In this lesson, we'll be taking a look at body art machine safety, and what exactly that means for you, the body art professional. The gist of this lesson is this: parts must be replaceable or able to be sterilized in order to be considered safe for both you and your clients. Now let's get to those details.
Safe Machines vs. Unsafe Machines
As you probably know, there are a variety of tools used for body art procedures. Many of these tools have the potential to give your clients a life-threatening infection if not properly cleaned or if not properly functioning.
Pro Tip #1: Your main responsibility is to ensure all of the tools you are using are safe.
Traditional tattooing coil machines have the potential for cross-contamination between clients. Therefore, the machine must be decontaminated and all removable parts of the machine must be changed between each and every client.
And what happens if you fail to do this? If you fail to change removable parts and decontaminate the machine, this can lead to cross-contamination.
As you also probably know, there are many different tattooing machines that are used for body art procedures. Some of these machines are safe, and some of these machines are not. Part of your job is figuring out which is which.
If a tattooing machine has replaceable parts and can be taken apart down to a sealed motor, this is a type of machine that is likely going to be safe to use.
It's important that all of the parts of the machine all the way back to the motor are replaced with sterile parts for each and every client. Also, the motor housing must be disinfected between each client.
Warning: If a machine cannot be taken apart, this is a good indication to you that it is unsafe and should not be used.
Any hand tools that you use for body art procedures must be designed as a completely disposable tool. Alternatively, these tools can be designed to be used with single-use needle groups. One or the other; the choice is yours.
Dangerous Practices that are Major Violations
There are a few dangerous practices that are considered major violations of the California Body Art Act and these include:
- Using a machine that allows pigment back up into the motor
- Failing to replace all machine parts back to the motor between each client
- Failing to decontaminate the machine between each client
- Failing to change needles, needle tubes, rubber bands, and grommets
- Using unsafe tools that cannot be easily cleaned and/or sterilized
- Reusing needles
Pro Tip #2: Remember, only steam autoclaves are allowed for sterilizing reusable equipment. Items like a tattoo machine itself and any power cords that cannot withstand being sterilized in a steam autoclave must be washed and disinfected with an appropriate disinfectant between each client.
In addition, any items that cannot be properly sterilized must be bagged or blocked using a barrier when in use. Practicing safe body art procedures keeps everyone safe, and this includes being safe from the law.