How Do Tattoo Artists Protect Themselves from Bloodborne Pathogens?

Key Takeaway

Tattoo artists protect themselves against bloodborne pathogens through a comprehensive approach that includes sufficient training, consistent use of personal protective gear, stringent sterilization practices, proper disposal of waste materials, and cleanliness of the working area. These practices not only protect the artist but also ensure client safety and compliance with health regulations.

Bloodborne pathogen protection is a must for tattoo artists since they constantly come into touch with blood and other bodily fluids when they work. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are examples of these unseen dangers that are extremely dangerous to people's health. In order to keep themselves and their clients safe while also adhering to health standards, it's necessary for professional tattoo artists to apply many layers of protection.

What Are Bloodborne Pathogens and Why Should Tattoo Artists Care?

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are contagious and can be found in human blood and other bodily fluids. They can cause serious diseases. Tattoo artists need to know about these hidden dangers because they come into close contact with their clients' blood during the needle-to-skin process.

The Major Bloodborne Pathogen Threats in Tattoo Studios

The most prevalent bloodborne pathogens that tattoo artists should know about are:

• Hepatitis B (HBV): A viral liver infection that can infect both acute and chronic. HBV can survive outside the body for up to 7 days, making it a virus of particular concern in tattooing environments.
• Hepatitis C (HCV): Another liver disease that frequently leads to long-term illness. HCV is especially troublesome because a vast majority of infected individuals are asymptomatic for years.
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): The virus that can lead to AIDS, weakening the immune system over time.
• MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): Although not technically bloodborne, this antibiotic-resistant bacterium can be transmitted during tattooing and lead to serious skin infections.

How Transmission Takes Place in Tattoo Settings

Bloodborne pathogens can be spread in tattoo studios through several channels:

• Tattoo artists accidentally prick themselves with needles that they have used on clients.
• Tattoo artists' skin (especially if cut or open wounds) comes into contact with clients' blood or when splashing blood reaches the eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Use of improperly sterilized needles, tubes, or other equipment that has been in contact with infected blood.
• Blood or bodily fluids remain on work surfaces, chairs, or equipment and aren't properly disinfected between clients.
• Inadequate handling of used needles, razor blades, or other sharp objects increases the risk of accidental injuries.

Why This Matters to Everyone

For tattoo artists, the stakes are high—regular exposure to multiple clients' blood creates the ongoing risk of infection that could impact both health and career. A single incident could lead to lifelong health consequences.

For clients, choosing artists who follow proper bloodborne pathogen protocols ensures a safe tattoo experience and protects against serious diseases.

Besides individual health concerns, the proper regulation of bloodborne pathogens is also legally required. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs specific standards (29 CFR 1910.1030) that tattoo shops must comply with to protect employees and customers. Noncompliance results in heavy fines and shop closure.

How Can Tattoo Artists Protect Themselves in Daily Practice?

To keep yourself safe from bloodborne pathogens, you need to implement multiple safety layers in your daily life.

Complete Bloodborne Pathogens Training

OSHA requires all tattoo artists to be trained in Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP). This certification will teach you how to keep yourself and your clients safe from lethal diseases through good hygiene and safety procedures.

BBP training incorporates awareness of pathogens, methods of sterilization, proper disposal, and emergency responses for accidental exposure. Such comprehensive training forms the foundation of safe tattooing practices and is an obligatory requirement by law for professional tattooists.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE offers protective barriers between you and potential pathogens:

• Gloves: Nitrile gloves are industry standard because they are durable and chemical-resistant. Wear them when tattooing, handling contaminated materials, or cleaning equipment. Switch gloves frequently during sessions, especially for longer tattoos, and always between clients.
• Aprons and sleeves: Impermeable disposable aprons or gowns keep your clothing from contamination. For added protection, disposable arm sleeves stop splattering fluid from reaching your skin during longer procedures.
• Face masks: Though not always necessarily used in routine tattooing, masks prevent inhaling airborne particles or droplets, particularly when performing procedures in heavily sprayed areas.
• Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles shield your eyes from blood splatter, which may happen with certain tattooing practices or the working in the highly vascular zones.
• Barrier films: Transparent barrier film must be applied over objects like tattoo chairs, trays, machines, and power supplies prior to every procedure to prevent cross-contamination.

