(PART 2) You might find this a bit boring, but if
you are interested in a tattoo, or being a professional level tattoo artist, it
is essential reading.
THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IS THE
ARTIST. PEOPLE CAN CLEAN, BAG AND RE-USE OLD NEEDLES AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER
NASTY DISHONEST THINGS. ASK SOME QUESTIONS AND FEEL THE RESPONSES WITHIN
YOURSELF. LOOK INTO THEIR EYES WHILE THEY ARE EXPLAINING THINGS TO YOU, YOU WILL
GET THE FEEL OF WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH. IF YOU DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE ABOUT
SOMETHING, DONT GET THE TATTOO (OR PIERCING). USE YOUR OWN COMMON SENSE AND GOOD
JUDGEMENT.
TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING STUDIO
Guidelines and considerations
for optimum professionalism and saftey (PART 2)
| Tattooing and Body Piercing
Instruments and Jewelry |
|
| (a) Instruments and jewelry used during tattooing and piercing
procedures which may contact blood or other bodily fluids, or which come
in direct contact with skin which is not intact shall be sterilized after
each use or disposed of. These devices include, but are not limited to,
needles, bars, tubes, forceps, receiving tubes, and tapers. This does not
include ear piercing guns or tattoo machines/devices.
(b) Instruments and jewelry used during tattooing and
body piercing which do not come in contact with broken skin but may come
in contact with mucous membranes and oral tissue should be sterilized
after each use. If, however, sterilization is not feasible because the
instrument or jewelry will be damaged, the instrument or jewelry shall be
treated with a germicidal solution prior to use. These devices include,
but are not limited to, calipers and gauge wheels.
(c) Instruments that come into contact only with
intact skin shall be treated with a germicidal solution prior to use.
These devices include, but are not limited to, hand mirrors.
(d) Reusable instruments shall be constructed in a
manner that permits easy cleaning and sterilization.
(e) Needles used to perform body piercing shall be
single-use and disposed of in a sharps container.
(f) Single-use disposable instruments shall be
maintained in clean condition and dispensed in a manner to prevent
contamination to the unused instruments. These devices include, but are
not limited to, cups, cotton swabs, corks, rubber bands, and toothpicks.
(g) Use of styptic pens or alum solids to control
blood flow is prohibited.
(h) All dyes or pigments used in tattooing and
piercing shall be non-toxic, free from adulteration, and made from
materials generally regarded as safe. Marking instruments shall be
single-use or sanitized by design, such as alcohol based ink pens, and
shall be used only on intact skin that has been treated with a germicidal
soap. Any marking instrument that comes in contact with mucous membranes
or broken skin shall be single-use.
(i) Only single-use pigment or dye containers shall be
used for each client. Pigments and dyes shall be dispensed from containers
in a manner to prevent contamination to the unused portion. Individual
containers of dye or pigment shall be discarded after use.
(j) In order to minimize transmission of body fluids
and disease, single-use plastic covers shall be used to cover spray
bottles or other reusable accessories for multiple client use that are
handled by the artist during tattooing and body piercing.
(k) All stencils shall be single-use. Petroleum
jellies, soaps, and other products used in the application of stencils
shall be dispensed and applied using aseptic technique and in a manner to
prevent contamination of the original container and its contents. The
applicator shall be single-use.
(l) Contaminated reusable instruments shall be placed
in a labeled covered container which may contain a disinfectant solution
such as 2.0% alkaline glutaraldehyde (not to be construed as all
inclusive) until it can be cleaned and sterilized.
(m) All containers holding contaminated instruments
and container lids shall be emptied of contaminated solution and cleaned
and sanitized daily or more often if needed.
(n) Reusable instruments shall be cleaned by gloved
personnel prior to sterilization by one of the following methods:
(1) mechanically pre-clean the items by using a clean
cotton ball or swab moistened with a solution of low-residue detergent and
cool water, with care taken to ensure the removal of any pigment or body
substances not visible to the eye, thoroughly rinse with warm water and
then drain, and clean by soaking in a protein dissolving detergent-enzyme
cleaner used according to manufacturer's instructions; or
(2) clean the items in an ultrasonic cleaning unit
used according to manufacturer's instruction. A copy of the manufacturers
recommended procedures for operation of the ultrasonic cleaning unit must
be available for inspection by an authorized agent; and
(3) rinse and dry the items prior to packaging for
sterilization.
|
| Sterilization |
|
| (a) A studio or temporary location is required to utilize
instruments that have been prepared as described above under Tattooing and
Body Piercing Instruments and Jewelry. The studio or temporary location
shall use sterilization equipment that is approved and in accordance with
local health regulations pertaining to equipment for the purpose of
sterilization, and adequate in size to accommodate necessary utensils and
instruments. A copy of the manufacturer's recommended procedures for
operation of the sterilization unit(s) must be available for inspection by
appropriate departmental inspectors.
