FREEDOM TATTOOS 6800 Freedom Ave NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 305-0500
Tattoo Safety Checklist
When entering a shop for either your first tattoo or your fifteenth, there are certain things you should look out for when deciding if that shop or artist is right for you. This is a decision that will alter your skin for the rest of your life and should be taken very seriously. I have come up with a checklist that will help you to know what to look for so that you know you're not only getting a great tattoo but that it is done safely.
1. Health Department Certified- Look around the shop and see if there is a posted notification that this shop has been inspected and passed all health codes required to ensure your safety. If it isn't out in the open, request to see it. If they can't provide this for you I'd suggest walking out and finding a new shop immediately.
2.Shop Tour- If it's your first time in a shop ask to see the layout. Especially where the sterilization is done. Note if this area looks clean and organized (but please don't touch anything, for the safety of you and for others) and if it is far enough away from procedure areas that cross contamination can't occur.
3. Training Certificates- Ask your artist for proof of training. Each artist should be able to provide you with proof from the health department that they have training in Basic First Aid, CPR, and Blood borne Pathogens. Some might even be able to provide you with a certificate in tattoo training, indicating they completed their apprenticeship.
4. Hepatitis B Vaccination- Ask the artist if they have been vaccinated for Hepatitis B, this is for your safety and theirs.
5. Artist Portfolios- Asked to see if the artist has any examples of their finished work or artwork. This will give you an idea of their skill level and if they have the right style for you and your tattoo.
6. Gloves- Make sure that you see the artist wearing gloves anytime they are in the tattoo station and handling equipment and supplies. Also be sure to note that the artist is changing their gloves on a regular basis. The material in gloves can break down very quickly and put you and the artist at risk. Changing gloves helps prevent this. Also it helps stop cross contamination.
7. Trash- There should be a trash can at every tattoo station and must be emptied at least once a day. Make sure you see the artist dispose of materials right away. DO NOT touch the trash can for any reason. These are considered Bio-Hazards.
8. Used Materials- Make sure you see your artist destroy or dispose of any ointments, inks, water cups, and other items that have been used by another client. Also make sure that the station has been properly cleaned before they set up for your tattoo and that new ointments, inks, water cups and other items are placed out for you.
9. Needles and Tubes- The artist should ALWAYS present you your needle and tubes and show you that they are in proper, clean sterilization bags and MUST be opened in front of you. If they don't do this, ask that they get new ones and show you before hand.
10. Sharps Containers- Every tattoo station should have its own sharps container. This is a red bio-hazard box that contains the used needles. Note if it is too full also, this should be replaced frequently.
11. Setup- The artist should be supplied with proper items to cover the tattoo area. The work table should have either a dental bib or saran wrap over it. The machines should be covered with bags after the artist sets the needle and tubes properly. The clip cord that is attached to the machines should also be covered with plastic. The wash bottles should also be covered. Even though an artist cleans their station after every tattoo this extra covering helps to prevent contamination.
12. Hand Washing- Note if you see your artist wash their hands regularly. This helps in the prevention of spreading any disease. And don't be afraid to ask them to do it again. This is your safety too.
A tattoo shop is a really cool place to go to but it should also be treated like a hospital. It should be a clean sterile environment because each of the artists are technically doing a medical procedure on you and other clients. They are dealing with blood and shouldn't cut any corners when it comes to safety. A tattoo is something you are going to have for the rest of your life, you shouldn't add a disease on top of that. Please take this checklist into consideration the next time you decide to get a tattoo.
When entering a shop for either your first tattoo or your fifteenth, there are certain things you should look out for when deciding if that shop or artist is right for you. This is a decision that will alter your skin for the rest of your life and should be taken very seriously. I have come up with a checklist that will help you to know what to look for so that you know you're not only getting a great tattoo but that it is done safely.
1. Health Department Certified- Look around the shop and see if there is a posted notification that this shop has been inspected and passed all health codes required to ensure your safety. If it isn't out in the open, request to see it. If they can't provide this for you I'd suggest walking out and finding a new shop immediately.
2.Shop Tour- If it's your first time in a shop ask to see the layout. Especially where the sterilization is done. Note if this area looks clean and organized (but please don't touch anything, for the safety of you and for others) and if it is far enough away from procedure areas that cross contamination can't occur.
3. Training Certificates- Ask your artist for proof of training. Each artist should be able to provide you with proof from the health department that they have training in Basic First Aid, CPR, and Blood borne Pathogens. Some might even be able to provide you with a certificate in tattoo training, indicating they completed their apprenticeship.
4. Hepatitis B Vaccination- Ask the artist if they have been vaccinated for Hepatitis B, this is for your safety and theirs.
5. Artist Portfolios- Asked to see if the artist has any examples of their finished work or artwork. This will give you an idea of their skill level and if they have the right style for you and your tattoo.
6. Gloves- Make sure that you see the artist wearing gloves anytime they are in the tattoo station and handling equipment and supplies. Also be sure to note that the artist is changing their gloves on a regular basis. The material in gloves can break down very quickly and put you and the artist at risk. Changing gloves helps prevent this. Also it helps stop cross contamination.
7. Trash- There should be a trash can at every tattoo station and must be emptied at least once a day. Make sure you see the artist dispose of materials right away. DO NOT touch the trash can for any reason. These are considered Bio-Hazards.
8. Used Materials- Make sure you see your artist destroy or dispose of any ointments, inks, water cups, and other items that have been used by another client. Also make sure that the station has been properly cleaned before they set up for your tattoo and that new ointments, inks, water cups and other items are placed out for you.
9. Needles and Tubes- The artist should ALWAYS present you your needle and tubes and show you that they are in proper, clean sterilization bags and MUST be opened in front of you. If they don't do this, ask that they get new ones and show you before hand.
10. Sharps Containers- Every tattoo station should have its own sharps container. This is a red bio-hazard box that contains the used needles. Note if it is too full also, this should be replaced frequently.
11. Setup- The artist should be supplied with proper items to cover the tattoo area. The work table should have either a dental bib or saran wrap over it. The machines should be covered with bags after the artist sets the needle and tubes properly. The clip cord that is attached to the machines should also be covered with plastic. The wash bottles should also be covered. Even though an artist cleans their station after every tattoo this extra covering helps to prevent contamination.
12. Hand Washing- Note if you see your artist wash their hands regularly. This helps in the prevention of spreading any disease. And don't be afraid to ask them to do it again. This is your safety too.
A tattoo shop is a really cool place to go to but it should also be treated like a hospital. It should be a clean sterile environment because each of the artists are technically doing a medical procedure on you and other clients. They are dealing with blood and shouldn't cut any corners when it comes to safety. A tattoo is something you are going to have for the rest of your life, you shouldn't add a disease on top of that. Please take this checklist into consideration the next time you decide to get a tattoo.