Universal Precautions for Tattoo Artists & Body Piercers

The FDA does not regulate tattoo inks, dyes or pigments.

As a tattoo or piercing artist, proper safety and hygiene precautions protect you and your client from dangerous infections and injuries. Proper care and planning on your part minimizes the risk of common complications and dangers associated with tattoos and piercing and frees you to focus on your art and service.

Handwashing

An artist should have access to a clean hand-washing facility with running water and soap. Do not contaminate the area before washing. Wash your hands immediately before putting on gloves or other protective hand-wear. If you take off your gloves, wash again before you put them on again. Use single-use towels that are disposable or sterilized after one use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear a protective layer of clothing when you face a considerable risk of coming in contact with blood. Consult the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Masks or eye-wear may be needed if the artist or piercer anticipates blood splashing or dripping, but this is generally not an issue. Artists should wear surgical or examination-grade disposable gloves. If tattooing or piercing is interrupted, or if the glove tears, put on a new pair. Wear your gloves when sterilizing equipment, surfaces and facilities.

Tattooing Equipment

Use only single-use razors to shave the tattooed area and single-use stencils to trace the drawing. If you apply the drawing directly to your client's skin, dispose of that article afterward. This includes ink pens. Store waste in a designated bio-hazard containment bag or receptacle that meets health standards. You may dispose stencils in a regular receptacle if they do not contain blood.

Needles

Individually package pre-sterilized needles in a sterile bag. Many companies do not provide pre-sterilized needles, so this is up to the artist. Only store sterile equipment in one bag if you'll use them at the same time. Use only single-use needles. Dispose of them in an appropriate sharps bio-hazard container. Do not handle contaminated needles by trying to bend or manipulate them in any way.

Dyes and Pigments

Use only inks, dyes and pigments designated for use in tattooing human skin. Mix these substances in a pre-sterilized container. Use single-use portions of the color in a single-use prep container. After use, discard the color and container. Anything placed under the skin, including jewelery and sand, should be sterile.

Reusable Equipment

Sterilizing reusable equipment in an autoclave, chemclave or heat sterilizer. Do not use toasters or other kitchen equipment. Purchase a biological indicator to tell if an item is properly sterilized. Sterilize anything that goes under the skin or touches it, like tongue-piercing forceps, tattoo tubes and needle corks being touched after the needle touches skin. You may use an ultrasonic cleaner for pre-sterilizing cleaning, but this is not necessary. Always placed sterilized equipment in sterile, single-use bags. Clean piercing guns with an EPA-approved chemical sterilant.

References

• Indiana State Department of Health: Tattoo and Body Piercings- Section C
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Drugs and Medical Devices Group- Tatto and Body Piercing Studios

Resources

• Red Cross Universal Precautions for Tattoo Artists and Body Piercers Online Course