Creating living art through tattooing and body piercing is a remarkable skill — but it also carries serious health and safety risks. Tattooists and piercers work in close contact with clients’ skin and bodily fluids, increasing their risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
These infectious agents can cause chronic illness or death, making safety precautions absolutely essential.
From wearing gloves to properly sanitizing tools and machines, there are several critical steps that can be taken to protect both artists and clients from infection.
This course will provide guidance on minimizing the risks of bloodborne disease transmission, preventing cross-contamination, and maintaining a clean, sterile environment in tattoo and piercing settings.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | Describe the hazards and risks to which tattoo artists are typically exposed. |
| LO 1.1.2 | Define universal precautions and explain how they are applied in tattoo and piercing practices. |
| LO 1.1.3 | Discuss safe procedures for handling needlesticks and disposing of sharps in designated containers. |
| LO 1.1.4 | Explain what a SHARPS incident log is and its importance in workplace safety. |
| LO 1.2.1 | Identify the components of a Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan (ECP). |
| LO 1.2.2 | Describe general safety measures to minimize exposure and reduce cross-contamination. |
| LO 1.2.3 | Discuss common types of skin infections that can result from improper sanitation or aftercare. |
| LO 1.2.4 | Outline correct procedures for disinfecting surfaces and sterilizing tools and equipment. |
Key: TO – Terminal Objective, LO – Learning Objective