Establish a Safe Tattoo Work Environment

Your studio organization is important for avoiding contamination:

• Have clear areas for various activities. Have your sterilization area separate from your tattoo area, and under no circumstances ever clean equipment within the same handwashing sink.
• All your work surfaces should be smooth, non-porous, and should be easy to clean. Materials such as stainless steel, glass, or particular plastics are well-suited as they can be thoroughly disinfected.
• Good visibility helps you detect possible contamination issues and enables you to see well when you are cleaning.
• Foot pedals on soap dispensers, paper towel holders, and trash cans reduce the need for hands to touch possibly contaminated surfaces.
• Maintain storage in order by having clean supplies in closed cabinets to protect them from dust and contamination.

Implement Rigorous Sterilization Procedures

Sterilization is non-negotiable in the prevention of the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. For client-contacting equipment:

• Use an autoclave for all reusable equipment that penetrates the skin or contacts blood. Maintain proper records of sterilization cycles.
• Items that cannot be autoclaved but contact intact skin should undergo intermediate-level disinfection with EPA-registered disinfectants.
• Any items that come into contact with mucous membranes must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before reuse.
• Store sterilized equipment in sealed packets until immediately prior to use. Opened sterile packaging, use the equipment straight away or re-sterilize it.
• For inks, use only professional inks intended for tattooing human skin. Dispense inks into single-use containers before each procedure and discard any leftover ink after completion.

Manage Sharps and Waste Safely

Each workstation needs to have a dedicated puncture-proof sharps container with the international biohazard symbol affixed to it.

Never break, bend, or recap needles prior to disposing of them. Throw them away after use in the sharps container. Pick up needles and sharps using instruments like pliers or hemostats in order to prevent accidental sticks.

To dispose, you may attempt any of the following:

• Dispose of your waste by contracting with an ADEQ-registered biohazardous waste transporter to take it to a permitted treatment plant.
• Treat sharps on-site by rendering them incapable of creating a stick hazard through encapsulation or other approved methods.
• Use mail-back systems specifically designed for medical sharps disposal.

Prevent Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination happens when pathogens are spread from one surface or person to another. Prevent this by:

• Using squeeze bottles or pumps to dispense all liquids rather than dipping into containers.
• Use disposable applicators, never your fingers, to put on creams and lotions.
• Covering equipment like machines, clip cords, and spray bottles with disposable barriers that are changed between clients.
• Opening ink bottles with clean barriers like paper towels to avoid contaminating the caps.
• Never apply liquid disinfectants onto tattoos or piercings directly, as this can spray blood into the air. Apply first to a sterile applicator.

What to Do If You're Accidentally Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens?

Even if you follow all safety rules, you could still be exposed to the Bloodborne Pathogens by chance. If you want to avoid getting an infection, knowing exactly what to do in these situations is very important.

Clean the Exposure Site Immediately

If you have a needlestick or sharps exposure, cleanse the area with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or longer. If splashes occur on the eyes, nose, or mouth, flush with clean water for 15 minutes. Avoid the application of caustic chemicals or bleach to wounds, as they will contribute to tissue destruction but not additional protection.

Document the Incident Thoroughly

Record all the details about the exposure incident, including the date, time, what you were doing, the type of exposure (needlestick, splash, etc.), and any details about the source client if available. This will be required for medical follow-up and reporting as required.

Seek Medical Attention Early

Contact your health care provider or go to an emergency department immediately—within 2 hours of exposure. For some of the bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be recommended, but it is most effective if given immediately after exposure.

Report According to Workplace Protocols

Follow your studio's exposure control plan for reporting. OSHA requires all exposures to be documented on specific forms and to be evaluated by a health care professional. This reporting is not just for compliance, but it also helps to ensure that you receive the proper care and can help determine how to avoid exposures in the future.

Follow Up Appropriately

Complete any recommended follow-up testing or medical evaluations. Depending on the exposure type and source, you may need testing immediately after exposure and then at intervals over the following months. Don't skip these follow-ups, even if you feel fine.

FAQs

Q: How often should tattoo artists get tested for bloodborne pathogens?

A: Tattoo artists should get tested at least annually. Many professionals recommend getting a full blood panel test yearly to check for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. More frequent testing may be advisable if an exposure incident occurs.

Q: What vaccinations are recommended for tattoo artists?

A: Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended for all tattoo artists. Additional recommended vaccinations include tetanus (every 5 years instead of the standard 10), and some professionals also recommend Hepatitis A. These provide protection against common bloodborne risks in the industry.

Q: Can tattoo artists legally refuse service to clients with bloodborne diseases?

A: This varies by jurisdiction, but generally, tattoo artists can refuse service if they believe there's a health or safety risk. However, discrimination based solely on health status may violate disability laws in some areas. Consult local regulations for specific guidance.