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Tattooing Health and Safety

Check List for Choosing a Safe Tattooist

  1. Take time to shop around in person (not recommended to shop by phone)
  2. Ask to see pictures of his/her work.
  3. Make sure the place is clean and in good repair.
  4. Make sure the artist is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  5. Ask to see sterilizing equipment. They should have an autoclave. Ask to see results of the most recent spore test.
  6. Make sure there is sink in close proxcimity for hand washing.
  7. Inquire if a sharps container is used for dirty needles.
  8. Make sure all needle bars, tubes etc. are taken from sterile packaging and opened in front of you.
  9. Make sure disposable razors and ink caps are used for each client, and disposed of after the tattoo is finished.
  10. Make sure the tattooist uses a new pair of latex gloves for each client.
  11. Make sure all equipment used is covered with plastic. This is to prevent cross contamination.
  12. Make sure skin is cleaned before tattooing begins.
  13. Make sure the tattooist clearly explains aftercare instructions.
  14. Make sure you receive an aftercare instruction sheet before leaving with a fresh tattoo.

    (Autoclave) (Spore test)

Piercing Health and Safety

Check List for Choosing a Safe Piercer

  1. Take time to shop around.
  2. Ask to see pictures of his/her work.
  3. Ask if they have done your type of piercing before.
  4. Make sure the place is clean and in good repair. Good lighting and a sink to wash hands are in close proxcimity.
  5. Make sure the Piercer is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  6. Make sure a sterile needle is used for each piercing. Piercing guns are not to be used. They cannot be properly sterilized.
    They can also cause tissue damage.
  7. Make sure all piercing equipment is taken from steril packaging and opened in front of you.
  8. Ask to see the sterilizing equipment. They should have an autoclave. Ask to see the result of most recent spore test.
  9. Make sure the piercer uses a new pair of latex gloves for each piercing.
  10. Make sure the proper jewelry is used. Normal retail jewelry found in the malls should not be used.
  11. Inquire if a sharps container is used for used needles.
  12. Make sure skin is cleaned before each piercing.
  13. Make sure piercer clearly explains aftercare instruction.
  14. Make sure you receive an aftercare instruction sheet before leaving with
    a fresh piercing.