Safety Hazards for a Tattoo Artist

When individuals consider getting a tattoo, many take time to research the associated health risks beforehand, but safety risks exist too for the tattoo artists themselves. Tattoo artists may not have the needle going into their skin, but they do face many of the same risks that their clients too, especially when it comes to cross-contamination. The safety procedures tattoo artists follow are thus as much about protecting themselves as clients.

Biohazardous Waste

• Tattoo parlors are full of waste products that are used by the artist over the course of everyday operations. These products are generally classed as biohazardous waste, and include items such as paper towels covered in blood and ink, water used in washing ink from equipment, and the needles involved in the tattooing process. These towels are placed in specially marked trash containers, for example, while the needles are dropped into containers reserved for sharp objects after use. Biohazardous waste is dealt with in such a way as to prevent contamination from items that may have been in contact with infected blood, and to halt the general spread of bacteria.

HIV

• One of the greatest risks to tattoo artists is from the transmission of HIV, a virus that can ultimately lead to the human immune system disease AIDS, which can be fatal. The HIV virus is transferred through blood, which tattoo artists will likely come into contact with on a regular basis when dealing with clients. Thus, tattoo artists need to be careful around needles and other waste products that have a client's blood on them, and should dispose of these as soon as possible.

Hepatitis

• Other viruses that can spread from clients to tattoo artists --- and vice versa --- through cross-contamination include hepatitis B and C. Both of these viruses can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, and both can lead to illnesses such as cancer and liver disease, and potentially to death. Tattoo artists should follow the same precautions as those needed to prevent HIV infection, and consider taking a Hepatitis B vaccination before entering the industry.

Tattoo Machine

• The majority of tattoo artists utilize a handheld device with which to create the tattoo design on the body of their client. These devices feature one or perhaps several needles, which repeatedly puncture the skin, forming the design by inserting small amounts of ink. Not only can this be a painful process for the client, and one that demands fresh, sterilized needles each time, but it can be a hazard for the artist too, as any machine can be to its user. The artist might drop the machine or get her hand caught in it, or worse, accidentally prick herself with infected blood.