Tattoos: Safety Precautions
So you've at last got around to getting yourself a tattoo but are having some apprehension about whether you are doing the correct thing. Getting yourself a tattoo is like a statement you make to the whole world, a statement that will be very much a part of you forever.
You will need to first find a tattoo design that you fancy and also a skilled tattoo artist. You have to ensure that the tattoo design you select accurately conveys the meaning you want it to convey. It is also very important to make sure that the tattoo studio is very clean and implements precautionary measures that will guard you from infections.
In this article, you will find a few basic safety measures that must be implemented by your tattoo artist. You need to be absolutely sure that the tattoo studio has all these protective measures implemented before you go in for your tattoo.
A list of things that must be a part of every tattoo studio:
• Autoclave Machine
• Ultrasonic Cleaner
• Disposable Needles and Tubes, Razor, Stencil, Ink Caps
• Squeeze (and not Spray) Bottles
• Sterile Packages with a 'Steam Heat Indicator'
• Ointments and salves
• Petroleum Jelly
• Non-latex gloves (disposable)
• Apron (disposable)
• Sharps Container
• Barriers on machine head, customer's chair, armrest, power knobs, soap squeeze bottle, clip cord.
The results of the spore test done on the Autoclave machine should be displayed prominently in the studio, and the steam heat indicator should be visible on all sterile packages. The area where the tattoo artist works must be extremely clean and sterile. A thoroughly sterilised water-reistant barrier should be used to cover the work area. After every tattoo session, the work space should be thoroughly disinfected.
Even before commencing the procedure, the pigments should have been poured out and kept handy. The ointments, salves, and the petroleum jelly should also be kept ready. To avoid cross-contamination, all the tools and instruments should be sterile and readily accessible.
Only gloves made of non latex material should be utilised as latex gloves can get quite easily damaged by petroleum jelly. All disposable items should be disposed off safely following the procedure. Ascertain that the tubes and needles utilised for your tattoo are thoroughly disposed off immediately.
The tattoo artist should only wear an apron made of vinyl or any disposable apron, and use a squeeze bottle for soap as spraying could cause cross-contamination. By just watching how the artist handles the instruments, you can easily gauge the importance given to cleanliness by the studio. A good idea might be to ask for permission to watch a tattoo session before you get your tattoo done. By observing a session, you will be able to see for yourself if the work area is cleansed thoroughly and disinfected prior to and following each session.
If you do your research well and go to a studio that adheres to safety procedures strictly, your tattooing session can be a very safe experience.
About the Author
Mairead O'Hara, a fashion consultant, writes on how to select a good tattoo studio and the safety guidelines for getting a tattoo. For more information on tattoo designs and other aspects of tattooing, please visit http://www.tattoossydney.com/ and http://www.tattoosmelbourne.com/ .
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