o Uses new needles and other equipment for skin penetration and that they are
thrown out immediately after being used.
o Has everything that is used to penetrate your skin in sterile, sealed bags that
are opened in your presence.
o Uses preparation equipment, such as stencils and spatulas, only once.
o Transfers the tattooing inks into sterile containers and discards them following
the procedure (not returning them to stock).
o Puts cleaning solutions, creams and anything else that is put on the skin into
single-use disposable containers.
o Cleans and disinfects your skin thoroughly before the skin is penetrated.
o Cleans the work areas between clients.
Notes on ear piercing guns and ear piercing
Stud guns are designed for ear lobes only. Do not allow anyone to pierce any other
part of your body with a stud gun.
If you are getting your ears pierced with a stud gun, make sure it is a sterile, singleuse,
cartridge model.
Make sure the body artist meets the same requirements as for any other body piercing.
Cosmetic tattooing (also called permanent make-up)
Cosmetic tattooing is most commonly performed in beauty salons for eye and lip
lining and may be advertised as permanent makeup rather than as tattooing. If you
are thinking of having one of these procedures, consider the following information.
Remember, cosmetic styles change and although the work will fade over time, it is a
permanent procedure.
Make sure that the body artist has permission of the local government authority to
operate from their premises. This means the premises meet minimum health and
safety standards.
Ask to see the body artist’s training certificates and photographic examples of their
work – if they can’t show them to you, find another body artist.
Ensure that a new sterile needle is attached to the tattooing machine in your presence;
Do not agree to a procedure if the needle is already in place.
Ensure that the body artist meets with the requirements set down in the health and
safety section of this pamphlet.
Taking care of a new piercing – the dos and don’ts of care