Ancillary services: Agencies

Risk associated with ancillary services such as ear or body piercing, audiometric tests, beauty treatment, etc, include:-

• Expertise to deliver the service
• Registration or qualifications required
• Privacy
• Consent
• Occupational health and safety

When providing ancillary services it will be necessary to obtain written consent from the customer, particularly when carrying out procedures on minors, such as ear piercing. 

Agency and non medical

Risks will include those related to contract and product/service standards.

Photofinishing includes possible risk of liability where images do not develop correctly, safety issues with respect to chemicals and staff training.  The advent of digital photography is lessening these concerns.  A particular issue is what to do if illicit images or films such as child pornography are asked to be processed.

In general, agencies should be entered into with care, and the contract of service should be reviewed by your lawyer prior to entering into it and identify contingent liabilities that they may entail.