(b) Each person responsible for the sterilization of
instruments shall be able to demonstrate to the department's authorized
agent the correct sterilization procedures and the proper operation of the
sterilization equipment.
(c) After each use, the reusable instruments shall be
cleansed to remove blood and tissue residue before sterilization.
(d) Instruments requiring sterilization shall be
packed in packages approved for the sterilization unit. Instruments shall
be packed individually, or as a set provided such set is intended to be
used for a single procedure. Each package shall be labeled with the date
of sterilization and the initials of the person sterilizing the
instruments. Packaged sterilized instruments shall be kept in a sterile
condition and stored in a clean dust-tight container when not in use.
(e) Each package of instruments sterilized shall be
monitored for sterilization by the use of chemical/heat sensitive
indicators.
(f) Each studio or temporary location shall maintain
sterilization records. The information shall be permanently recorded and
made available for examination when requested. These permanent records
shall be maintained at the studio and shall include the following:
(1) date of sterilization;
(2) quantity and type of instruments to be sterilized;
and
(3) name or initials of the individual sterilizing the
instruments.
(g) Sterilized instruments stored in an approved
manner and not used within 30 days after sterilization shall no longer be
considered sterile and shall be resterilized before use, unless the studio
or temporary location utilizes presterilized instruments sterilized by the
manufacturer. If presterilized instruments are used, the artist shall
obtain documentation from the manufacturer that describes the method of
sterilization utilized by the manufacturer and the manufacturer's
recommendations for storage and maintenance of sterility. This
documentation shall be available for inspection by an authorized agent.
The artist shall follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage and
maintenance of sterility.
(h) One of the following methods of sterilization
should be used.
(1) Autoclave--steam under pressure (As far as I am
concerned this is the ONLY acceptable method in any modern, progressive
society) :
(A) 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) and a
pressure of at least 15 pounds per square inch for not less than 30
minutes after the chamber of the autoclave has reached the required
temperature and pressure; or
(B) as specified in the manufacturer's operator's
manual. If autoclave IS FOR SOME REASON locally obtainable,
(2) Dry heat sterilization:
(A) 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) for not
less than one hour under atmospheric pressure after the sterilizer has
reached the required temperature; or
(B) as specified in the manufacturer's operator's
manual. (This is not desireable, but obviously better than nothing. If
someone is using a dry Clave, I would suggest the use of a combination of
chemical products, for example, from Durr Dental products, Germany, in a
second cleaning/ soaking process after initial cleaning and before
Dry-Claving. You would want a reputable ( not cheap!) product with a
certified rated kill spectrum attached.)
|
| Care of the New
Tattoo/Piercing |
| (a) Each time tattooing or body piercing is performed the
client (and if applicable, the parent, managing conservator, or guardian)
shall receive oral and written instructions on the care of the area
tattooed or pierced. The client shall sign a written statement in the
permanent client record acknowledging that the client has received a copy
of the written care instructions, and that the client has read and
understands the instructions.
(b) The written care instructions for tattooing shall
contain at least the following items:
(1) The need to minimize exposure to the sun, and to
discourage swimming in fresh, salt, or chlorinated water;
(2) The need to properly cleanse the tattooed area;
(3) The need to apply antibiotic ointment or cream;
(4) The need to use sterile bandage(s) or other
sterile dressing(s) when necessary;
(5) The name of the artist, and the name, address, and
telephone number of the studio or temporary location; and
(6) The instructions for the client to consult a
health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic
reaction, and to report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or
adverse reaction resulting from the application of the tattoo to the
artist.
(c) The written care instructions for body
piercing should contain at least the following items:
(1) the need to properly cleanse the pierced area by using
antibacterial or antimicrobial soap for the external skin and or an
antiseptic or carbamide peroxide mouthwash for the oral cavity;
(2) for at least the first two to six weeks, the need
to minimize exposure to the sun, and to discourage swimming in fresh,
salt, or chlorinated water;
(3) the need to use sterile bandage(s) or other
sterile dressing(s) when necessary;
(4) the name of the artist, and the name, address, and
telephone number of the studio or temporary location; and
(5) the instructions for the client to consult a
health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic
reaction, and to report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or
adverse reaction resulting from the body piercing to the artist.
|
| Definitions |
|
|
The following words and terms have the following meanings, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Antiseptic--An agent that kills disease-causing
microorganisms on human skin or mucosa.
(2) Artist--A person who performs tattooing,
intradermal cosmetics, and or certain body piercing.
(3) Aseptic technique--A hygienic practice which
prevents and hinders the direct transfer of microorganisms, regardless of
pathogenicity, from one person or place to another person or place.
(4) Authorized agent--An employee of the local
governing body or bodies related to the tattooing and piercing practice.
(5) Body piercer--A person who performs body piercing,
referred to as the artist.
(6) Body piercing--The creation of an opening in an
individual's body, other than in an individual's earlobe, to insert
jewelry or another decoration.
(7) Body piercing studio--A permanent business studio
located in accordance with applicable local zoning codes where body
piercing is performed, referred to as the studio.
