Piercings and tattoos are body decorations that go back to ancient times. Body piercing involves making a hole in the skin so that you can insert jewelry. This is often in the earlobe, but can be in other parts of the body. Tattoos are designs on the skin made with needles and colored ink. A permanent tattoo is meant to last forever. Permanent makeup is a type of tattoo.

The health risks of piercings and tattoos include

• Allergic reactions
• Keloids, a type of scar that forms during healing
• Infections, such as hepatitis

To reduce the risks, make sure that the facility is clean, safe and has a good reputation. Proper sterilization of the equipment is important. Be sure to follow the instructions on caring for your skin.

Holes from piercing usually close up if you no longer wear the jewelry. It is possible to remove tattoos, but it's painful and can cause scarring.

Some women get tattoos for beauty, self-expression, or cultural events. Whatever your reason, know the facts before and after you get a tattoo.

Types of Tattoos

• Permanent Tattoo: A needle inserts colored ink into your skin. Permanent tattoos last a lifetime.
• Permanent Make-Up: A needle inserts colored ink into your skin to look like eyeliner, lip liner, eyebrows or other make-up.
• Henna: Plant dye called henna or mehndi is used to stain your skin.
• Black Henna: Developed from henna, may contain hair dye or other dye to darken the stain and make it last longer.
• 'Sticker' Temporary Tattoo: A tattoo design is on a coated paper. It is put on your skin with water. Temporary tattoos may last up to 3-4 weeks. Sticker tattoos last hours to days.

Tattoo Risks

Problems can happen.

• Infections and serious illness, like HIV or hepatitis, from unclean tattoo tools, practices, or products
• Allergic reactions to the inks or stains can cause skin problems, such as rashes
• Other skin problems like increased chance of sunburn, bumps, redness, or scarring
• Swelling and burning of the tattoo when you get an MRI test
• Pain and high costs if you want to remove a permanent tattoo

Contact your state or local health department for tattoo safety information to reduce your risk. Tell your doctor about any tattoos you have before any medical procedure.

FDA's Role

FDA--

• has not approved any inks for injecting into your skin.
• has not approved henna or hair dye for use on your skin. Some people have reported serious skin problems after using henna or black henna.
• does not regulate tattoo parlours.
• does monitor problems from tattoos and permanent make-up.

Removing Your Tattoo

Permanent tattoos can be hard and painful to remove. It may take several treatments that cost a lot of money. Talk to your doctor about your options. Remember:

• You may not be able to completely remove your tattoo.
• You could get a scar when you remove your tattoo.

Laser Removal

The FDA approves certain laser devices to remove tattoos. Lighter colors such as yellow, green, and red are more difficult to remove than darker colors such as dark blue and black. It may take 6-10 treatments to remove a tattoo. Some side effects may include bleeding, redness or soreness.

Surgery

Tattoos can sometimes be removed by cutting out the tattooed skin then sewing the skin back together. Other times, the skin can be sanded down to remove the tattoo.

Ointments and Creams

The FDA does not approve tattoo removal ointments and creams or do-it-yourself tattoo removal kits. These products may cause skin rashes, burns or scars.

"Decal" Temporary Tattoos

Decal temporary tattoos are used to decorate any part of the body, including areas of the face and around the eyes, and may last for a day or up to a week or more. They are especially popular with children and at Halloween.

There are two kinds of decal tattoos:

• Some are images attached to a removable backing. The decal image is removed from the backing by wetting, and the image is then applied directly to the skin.
• Others have a backing that adheres to the skin, creating a partial or complete barrier between the skin and the dyes used in the image.

The difference is important, because not all dyes are known to be safe for use on the skin. While an adhesive backing may protect the skin from unapproved colors, there may be other ingredients on or in the decal to help the image adhere better either to the backing or to the skin that may cause problems for some people.

FDA has received reports of reactions to some decal-type temporary tattoos. Before using a temporary tattoo on your face, it may be a good idea to try it on a less conspicuous part of your body.

