Body Art Infection Control & Sterilization Protocol

1. Standard Precautions and Hand Hygiene

INFECTION CONTROL & STERILIZATION PROTOCOL

Iron & Ink Tattoo Studio 1120 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704

Permit Number: [BODY ART PERMIT NUMBER]

This Infection Control & Sterilization Protocol has been developed in accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 146 (Body Art), and CDC guidelines for infection prevention in body art settings.

Standard Precautions: All artists and staff at Iron & Ink Tattoo Studio shall treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Standard precautions are applied to every client procedure regardless of the client's known or perceived infection status.

Hand Hygiene Protocol: Proper hand hygiene is the single most important measure for preventing the spread of infection. Hands must be washed: before and after every client procedure, after removing gloves, after touching contaminated surfaces or equipment, before handling sterile supplies, and after using the restroom. Hands must be washed with antimicrobial soap and warm running water for a minimum of 20 seconds, including all surfaces of hands, fingers, and wrists. Hands must be dried with single-use paper towels. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) may supplement but does not replace handwashing.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All artists shall wear appropriate PPE during every client procedure. PPE is provided by Iron & Ink Tattoo Studio at no cost to employees.

Gloves: Single-use, medical-grade nitrile gloves shall be worn during all tattooing, piercing, and surface preparation procedures. Latex gloves are not used due to allergy risks. Gloves must be changed: between clients, when torn or punctured during a procedure, when switching between contaminated and clean tasks during a procedure, and after touching non-sterile surfaces (phone, clipboard, door handle). Double-gloving is recommended for extended procedures. Artists should not wash or reuse disposable gloves.

Additional PPE: Safety glasses or face shields shall be worn when procedures may generate splashing of blood or body fluids. Lab coats, aprons, or protective clothing shall be worn over personal clothing during procedures. Contaminated protective clothing must be removed before leaving the work area and placed in designated laundry or disposal containers.

PPE Disposal: Used gloves and disposable PPE shall be placed in lined waste containers immediately after removal. PPE visibly contaminated with blood shall be placed in biohazard-labeled bags for regulated waste disposal.

3. Equipment Sterilization and Single-Use Policy

Iron & Ink Tattoo Studio maintains a rigorous sterilization program for all reusable equipment and a strict single-use policy for all items that contact blood or body fluids.

Single-Use Items (disposed of after each client): Tattoo needles and needle cartridges, tattoo ink cups and pigment portions, piercing needles, razor blades, tongue depressors and applicators, barrier films and surface covers, paper towels and gauze used during procedures, and gloves. Under no circumstances shall single-use items be reused, even on the same client during a subsequent session.

Reusable Equipment Sterilization: All reusable instruments (tattoo grips, forceps, insertion tapers, etc.) must undergo the following reprocessing cycle: 1. Pre-cleaning: Contaminated instruments are placed in enzymatic cleaning solution immediately after use. 2. Ultrasonic cleaning: Instruments are processed in an ultrasonic cleaner for the manufacturer-specified cycle time. 3. Rinsing and inspection: Instruments are rinsed with distilled water and visually inspected for remaining debris. 4. Packaging: Clean instruments are placed in autoclave-compatible sterilization pouches with internal chemical indicators. 5. Autoclaving: Instruments are sterilized in the Statim 2000 autoclave at 273°F (134°C) for the validated cycle time. 6. Storage: Sterilized packages are stored in a clean, dry, designated storage area. Packages must be used within 30 days or re-sterilized.

Biological Monitoring: Spore tests (Geobacillus stearothermophilus) are performed weekly on the autoclave. Results are logged and maintained for a minimum of 3 years. A failed spore test requires immediate removal of the autoclave from service until the issue is resolved and a passing test is documented.

4. Environmental Cleaning and Surface Disinfection

All work surfaces and common areas at Iron & Ink Tattoo Studio are cleaned and disinfected according to the following schedule:

Between Clients (Every Procedure): The artist workstation, tattoo chair/bed, arm rests, and all surfaces within the work area must be cleaned and disinfected. All barrier films, plastic wrap covers, and disposable surface covers must be removed and discarded. Surfaces are cleaned with EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant (Cavicide or equivalent) with a tuberculocidal claim. Disinfectant must remain wet on surfaces for the manufacturer-specified contact time (typically 2-3 minutes). Fresh barrier films and covers are applied after disinfection is complete.

Daily Cleaning: Floors in procedure areas are mopped with disinfectant solution at the end of each business day. Restrooms are cleaned and disinfected daily. Reception and waiting areas are cleaned daily. Trash receptacles are emptied and lined with fresh bags.

Weekly Deep Cleaning: All countertops, shelving, and storage areas are wiped down. Light switches, door handles, and frequently touched surfaces are disinfected. Ultrasonic cleaner is drained, cleaned, and refilled with fresh solution.

All cleaning and disinfection products used are EPA-registered and effective against bloodborne pathogens including HIV, HBV, and HCV. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals are maintained in the studio and accessible to all employees.