Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out safe, consistent techniques for performing aesthetic face work in clinical and beauty settings across Australia. It balances client outcomes with robust infection control, sharps safety, and ethical practice, helping your business meet WHS and clinical governance requirements while protecting both practitioners and clients.

Aesthetic face work – whether injectable treatments, dermal therapies or advanced beauty procedures – involves close client contact, biological exposure risks and the use of sharp instruments and devices. Without a clear, evidence-based procedure, clinics can face inconsistent technique, preventable complications, infection risks and potential non-compliance with Australian WHS and health regulations. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step framework for planning, preparing and delivering aesthetic facial treatments in a way that is safe, clinically sound and defensible.

The document guides practitioners through client assessment, informed consent, treatment planning, hygiene and aseptic technique, equipment set‑up, safe injection and device handling, and post‑treatment care. It embeds WHS principles into daily practice – from managing sharps and clinical waste to ergonomic positioning and managing adverse events. By implementing this SOP, clinics can standardise technique across practitioners, reduce the likelihood of complications and complaints, and demonstrate a proactive, documented approach to WHS and client safety that aligns with Australian regulatory expectations.

Key Benefits

• Standardise aesthetic face work techniques across practitioners to deliver consistent, high-quality client outcomes.
• Reduce the risk of infection, sharps injuries and treatment complications through structured, evidence-based safety controls.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS, infection prevention and clinical governance requirements during audits and inspections.
• Streamline staff training and onboarding with a clear, step-by-step procedure for common aesthetic facial treatments.
• Enhance client confidence and trust by embedding informed consent, privacy and aftercare into everyday practice.

Who is this for?

• Cosmetic Nurses
• Dermal Therapists
• Aesthetic Practitioners
• Cosmetic Physicians and GPs
• Beauty Therapists
• Clinic Managers
• Practice Owners in Cosmetic and Aesthetic Clinics
• WHS Coordinators in Healthcare and Beauty Clinics

Hazards Addressed

• Sharps injuries from needles, cannulas and lancets
• Exposure to blood and body fluids
• Cross-contamination and infection transmission between clients or staff
• Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis to products and medications
• Adverse events such as vascular compromise, bruising and swelling
• Chemical exposure from skincare actives, peels and topical anaesthetics
• Ergonomic strain and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive procedures and poor posture
• Psychosocial risks related to client expectations, body image and practitioner stress

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Treatment Types Covered
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Clinic Policies
• 5.0 Client Assessment, Screening and Contraindications
• 6.0 Informed Consent, Photography and Documentation
• 7.0 Infection Prevention, Hand Hygiene and Aseptic Technique
• 8.0 Required PPE, Equipment and Product Management
• 9.0 Treatment Planning and Marking of Facial Areas
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Procedure for Aesthetic Face Work Techniques
• 11.0 Sharps Handling, Disposal and Clinical Waste Management
• 12.0 Management of Adverse Events and Complications
• 13.0 Post-Treatment Care, Client Instructions and Follow-Up
• 14.0 Ergonomics, Practitioner Posture and Fatigue Management
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Risk Management and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 17.0 Record Keeping, Privacy and Data Security
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory regulations
• Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (NHMRC)
• AS/NZS 4815: Office-based health care facilities – Reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment
• AS/NZS 4187: Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organisations (where applicable)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
• State and territory drugs and poisons legislation and cosmetic procedure guidelines (e.g. use of Schedule 4 medicines)
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (for client records and images)