Henna, or Mehndi, and "Black Henna"

Henna, a coloring made from a plant, is approved only for use as a hair dye. It is not approved for direct application to the skin, as in the body-decorating process known as mehndi. This unapproved use of a color additive makes these products adulterated. It is unlawful, for example, to introduce an adulterated cosmetic into interstate commerce.

Because henna typically produces a brown, orange-brown, or reddish-brown tint, other ingredients must be added to produce other colors, such as those marketed as "black henna" and "blue henna." Even brown shades of products marketed as henna may contain other ingredients intended to make them darker or make the stain last longer on the skin.

The extra ingredient used to blacken henna is often a coal-tar hair dye containing p-phenylenediamine (PPD), an ingredient that can cause dangerous skin reactions in some people. That's the reason hair dyes have a caution statement and instructions to do a "patch test" on a small area of the skin before using them. Sometimes, the artist may use a PPD-containing hair dye alone. Either way, there's no telling who will be affected. By law, PPD is not permitted in cosmetics intended to be applied to the skin.

FDA has received reports of injuries to the skin from products marketed as henna and products marketed as "black henna."

Finding out What's in a Temporary Tattoo or Henna/Mehndi Product

Cosmetics that are sold on a retail basis to consumers must have their ingredients listed on the label. Without such an ingredient declaration, they are considered misbranded, and therefore it is unlawful to introduce them into interstate commerce. FDA requires the ingredient declaration under the authority of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA).

Because the FPLA does not apply to cosmetic samples and products used only by professionals--for example, for application at a salon, or a booth at a fair or boardwalk--the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products.

FDA is looking into the safety of tattoos and permanent makeup because of their growing popularity. For example, we are looking at tattoo removal, adverse reactions to tattoo colors, and infections that result from the use of these products.

Consumers should think carefully before getting a tattoo or permanent makeup and consider these facts:

• Some people have had bad reactions to tattoo and permanent makeup inks. Some have suffered permanent disfigurement.

• Tattoos and permanent makeup are not easily removed and in some cases may cause permanent discoloration.

• No color additives are approved for tattoos, including those used in permanent makeup.

• Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious disease, such as hepatitis; it is extremely important to confirm that all equipment is clean and sanitary before use.

• Contaminated inks have caused infections, even when the tattoo artist followed hygienic procedures.

• If you get a tattoo at a facility not regulated by your state or at facilities that use unsterile equipment, or re-use ink, you may not be accepted as a blood or plasma donor for twelve months.

Temporary tattoos, such as those applied to the skin with a moistened wad of cotton, fade several days after application. Many contain color additives approved for cosmetic use on the skin. However, FDA has received reports of allergic reactions to some temporary tattoos.

Henna, a coloring made from a plant, is approved only for use as a hair dye, not for direct application to the skin. In addition, products marketed as "henna" may contain other ingredients. FDA has received reports of injuries to the skin both from products marketed as henna and from those marketed as "black henna."

The following are the primary complications that can result from tattooing:

• Infection. Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus ("staph") and other bacteria. Tattoos received at facilities not regulated by your state or at facilities that use unsterile equipment (or re-use ink) may prevent you from being accepted as a blood or plasma donor for twelve months. Infections also have resulted from contaminated tattoo inks, even when the tattoo artist has followed hygienic procedures. These infections can require prolonged treatment with antibiotics.
• Removal problems. Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible.
• Allergic reactions. Although FDA has received reports of numerous adverse reactions associated with certain shades of ink in permanent makeup, marketed by a particular manufacturer, reports of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments have been rare. However, when they happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years.
• Granulomas. These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
• Keloid formation. If you are prone to developing keloids -- scars that grow beyond normal boundaries -- you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin. Micropigmentation: State of the Art, a book written by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D., states that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.
• MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.There have also been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the MRI image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes MRI of the eyes. However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or radiologic technologist.

Tattoos are more popular than ever. According to a 2015 Harris Poll, about 3 in 10 (or 29%) people surveyed have at least one tattoo. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also seeing reports of people developing infections from contaminated tattoo inks, as well as adverse reactions to the inks themselves.

