The body is at risk when a tattoo is done in an unclean and unsterile environment. It is why shop and artist hygiene is so important.
During your consultation, ask the artist how they clean and sterilize their equipment. Also, note whether the studio has an autoclave (a machine that kills bacteria and spores). It is crucial for non-disposable items like metal grips and pigment trays.
Disposable Gloves
The tattooing process is invasive and can transmit bacteria, viruses, and unwanted particles into the client’s bloodstream. To avoid this, tattooists must keep their hands and equipment clean.
Gloves are an integral part of this. Tattooists should always wear disposable gloves when touching their tattoo machines, piercing equipment, or cleaning a client’s skin. It ensures they do not accidentally transfer germs to the client and vice versa.
Pre-tattoo shops should use nitrile gloves instead of latex as these are more comfortable and offer better protection against blood-borne pathogens. They should also have plenty of medical-grade sanitizing wipes like Madacide to clean and disinfect their equipment and tattoo chairs. It is an ideal cleaner for tattooing as it’s fast-drying and safe to touch. It can also be used to clean reusable metal grips and tools or as a soaking solution for autoclaves.
Sterilization
If a tattoo parlor looks clean upfront, it may hide hazardous materials or reused tools. Look for a sharps box that is OSHA-approved and kept close to the tattooing station. The material used, such as steel or glass, should be easy to disinfect. Also, many artists keep their supply of gloves and other glove-only items in a small glass sundry jar. It helps to minimize cross-contamination while tattooing and keeps the sterile items easily accessible.
Another thing to check is whether the tattoo shop uses an autoclave. It is a device that sterilizes non-disposable stainless steel equipment using hot steam for a long time to kill microorganisms, spores, and bacteria.
It is a must-have for a professional tattoo parlor that wants to stay clean and reputable. To ensure safety, you must inquire about sterilizing your tattoo artist’s tools. Additionally, it’s best to ask how they dispose of their old tools once they are no longer used. Also, make sure they’re using new pigment trays and needles.
Disposable Containers for Ink
A tattoo shop must have the proper supplies to keep a sterile work environment. Includes metal tattoo ink holders that eliminate the need for glass cups and can easily be wiped down after each use. Having disposable ink tubes also helps save money and reduces the risk of contamination.
Look to see if the tattoo artist is using fresh, disposable gloves and not contaminating them by touching dirty items. Also, be sure they have the proper sterilization supplies, like autoclaves for reusable equipment.
Ask where the tattoo ink comes from and if it’s been tested for purity. Inks not regulated by the FDA could contain contaminants such as blood splatter and azo pigments, which have been known to break down into cancer-causing compounds and can be absorbed into the skin. Also, ensure they have a sufficient supply of first-aid products for any potential injuries during the process. It will minimize infection and pain.
Disposable Containers for Waste
Tattooing involves working with sharp, open wounds and blood, which creates a lot of waste. A tattoo shop should have the right equipment to handle medical waste properly and safely.
These items include contaminated sharps, which are used needles or other piercing equipment that may have come into contact with blood and bodily fluids, and biohazardous waste, such as gloves, soiled bandages, disposable wipes, cotton swabs, and leftover inks and ointments. These items are all considered regulated waste and shouldn’t be placed in the regular trash.
Ideally, these regulated waste items should be stored in orange-lidded sharps containers to prevent accidental injuries. These containers also have airtight lids that reduce the risk of punctures and cuts, making them an ideal option for tattoo parlors. To further ensure that these regulated waste items are compliantly disposed of, tattoo and beauty professionals can partner with Medical Systems to participate in our mail-back program. This program is designed with various container sizes and service schedules to meet the needs of any tattoo parlor or other medical practice.
