Studio hygiene
The properly equipped
tattoo studio will use
biohazard containers for objects that have come into contact with blood or
bodily fluids,
sharps containers for old
needles, and an
autoclave for sterilizing tools.
[39] Certain jurisdictions also require studios by law to have a sink in the work area supplied with both hot and cold water.
Proper hygiene requires a body modification artist to wash his or her
hands before starting to prepare a client for the stencil, between
clients, and at any other time where
cross contamination
can occur. The use of single use disposable gloves is also mandatory.
Also, disposable gloves should be taken off after each stage of
tattooing. The same gloves should not be used to clean the tattoo
station, tattoo the client, or clean the tattoo; the tattoo artist
should change their disposable gloves at each stage. In some states and
countries it is illegal to tattoo a
minor
even with parental consent, and (except in the case of medical tattoos)
it is forbidden to tattoo impaired persons, people with contraindicated
skin conditions, those who are pregnant or nursing, those incapable of
consent due to mental incapacity or those under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
Tattoo artist drawing a design on a client before permanent tattooing.
Disposable gloves are used in modern tattooing for hygiene.
Before the tattooing begins the client is asked to approve the final
position of the applied stencil. After approval is given the artist will
open new, sterile needle packages in front of the client, and always
use new, sterile or sterile disposable instruments and supplies, and
fresh ink for each session (loaded into disposable ink caps which are
discarded after each client). Also, all areas which may be touched with
contaminated gloves will be wrapped in clear plastic to prevent
cross-contamination. Equipment that cannot be autoclaved (such as
counter tops, machines, and furniture) will be wiped with an approved
disinfectant.
[40]
Membership in professional organizations, or certificates of
appreciation/achievement, generally helps artists to be aware of the
latest trends. However, many of the most notable tattooists do not
belong to any association. While specific requirements to become a
tattooist vary between jurisdictions, many mandate only formal training
in bloodborne pathogens, and cross contamination. The local department
of health regulates tattoo studios in many jurisdictions.
For example, according to the health departments in
Oregon and
Hawaii,
tattoo artists in these states are required to take and pass a test
ascertaining their knowledge of health and safety precautions, as well
as the current state regulations. Performing a tattoo in Oregon state
without a proper and current license or in an unlicensed facility is a
felony offense.
[41] Tattooing was legalized in
New York City in 1997,
[42] and in Massachusetts and Oklahoma between 2002 and 2006.