Over the years, the FDA has received hundreds of adverse event reports involving tattoos: 363 from 2004-2016.

Before you get a tattoo, consider these key questions, answered by Dr. Linda Katz, M.D., M.P.H., director of FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors.

1. Should I be concerned about unsafe practices, or the tattoo ink itself?

Both. While you can get serious infections from unhygienic practices and equipment that isn’t sterile, infections can also result from ink that was contaminated with bacteria or mold. Using non-sterile water to dilute the pigments (ingredients that add color) is a common culprit, although not the only one.

There’s no sure-fire way to tell if the ink is safe. An ink can be contaminated even if the container is sealed or the label says the product is sterile.

2. What is in tattoo ink?

Published research has reported that some inks contain pigments used in printer toner or in car paint. FDA has not approved any pigments for injection into the skin for cosmetic purposes.

FDA reviews reports of adverse reactions or infections from consumers and healthcare providers. We may learn about outbreaks from the state authorities who oversee tattoo parlors.

3. What kinds of reactions may happen after getting a tattoo?

You might notice a rash—redness or bumps—in the area of your tattoo, and you could develop a fever.

More aggressive infections may cause high fever, shaking, chills, and sweats. Treating such infections might require a variety of antibiotics—possibly for months—or even hospitalization and/or surgery. A rash may also mean you’re having an allergic reaction. And because the inks are permanent, the reaction may persist.

Contact your health care professional if you have any concerns.

4. Can scar tissue build up after getting a tattoo?

Scar tissue may form when you get a tattoo, or you could develop “granulomas,” small knots or bumps that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign. If you tend to get keloids—scars that grow beyond normal boundaries—you may develop the same kind of reaction to the tattoo.

5. What do I need to know about MRIs if I get a tattoo?

Some people may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although this happens rarely and does not last long. Let your health care professional know that you have a tattoo before an MRI is ordered.

6. What about do-it-yourself tattoo inks and kits?

Inks and kits sold as “do-it-yourself” to consumers have been associated with infections and allergic reactions. FDA is also concerned that consumers may not know how to control and avoid all sources of contamination.

7. Could other problems occur later on?

Although research is ongoing at FDA and elsewhere, there are still a lot of questions about the long-term effects of the pigments, other ingredients, and possible contaminants in tattoo inks. FDA has received reports of bad reactions to tattoo inks right after tattooing and even years later. You also might become allergic to other products, such as hair dyes, if your tattoo contains p-phenylenediamene (PPD).

Then there’s tattoo removal. We don’t know the short- or long-term consequences of how pigments break down after laser treatment. However, we do know some tattoo removal procedures may leave permanent scarring.

8. If I get a tattoo and develop an infection or other reaction, what should I do?

First, contact your health care professional.

Second, notify the tattoo artist so he or she can identify the ink and avoid using it again. Ask for the brand, color, and any lot or batch number of the ink or diluent to help determine the source of the problem and how to treat it.

Third, whether you’re a consumer, tattoo artist, or health care professional, tell FDA. Provide as much detail as possible about the ink and your reaction and outcome. Reports from consumers are one of our most important sources of safety information.

Removing Tattoos May Be Harder Than You Think

So think before you ink. Consider the risks.

Remember, too, that removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, and complete removal without scarring may be impossible.

If you do decide to get a tattoo, make sure the tattoo parlor and artist comply with state and local laws. The National Conference of State Legislatures has a Web page on state requirements for tattooing. For information on local regulations, contact your county or city health department.

A common problem that may develop with tattoos is the desire to remove them. Removing tattoos and permanent makeup can be very difficult.

Although tattoos may be satisfactory at first, they sometimes fade. Also, if the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance.

Another cause of dissatisfaction is that the human body changes over time, and styles change with the season. The permanent makeup that may have looked flattering when first injected may later clash with changing skin tones and facial or body contours. People who plan to have facial cosmetic surgery are advised that the appearance of their permanent makeup may become distorted. The tattoo that seem stylish at the time may become dated and embarrassing later on. And changing tattoos or permanent makeup is not as easy as changing your mind.

