Health & Safety

Safe Practices for Cosmetic Technicians

Sterilisation is a necessity in our work whether required by law or not, since we break the skin and our tools come in contact with bodily fluids. Bodily fluids can carry contagious diseases such as Hepatitis and HIV so it is essential that we protect ourselves and our clients from these dangers. 

 

Sterilisation is defined as the use of physical or chemical procedure to destroy all microbial life, including large numbers of highly resistant bacterial endospores.

 

In Australia, the health regulation is for autoclave or fully disposable cosmetic tattoo equipment.  We suggest, for complete safety, you choose the fully disposable machines whereby NO cross contamination can occur and also check with your Health Department website.

 

www.health.nsw.gov.au

www.dh.sa.gov.au

www.nt.gov.au

www.tas.gov.au

www.health.qld.gov.au

www.health.wa.gov.au

 

 

 

Public Health - Universal Guidelines

Universal Precautions

 

This basically means treating all human blood or body fluids as if they were infected with AIDS, Hepatitis, or other blood borne pathogens.  It requires the following be done:

  • As soon as possible after use, contaminated needles must be placed in a sharps container.  These containers must be puncture-proof, leak-proof and labelled with the appropriate biohazard label.
  • Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials must be placed in containers which prevent leakage.
  • Provide hand washing facilities that are readily accessible.  If hand washing facilities are not available, provide antiseptic hand cleaner.
  • Wash hands or any area of the body with water as soon as feasible after removal of gloves, or after body contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
  • Decontaminating your tattoo machine.  This involves wiping off your machine with an approved disinfectant or alcohol wipe even though the machine has been covered during the procedure

 

Personal Protection Equipment

  • Disposable Gloves - these must be disposable gloves which are replaced as soon as possible after contamination, as well as when they are torn, punctured or otherwise lose their ability to function as a barrier to exposure.  Gloves cannot be washed or decontaminated for reuse.
  • Disposable Aprons - must be worn for each new client. Blood or other materials cannot pass through or reach the employee.
  • Eye Protection - wear glasses or goggles whenever splashes, sprays, splatter or droplets of blood or other infectious materials may occur, such as during cleanup and performing tattoo.
  • Facial Mask - a mask is worn for all cosmetic tattoo procedures. Ensure your mouth and nose is covered.