(8) Client--A person requesting the application of a
tattoo or certain body piercing.
(9) Contaminated waste--Any liquid or semi-liquid
blood or other potentially infectious materials; contaminated items that
would release blood or other potentially infectious materials in a liquid
or semi-liquid state if compressed; items that are caked with dried blood
or other potentially infectious materials and are capable of releasing
these materials during handling; contaminated sharps and pathological and
microbiological wastes containing blood and other potentially infectious
material.
(10) Cosmetic--An article or substance intended to be
rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on or introduced into or otherwise
applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting
attractiveness or altering appearances; or an article or substance for use
as a component of such an article, except that the term does not include
soap.
(11) Department-local governing body.
(12) Disinfectant--An agent that kills disease-causing
microorganisms on inanimate objects or surfaces.
(13) Ear piercing gun--A device that pierces an
individual's ear lobe using a single-use stud and clasp ear piercing
system. An ear piercing gun shall not be used to pierce any other part of
the body besides the ear lobe.
(14) Germicidal solution--An agent that kills
disease-causing microorganisms on hard surfaces; a disinfectant or
sanitizer registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and or an
approximate 1:100 dilution of household chlorine bleach (1/4 cup bleach
and 1 gallon of water).
(15) Germicidal soap--An agent designed for use on the
skin that kills disease-causing microorganisms, including but not limited
to, products containing povidone-iodine, chloroxylenol, triclosan, and
chlorhexidine gluconate.
(16) Hand washing facility--Sink equipped with hot and
cold or tempered running water under pressure, used for washing hands,
arms, or other portions of the body.
(17) Health care practitioner--A person licensed by
local/national authorities to practice medicine.
(18) Instruments--Hand pieces, needles, needle bars,
hemostats, forceps, pliers, and other items that may come in contact with
a client's body or possible exposure to bodily fluids during the tattoo
and body piercing procedures.
(19) Jewelry--Any personal ornament inserted into a
pierced area, which must be made of surgical implant grade stainless steel
(minimum of 316L or 316LVM), solid 14k or 18k gold, niobium, titanium
(minimum of 6A14V), or platinum, which is free of nicks, scratches, or
irregular surfaces and has been properly sterilized prior to use.
(20) License holder--A person who owns, operates, or
maintains a tattoo studio, tattoo and body piercing studio, body piercing
studio or temporary location in compliance with local law and regulation.
(21) Sanitize--To treat a clean surface and kill
pathogenic microorganisms.
(22) Sharps--Any object (sterile or contaminated) that
may purposefully or accidentally cut or penetrate the skin or mucosa
including, but not limited to, needles, scalpel blades, and razor blades.
(23) Sharps container--A puncture-resistant,
leak-proof container that can be closed for handling, storage,
transportation, and disposal and that is labeled with the International
Biohazard Symbol.
(24) Single-use--Articles intended for one-time,
one-person use and which are to be discarded after such use.
(25) Sterilization area--A separate room or area
separate from workstations with restricted client access in which tattoo
and body piercing instruments are cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized.
(26) Tattoo/tattooing--The practice of producing an
indelible mark or figure on the human body by scarring or inserting a
pigment under the skin using needles, scalpels, or other related devices
including intradermal cosmetics.
(27) Tattoo and body piercing area--The portion of the
tattoo or body piercing studio used for applying tattoos or performing
body piercing, including all surrounding areas which are likely to come
into contact with contaminated waste.
(28) Tattooist--A person who performs tattooing or
applies intradermal cosmetics and who is responsible for adherence to the
provisions of these sections; hereafter referred to as artist.
(29) Tattoo studio, premesis where tattooing or
intradermal cosmetic application is performed, referred to as the studio.
(30) Universal precautions--A method of infection
control in which employees treat all blood and body fluids as to contain
all bloodborne pathogens and taking proper precautions to prevent the
spread of any bloodborne pathogens. Precautions include hand washing,
gloving, personal protective equipment, injury prevention, and proper
handling and disposal of needles, other sharp instruments, and blood and
body fluid contaminated products.
THIS INFORMATION IS SOLEY PRESENTED FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND
ENTERTAINMENT AND CERTAINLY IS NOT THE DO-ALL OR END-ALL IN THE SENSE OF
TATTOO KNOWLEDGE. HOWEVER, IT IS BETTER THAN NOTHING AND AN HONEST, FROM
THE HEART EFFORT AT CREATING GREATER PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. THE GREAT MAJORITY
OF TATTOOISTS YOU WILL MEET ARE TRULY CARING PROFESSIONALS, AND GENERALLY,
GREAT 'PEOPLE' PERSONS. IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS, ADDITIONAL
KNOWLEDGE, ETC. I WOULD BE PLEASED TO HEAR FROM YOU AND THANKFUL FOR YOUR
INPUT. ...JOHN ANTHONY 'PLUTO' HYLAND |