Consult your healthcare provider about the best removal techniques for you.

That tattoo on your arm of a former flame—the one that seemed like a great idea years ago—is kind of embarrassing today. And your spouse is not too crazy about it either.

While state and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing, inks and pigments used in tattoos are subject to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight as cosmetics. FDA takes action to protect consumers when safety issues arise related to the inks.

At the other end of the tattoo process, FDA also regulates laser devices used to remove tattoos. In recent years, FDA has cleared for marketing several types of lasers for tattoo lightening or removal.

A Rise in Tattoo Removal

According to a Harris Interactive poll conducted in January 2012, 1 in 8 of American adults who have tattoos regret getting one. In addition, many people who get a tattoo will want to update or modify their tattoos.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) reports that in 2011, its doctors performed nearly 100,000 tattoo removal procedures, up from the 86,000 performed in 2010. And, from 2012 to 2013, the number of tattoo removals increased by 52 percent.

Unfortunately, removing a tattoo is not as simple as changing your mind.

Lasers, Dermabrasion, and Other Methods for Tattoo Removal

Tattoos are meant to be permanent. Artists create tattoos by using an electrically powered machine that moves a needle up and down to inject ink into the skin, penetrating the epidermis, or outer layer, and depositing a drop of ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin. The cells of the dermis are more stable compared with those of the epidermis, so the ink will mostly stay in place for a person’s lifetime.

An effective and safe way to remove tattoos is through laser surgery, performed by a dermatologist who specializes in tattoo removal, says FDA’s Mehmet Kosoglu, Ph.D., who reviews applications for marketing clearances of laser-devices.

There are several FDA-cleared devices intended for use in removing tattoos. FDA clearance means that FDA has determined the device to be substantially equivalent to another legally marketed device, according to FDA dermatologist Markham Luke, MD, PhD.

One method is laser removal. With laser removal, pulses of high-intensity laser energy pass through the epidermis and are selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. The laser breaks the pigment into smaller particles, which may be metabolized or excreted by the body, or transported to and stored in lymph nodes or other tissues, Kosoglu explains.

The type of laser used to remove a tattoo depends on the tattoo’s pigment colors, he adds. Because every color of ink absorbs different wavelengths of light, multi-colored tattoos may require the use of multiple lasers. Lighter colors such as green, red, and yellow are the hardest colors to remove, while blue and black are the easiest.

Generally speaking, just one laser treatment won’t do the trick. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the procedure requires multiple treatments (typically six to 10) depending on a tattoo’s size and colors, and requires a few weeks of healing time between procedures.

Kosoglu says that pulsed lasers have been used to remove tattoos for more than 20 years. However, it can be a painstaking process. “Complete removal, with no scarring, is sometimes not possible,” Kosoglu notes.

Other methods include dermabrasion—actually “sanding” away the top layer of skin—and excision, cutting away the area of the tattoo and then sewing the skin back together.

A Note about Creams

At this time, FDA has not approved or cleared any do-it-yourself tattoo removal ointments and creams that you can buy online. “FDA has not reviewed them, and is not aware of any clinical evidence that they work,” says Luke. In addition, Luke says that tattoo removal ointments and creams may cause unexpected reactions, such as rashes, burning, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation in the process.

Pain and Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal

Does tattoo removal hurt? “That depends on a person’s pain threshold,” Kosoglu says. Some people compare the sensation of laser removal to being spattered with drops of hot bacon grease or snapping a thin rubber band against the skin. A trained dermatologist will be able to adjust the treatment to the patient’s comfort level.

Some side effects may include pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long. Another possible side effect of tattoo removal is scarring.

Luke says that these laser devices are cleared for use by, or under the supervision of, a health care professional. The removal procedure requires using the correct type of laser, understanding the reaction of tissue to laser, and knowing how to treat the area after the procedure.

“If you have any concerns about having a tattoo removed, it’s a good idea to consult your dermatologist, who is knowledgeable about laser treatments,” Luke concludes.

The ASDS has a list of dermatological surgeons who specialize in tattoo removal.

