Safe Tattooing

Aftercare Tips:
Don't get a tattoo if…
The finished tattoo should be covered
with a clean, non-stick bandage.
 An artist can't or won't answer all of
Ask about the follow-up care needed
with your tattoo. The artist should
provide you with verbal and written
instructions on how to clean and care for
your tattoo to help prevent an infection.
 An artist does not use pre-packaged,
Always wash your hands before cleaning
the tattoo or the surrounding area.
Avoid touching your tattoo, except to
clean it, until it has healed. Tattoos can
take up to six weeks to fully heal and may
be at greater risk of infection if irritated
by clothing or if the site is not kept clean
and dry during the healing period. If
your tattoo becomes infected it can
result in permanent scarring.
See
your
doctor
immediately…
If the tattooed area becomes
infected (i.e. increased redness,
swelling, tenderness and/or the
appearance of pus).
your questions.
sterile, single-use, disposable
needles.
 An artist does not use proper
cleaning and sterilizing methods in
their studio.
 The artist appears to be under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol and drugs may impair their
judgement and coordination and
you'll pay the price for any mistakes
they make!
 You have taken drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol or drugs may thin your
blood and this may lead to excessive
bleeding.
If you want the work done,
get it done right.
It’s your body and your health!
Be a smart consumer!
tattooing
beauty &
body art
safety
Environmental Help Line
905-723-3818
1-888-777-9613
durham.ca
Information available in accessible formats.
DUHEV-348 Oct 2013
The practice of tattooing (including
micropigmentation) has been around for
centuries and the basic methods have not
changed much over time. What has
changed is the risk of getting hepatitis or
HIV/AIDS. Anytime you pierce the skin with a
needle, there is a chance of infection or an
allergic reaction. Be a smart consumer - get
it done with the least amount of risk
involved.
Shopping Tips
for Safe Tattooing:
Do your homework! Check out different
studios and ask to see examples of the
artists' work. Make sure that the artist
can answer all of your questions.
Always use a professional tattoo artist
who operates out of a public shop or
studio. Home-based tattooing is not
recommended because these premises
are not likely to be inspected by the local
health department.
Ask if the tattoo studio has been
inspected by the local health
department. Call the Environmental
Help Line for information on the studio’s
most recent inspection report.
Look for a work area that is clean and well
organized.
Look for a sink with hot and cold running
water, liquid soap and paper towels.
Before the artist gets started, watch to
see that he/she washes his/her hands
with liquid soap and water, and puts on a
new pair of single-use, disposable
gloves.
Tissues, wipes, petroleum jelly, etc. must
be dispensed prior to starting the tattoo.
Clean, single-use applicators must be
used to dispense all creams, lotions, etc.
No double-dipping! Left over portions
must be discarded after each client.
Non-toxic inks (pigments) must be used
and the inks should be dispensed in front
of you into clean, disposable ink caps.
Left over inks and used caps must be
discarded after each client.
A new, disposable cup with clean water
must be used for rinsing ink from the
tattoo needles (i.e. when changing
colours) during the tattoo procedure.
The body area to be tattooed must be
cleaned with an approved skin antiseptic
(eg. 70% isopropyl alcohol).
A single-use, disposable razor must be
used when shaving hair on the tattoo
site.
A single-use, disposable stencil must be
used to transfer the tattoo outline onto
your skin.
The artist must use a new, sterile, singleuse, disposable needle for each tattoo.
Tell the artist if you have any allergies to
pigments, latex, iodine (antiseptics), etc.,
before getting started.
The tattoo machine, clip cord, light
fixtures, spray bottles, etc. (i.e. items that
cannot be easily cleaned and
disinfected) must be covered with
single-use, plastic covers that are
discarded between clients.
You do not have to see blood or
body fluids on needles or equipment
for an infection to occur.
Make sure the artist you choose
has made infection control a priority!
Never agree to
share a needle!
Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS can be passed on
by improperly sterilized or re-used,
contaminated needles. Used needles
can also develop burrs, hooks and rust
which can tear skin and result in
infections.
All sterilized tattoo instruments (i.e.
needles, needle bars, barrel/grip, etc.)
must be stored in sealed, sterile
packaging and you should see the
package(s) opened and the items
assembled in front of you.
Used needles must be discarded into an
approved, plastic SHARPS disposal
container immediately after use.
All reusable equipment that may be
contaminated by blood or body fluids
during use (i.e. barrel/grip) must be
cleaned and then sterilized before each
use. Otherwise, contaminated blood or
body fluids from a previous client may
remain on the equipment.