10 Mar Bloodborne Pathogen Safety – Hep B and MRSA

Bloodborne Pathogens Standards

for Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Piercers and Branders 

Hep B  &  MRSA ©

Permanent cosmetics, body piercings, and Body art have seen a steady rise in the last decade and with it the challenges associated in the generation of the said procedures.  Many states have passed guidelines or regulations that govern this varied subject matter.  For these guidelines, we recommend that you check with your local Board of Health, if you have specific questions about your state requirements, this will keep you proactive and in the “know” for what is needed as a practitioner.

Since puncturing (tattooing) or piercing/branding of the skin is involved, Bloodborne Pathogen training in our specific area of expertise is paramount to you and for public safety. Artists with the spirit of excellence will pay strict attention to training requirements outlined by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standards and customize this towards each area of study and services  provided.

There is a lot to be said about the old saying “you don’t know what you don’t know”.  Some trainers or practitioners are very lax in this area and just fly by the seat of their pants at the expense of the unknowing consumer/client.  Many a time in my travels to conventions of tattooing and aesthetics, I have seen unethical practices go on by supposed reputable companies or practitioners that make my head spin.   More over there were lines of people waiting to get infected as they were placing their gloved hand covered in ink and blood right back into a brand new box of baby wipes.  Client to client this went on, they may have changed that glove, however it was the same ’old’ box of wipes filled with dozens of peoples microorganisms.  Wow….and this is just the start.  Yes, the clients had no idea what they were witnessing, and the technician was not educated, but there was a happy line forming for these services done in public view.  Now we are not trying to bad mouth, we are simply stating the danger of those who are blissfully unaware and spreading disease.                                                                                                                                  

Education is the key! At a minimum, compliance with the Federal Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is required and the practitioner needs to be savvy in the application of these standards towards their service area.

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29CFR 1910.1030, was established by OSHA in 1991. This standard regulates occupational exposures for workers (you the tattooist, piercer, branding technician) whose jobs have put them at a reasonable risk of coming into contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Yearly training is required to be in compliance with the standard, BECAUSE PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

The industry is rapidly expanding, everyone wants to explore these arts, yet not everyone is qualified to practice or perform the procedures, yet alone to teach them. ‘ Sorry but You tube is not the replacement for professional training nor are DVD’s.  These are tools for learning yes, but an addendum.  If you are planning to enter this field, reputation is everything, as you are piggy backing on another’s knowledge.  Let this be your guide and cultivate your own spirit of excellence through proper protocols and continuing education.

Bloodborne Pathogen classes (Industry Specific) are available for around $30.00.  With these online classes there is absolutely no excuse for any technician not to be informed and be in compliance with Federal, State, and County and City laws.

Knowledge of all cross contamination and disease prevention is paramount to our industry. With the advent of Hepatitis and MRSA, keep our industry and clients safe by practicing and following the laws. They are there to protect all of us!

Do you think hospitals and physicians offices are immune to communicable disease?

Did you know MRSA is not just for humans?

Animals can contract MRSA as well! My dog went in the hospital for cancer surgery and developed MRSA from the hospital. It is not a disease to take lightly! I, as well as several of my friends have also have contacted MRSA from a hospital. Stay out of them if at all possible!!

Germs and bacteria are not to be taken lightly.

Yes, this could happen to any one of you, your clients or your pets.

Be proactive and follow the rules!

BY: Pamela CCPC, CPDA and Susan Church CCPC, CPDA

Golden – Ms. Brandi