Consumers are asked to report adverse (negative) reactions from tattoos, as well as problems with tattoo removal, to FDA’s MedWatch.

Creating living art is a unique talent, but it puts tattooists and piercers at risk of coming in contact with their client’s blood. This means artists may also be exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

These viruses can be dangerous. They can make you sick and they can possibly make your family sick, if they are exposed. Some of these diseases are permanent and can be fatal.

Artists can be exposed to a bloodborne virus during the set-up, procedure, break down, and clean-up stages. These exposures can occur through needlesticks, contact with dried blood on equipment or surfaces, or blood splashes in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Keeping a clean shop and using safe work practices, ensures a safe and professional atmosphere for artists and clients.

There are many different bloodborne diseases, but not all of these diseases have vaccines available for protection. Currently, no vaccine exists to protect against hepatitis C or HIV. But a vaccine does exist to protect against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B virus is one bloodborne pathogen. Hepatitis B is spread when blood or certain body fluids (e.g. semen) from an infected person get into the body of a person who is not infected. This can happen by getting stuck with a used needle, blood splashing into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or by having sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis B.

The hepatitis B virus has been found to survive for more than a week in dried blood. This means artists can still be exposed to the virus long after an infected person has left the shop if shop counters, chairs, needles, or equipment are not properly disinfected.

Symptoms, or signs, of hepatitis B may not show up for several months after a person has been infected. Only 70% of people who are infected with hepatitis B have symptoms. This means a person could be infected, but still look and feel healthy. People who do not have symptoms can still spread the virus and may eventually develop liver cancer or liver failure. Besides liver cancer and liver failure, hepatitis B can also cause life-long infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, and death.

Learn more about hepatitis B prevention. Here is some additional information for preventing exposures to hepatitis B and other bloodborne diseases:

Hepatitis B vaccination can prevent infection

Hepatitis B is one virus people can be protected from. Currently, there is no vaccine to protect people from hepatitis C virus or HIV.

A doctor or nurse can provide more information about the vaccine and the vaccine dosing schedule.

Employees can get vaccinated for FREE!

Employers are required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to make the hepatitis B vaccine available at no cost to employees who may be exposed to blood while at work.

Employees who turn down the vaccine must sign a declination form

Employees have the right to refuse the hepatitis B vaccine and/or any post-exposure evaluation and follow-up. OSHA regulations require employers to keep record of a vaccine refusal by having the employee sign a hepatitis B declination form. The studio owner must keep signed hepatitis B declination forms on file.

If later an employee changes his/her mind, OSHA regulations still require the employer to make the vaccine available at no cost.

If exposed to blood, artists should seek emergency medical treatment

If an artist is exposed to another person’s blood, the artist should notify the shop owner and immediately seek medical attention. If treatment is needed, it is more likely to be effective if it begins soon after the exposure happens.

Exposures to bloodborne pathogens can happen by getting stuck with a used needle or getting cut by a sharp instrument that has blood on it.

Certain practices can reduce needlesticks and other sharps injuries. Here is some additional information for preventing exposures to blood in the body art industry.

Disposable piercing needles, tattoo needles, and razors must be discarded into a sharps disposal container

Body artists must throw away used or contaminated sharps into a sharps disposal container.,

It is safer to put disposable razors into a sharps disposal container rather than the trash. This will protect the person changing or handling the trash bag from getting cut with a used razor.

Sharps disposal containers must be kept in a safe place that is easy to reach

Sharps disposal containers must be kept in a place that is near a work area so artists can quickly and safely dispose of used sharps. ,

Sharps disposal containers must be changed when they become full

If sharps disposal containers become full, they must be replaced so the containers do not spill over. An artist could get a needlestick if he or she throws away a sharp item into a full container.

It is a good idea to replace sharps disposal containers when they are 2/3 full.

Sharps disposal containers must be clearly marked ,

Sharps disposal containers must be closeable, puncture resistant, leak-proof, and labeled., These features allow for safe disposal in a container that is familiar to all workers.

