this changes, we will notify enrolled students in writing and update this page.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer
RPL and Credit Transfer are available in line with our policy. Applicants must provide authenticated evidence of prior study and/or current competence. See our Student Guide and Credit Transfer & RPL policy for how to apply.
Why Train with Us?
- Industry expertise: learn from a working RTO led by Carlye Pymble, with 20+ years in cosmetic tattooing and beauty therapy.
- Fully equipped academy: if you choose to complete the practical in person, you’ll work with an autoclave, PPE, cleaning and disinfection products, sterile storage and waste receptacles compliant with Australian standards.
- Personalised trainer support: direct access to Carlye and the Artisan team across your enrolment, tailored to how you learn best.
- Two assessment attempts: if your first attempt is Not Satisfactory, you’re entitled to a resubmission at no extra cost.
HLTINF005 Course FAQs
Can I do the HLTINF005 online course completely from home?
Yes. HLTINF005 is delivered 100% online and the Unit Knowledge Test is completed independently online. The only component that requires demonstration is the practical — and you can either submit a recorded video from your own salon, studio or workplace, or book in to complete it in person at our Worongary academy on the Gold Coast. If you don’t have access to an autoclave at your own workplace, we provide everything you need at the academy.
How can I get HLTINF005 free?
HLTINF005 is included free of charge when you enrol in selected cosmetic tattoo short courses with Artisan Training Academy — including Cosmetic Tattoo Fundamentals, Brow and Lip Fundamentals, Lip Blush, Nano Brows, Ombré Brow and Ultimate Brow Technique. As an RTO we’re able to bundle the unit in at no extra cost when it’s relevant to your cosmetic tattoo pathway.
HLTINF005 is also included in the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing (SHB50321) enrolment — if you’re enrolled in the Diploma, you don’t need to enrol separately. If you’re taking HLTINF005 standalone (without a cosmetic tattoo course), the fee is $300.
Is HLTINF005 a prerequisite for the Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence?
HLTINF005 is the nationally recognised infection prevention unit most commonly required by Australian state and local councils as part of the Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence application and for the registration of skin penetration premises. Specific licensing requirements vary by state, territory and local council, so we recommend you check with your local council on what they require — but HLTINF005 is the standard credential cosmetic tattoo, body piercing and body modification practitioners present.
What’s the difference between HLTINF005 and SHBBINF002?
HLTINF005 sits in the HLT Health Training Package and is the unit most often required by councils and PMU studios for cosmetic tattoo, body piercing and skin penetration practitioners. SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards sits in the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package and is the standard infection control unit for beauticians and beauty therapists in salons and cosmetic medical clinics.
Both are nationally recognised and both cover infection control for skin penetration treatments. Many beauty businesses choose the unit their local council or insurer specifies. If you’re not sure which one applies to your work, get in touch and we’ll help you pick the right pathway.
How will I be assessed in HLTINF005?
There are two Unit Assessment Tasks. The first is the Unit Knowledge Test — 26 written questions, open book, untimed — covering the theory of infection prevention for skin penetration treatments. The second is the Unit Project, which combines a written workplace compliance review, a practical demonstration of cross-contamination risk management and steriliser operation, and verbal questions from your assessor.
Written and verbal components can be submitted online. The practical demonstration must be completed either in person at our Worongary academy or submitted as a recorded video. Both tasks are scored Satisfactory or Not Satisfactory, and you’re entitled to a resubmission if your first attempt is Not Satisfactory.
How long do I have to complete the HLTINF005 online course?
You have up to 3 months to complete HLTINF005 from your enrolment date. Most students complete it considerably faster — the course is self-paced and the volume of learning is designed around a 3-month window so you have time to fit it around your existing work or other study. If you need more time due to compelling or compassionate circumstances, extensions can be discussed with your trainer.
Fees, Payment Options & Enrolment
HLTINF005 Course Fee
The HLTINF005 standalone course fee is $300. Payment is required before access to the unit is provided.
HLTINF005 is provided as a free extra when you enrol in selected Cosmetic Tattoo short courses with Artisan Training Academy. As an RTO we’re able to bundle this in at no extra cost when it’s relevant to your cosmetic tattoo pathway. HLTINF005 is also included in the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing (SHB50321) enrolment.
Enrolment Process
- Application: click the Enrol Now button at the top of this page and complete the online application form with your personal details and any relevant qualifications, or contact us at info@artisantrainingacademy.com.
- Assessment: our team will review your application and confirm your eligibility for the course, including a quick LLN check.
- Confirmation & payment: once accepted, you’ll receive confirmation of enrolment along with payment instructions.
- Commencement: you’ll get access to the online learner portal and all course resources. From here, work through the chapters at your own pace and book your practical when you’re ready — video or in person.
More Information
For further details on HLTINF005 or other infection control or cosmetic tattoo courses, contact us:
- Phone: 0422 624 966
- Email: info@artisantrainingacademy.com
Course Dates
This course is offered as rolling enrolment — you can start any time. Work through the online theory and Unit Knowledge Test at your own pace, then submit the practical demonstration by video or book in for an in-person practical at our Worongary academy on a date that suits you.
For other Artisan course intakes — cosmetic tattoo, brow tattoo, beauty and infection control — see our Academic Calendar.