Full Tattoo Hygiene Protocol
- Marcu
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
This protocol can be used for:
Staff training
Apprenticeship onboarding
Studio policy documents
Health & Safety audits or Environmental Health inspections
Applies to all tattoo artists, apprentices, support staff, and visitors within the premises.
🔑 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Hygiene is non-negotiable and is everyone’s responsibility.
All work must comply with:
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982
Tattooing of Minors Act 1969
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Cornwall Council’s specific bylaws and registration requirements.
Every tattoo session must be carried out in a controlled, clean, and sterile environment.
🧽 DAILY OPENING PROCEDURES
Before clients enter the building:
Clean and disinfect all surfaces: benches, chairs, tattoo beds, handles, and equipment trays using EN 1276 or EN 13697 standard disinfectants.
Mop floors with an appropriate antibacterial floor cleaner.
Restock:
Gloves (various sizes)
Disposable aprons, machine bags, cord covers
Single-use razors, ink caps, cling film
Aftercare leaflets and barrier creams
Check sharps bin levels and waste storage.
Ensure handwashing stations are fully stocked (soap, towels, hand sanitiser).
Prepare and cover the sterile setup area.
✅ Use an Opening Checklist signed by staff each day.
✋ HAND HYGIENE & PPE
Handwashing:
Always wash with antibacterial liquid soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Dry hands with disposable towels or touch-free air dryers.
Gloves:
Always use nitrile or medical-grade gloves.
Change gloves:
Between clients
After touching non-sterile surfaces (e.g. phone, door handle)
When torn or compromised
Additional PPE:
Disposable apron (change between clients or if contaminated)
Face mask (optional but recommended for longer sessions or when working near client’s mouth/nose)
Eye protection (optional but encouraged during machine cleaning)
🪑 TATTOO STATION SETUP
Before every client:
Cover:
Tattoo bed/chair with disposable barrier
Clip cords, machines, and power supply with disposable covers
Use disposable:
Ink caps
Razors
Rinse cups
Stencil applicators (or disinfect reusable bottles thoroughly between uses)
Layout only sterile or wrapped items:
Needles
Inks (shake & open fresh)
Paper towels
Barrier film and cling film
Markers or skin pens (single-use or disinfected thoroughly)
🛑 Never place phones, food, drinks, or personal items in the setup area.
🧫 INSTRUMENT CLEANING & AUTOCLAVE USE
If reusing tools (grips, tips, tubes):
Place used items in a lidded, labelled dirty instrument tray immediately after use.
Clean in an ultrasonic cleaner with enzymatic solution (wear PPE).
Rinse and dry thoroughly before bagging and sealing into autoclave pouches.
Use a Class B vacuum autoclave with:
Cycle logs (digital or paper)
Weekly spore tests
Regular service & calibration checks
Log every cycle with:
📅 Date, 🧍♂️ Operator name, 📦 Contents, ✅ Pass/fail
If you’re fully disposable — document that and keep all batch sterilisation certificates from suppliers.
🩸 DURING THE PROCEDURE
Do not touch non-barriered surfaces while wearing gloves.
If necessary, ask a second person to assist (e.g. pass phone, change music).
Dispose of blood-stained towels, tissues, or gloves in clinical waste bags.
Cover all areas of skin not being tattooed.
Ensure client comfort and cleanliness is maintained.
🗑️ WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste Types:
Sharps (needles, razors): dispose immediately into yellow sharps bin (do not recap needles).
Clinical waste (ink caps, gloves, bloodied towels): use orange or yellow clinical waste bags.
General waste: separate bins for non-contaminated rubbish.
Arrange licensed clinical waste collection and keep a Waste Transfer Note log on file.
🧹 CLEANING AFTER EACH CLIENT
Remove and dispose of all:
Bed coverings
Cling film
Machine bags
Ink caps and razors
Clean all exposed surfaces with clinical disinfectant spray.
Wipe down bottles and barriered items.
Mop any spills or fluid residue with disposable towels and antibacterial floor cleaner.
Wash hands thoroughly and change gloves before setting up again.
📄 CLIENT CARE & DOCUMENTATION
Ensure the client has:
Signed a consent form with health declarations
Understood the risks and aftercare instructions
Provided valid 18+ ID
Record:
Artist name
Date & time
Description of tattoo
Any concerns or reactions
Give printed or digital aftercare instructions
🧾 Keep client records securely stored for at least 2 years.
💉 ACCIDENTS & INCIDENTS
In case of a needle stick or contamination:
Encourage bleeding
Wash with soap and water
Report to studio manager
Fill out an incident report
Seek medical advice
Keep a first aid kit and accident logbook accessible and up to date.
🕔 DAILY CLOSING PROCEDURE
Disinfect all surfaces
Mop floors and clean toilet areas
Remove all waste to designated secure storage
Lock sharps bins and clinical waste
Check autoclave logs (if used)
Reorder low-stock items
Complete and sign the Closing Checklist.
🧠 STAFF TRAINING & INSPECTIONS
All staff must complete:
Bloodborne pathogen awareness training
Infection control certification (refresh yearly)
Fire safety and COSHH awareness
Keep all training records in a Hygiene & Safety Compliance Folder.
Prepare for inspections with:
Up-to-date certificates and licences
Proof of insurance
Daily, weekly, and monthly hygiene logs
Staff hygiene declarations
❓ FAQ
🔹 Why is a hygiene protocol important for tattoo studios?
A clear hygiene protocol ensures client safety, legal compliance, and protects the artist from liability. It prevents cross-contamination, infections, and helps maintain professional standards, especially during council inspections.
🔹 What should a tattoo hygiene protocol include?
It should cover:
• Daily cleaning routines
• PPE usage (gloves, aprons, masks)
• Workstation setup
• Autoclave or single-use practices
• Sharps handling
• Waste disposal
• Documentation and inspection readiness
🔹 Is an autoclave required in Cornwall tattoo studios?
If you reuse any tools (grips, tips, tubes), a Class B vacuum autoclave is mandatory. Studios using 100% pre-sterilised, disposable equipment must provide supplier proof and documentation. Cornwall Council expects strict compliance either way.
🔹 How often should tattoo studios clean their equipment?
Workstations must be:
• Fully disinfected between each client
• Deep-cleaned daily
• Sharps bins and clinical waste emptied as per waste carrier schedule
Surfaces, chairs, and equipment must be wiped with EN-standard disinfectants.
🔹 Can tattoo apprentices follow the same hygiene protocol?
Yes — apprentices must be trained in full studio hygiene procedures. They’re expected to set up sterile stations, wear PPE correctly, and manage cleaning routines. During council inspections, apprentices may be asked to explain protocol steps.
🔹 What kind of waste bins are required in a tattoo studio?
Tattoo studios in the UK must separate waste:
• Sharps bins (for needles, razors)
• Clinical waste (for blood-contaminated items)
• General waste (non-hazardous)
All waste must be handled by a licensed disposal company and logged.
🔹 How should studios prepare for Cornwall Council inspections?
Keep these ready:
• Studio registration and licence
• Autoclave test logs (if applicable)
• Staff training certificates
• Cleaning schedules
• COSHH records
• Client consent and aftercare forms
• Waste transfer documentation
🔹 Who is responsible for hygiene in the studio?
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