The number of times an artist’s hands are in contact with a sharp should be reduced if possible

When handling or disposing a used sharp, tattooists and piercers should use a tool instead of their fingers to pick up or hold the sharp. This may reduce needlesticks.

A sharps incident log should be kept for each shop

Though OSHA regulations do not generally require a body artist to keep an injury log, a record of cuts from sharps can increase awareness of sharps-related injuries. A sharps incidence log lets artists know how often sharps-related injuries happen and under what conditions. Recording needlesticks and cuts from sharps allow artists to learn from their mistakes and others’ mistakes to help reduce exposures.

An exposure control plan must be made and kept at each shop

As required by OSHA, an exposure control plan is written by a shop owner and describes the steps an employer will take to minimize employee exposure to blood. The details included in an exposure control plan should be specific to each shop.

Cross-contamination is the act of spreading bacteria and viruses from one surface to another. Since bloodborne viruses can live on objects and surfaces for up to a week, germs could be spread when surfaces are not disinfected the right way or if equipment is not cleaned and sterilized between clients.

Some examples of cross-contamination are:

A piercer places his tools on a counter that has not been disinfected and then uses the tools for a piercing procedure without sterilizing them.

A tattooist, while working on a client, answers the phone without removing her gloves. By not removing her gloves, the artist may spread bacteria and viruses from the gloves onto the phone. Other people using the phone could then be exposed to a disease.

Here is some additional information for preventative practices that may reduce cross-contamination in the body art industry:

Gloves should be changed when it is necessary

Gloves must be removed and thrown away whenever a tattooist or piercer leaves his or her work area.

Gloves should be changed if they tear.

Disposable gloves must not be washed or reused.

Hands should be washed often

Hand washing can get rid of most the disease-causing organisms on a person’s hands.

When wearing gloves, heat and moisture build up. This creates the right conditions to allow bacteria to reproduce. To lessen the spread of viruses and bacteria, tattooists and piercers should wash their hands before and after wearing gloves.

Gloves are not a substitute for hand washing

Surfaces should be disinfected often

Body artists should disinfect surfaces, such as the client’s chair and counter space, between procedures.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of registered disinfectants that are made to kill certain bacteria and viruses. EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectants are best for cleaning surfaces contaminated with blood.

The germ that causes tuberculosis is one of the most difficult to kill. Any disinfectant that claims to be able to eliminate the tuberculosis germ can also kill HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses.

Many disinfectants need to stay on surfaces for a specific amount of time to fully disinfect the surface before being wiped down. The instructions included with the disinfectant should note the amount of time needed to properly disinfect an area.

Reusable tools and equipment should be cleaned before being sterilized

Cleaning is the first step in removing viruses and bacteria from equipment. Reusable tools and equipment should first be washed before being sterilized. If washing tools manually, piercers and tattooists should use a brush or similar tool whenever possible.

Ultrasonic cleaners work well to clean tools in hard-to-reach places and reduce the amount of time contaminated equipment is handled. Shop employers should check with the owner’s manual to be sure the machine is cared for correctly.

Use disposable “single-use” supplies whenever possible

Disposable supplies, such as pigment caps, razors, rinse cups, and sterilized pre-made needle bars, should be used once and disposed of. By not reusing disposable supplies, the possibility of being exposed to blood while cleaning them is avoided.

Sterilization machines must be regularly tested and serviced

Autoclave machines use steam, pressure, and temperature to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Gauge readings and the color change of indicator strips on autoclave packaging are not reliable ways of ensuring an autoclave is sterilizing correctly.

If the machine is not well cared for, it may not reach the conditions needed to sterilize reusable equipment well.

Routine spore tests can check if an autoclave is sterilizing correctly. Employers should contact their local health department to find out how often spore tests should be done.

The employer should also ensure the autoclave is regularly serviced. The owner’s manual should provide information about the maintenance schedule.

Tattooists and piercers must attend bloodborne pathogen training at least yearly

OSHA regulations require employers to provide yearly bloodborne pathogen training at no cost to employees with the option of taking the course during work hours. If the training is done during non-working hours, employees must be compensated for their time. Record of training must be kept by employers.