• Before and after attending each client, operators must wash and dry hands thoroughly using single use disposable paper towels or a hot-air dryer.

• Operators must wear clean disposable gloves at all times during the procedure.

• Disposable covers (such as plastic wrap) should be used to protect work surfaces.

• All surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned after each client.

• Clean towels and linen must be used for each client.

• Tattooing or piercing equipment must be sterile and should be presented to the client in its sterile container before use.

• Pre-sterilised, single use disposable instruments must be used where possible.

• Reusable equipment must be washed thoroughly to remove all visible blood and other materials prior to disinfection or sterilisation.

• Use by dates for disinfectants should be checked regularly.

• An autoclave is the preferred method of sterilisation for reusable equipment.

• Sterile equipment must be handled using sterile forceps.

• Sterile equipment should never come into contact with used instruments or unclean surfaces.

• Ointments & dyes must be measured into single use, disposable containers for each client and applied with single-use applicators.

• Only clean, intact skin should be pierced or tattooed.

• Skin must be swabbed with chlorhexidine or 70% alcohol and allowed to dry for at least 60 seconds before penetration.

• If the area needs to be shaved, a disposable razor must be used.

• If bleeding occurs, the client should be asked to apply gentle pressure with a clean dressing and the area disinfected with an antiseptic such as povidone.

• If a used needle/sharp accidentally pierces the operator or client’s skin, wash the area with soap and water or an alcohol based hand rinse if water is unavailable.

• If eyes are splashed with blood, hold the eye open and rinse thoroughly with water or saline.

• If blood gets into the mouth, spit it out then rinse the mouth out several times.

• Seek medical advice. Place the needle/sharp in a rigid walled container and take it to the GP.

• Record the incident including the date and time of the incident and the name of the source.

• Used dressings and swabs must be placed into a lined waste bin.

• Used sharps must be placed into an approved sharps container that is rigid, leak proof, puncture resistant and shatter proof with a tight fitting lid (as recommended by Australian Standard AS4031).

• Used sharps must not be replaced into their original container or packaging.

• Waste contractors can supply and exchange sharps disposal units or, in some areas, the local council has a sharps container exchange program.

• A record must be kept of each procedure including the date and time.

• All operators should be vaccinated against hepatitis B.

BODY PIERCING

Piercing guns

Piercing guns are commonly used to pierce the ear lobe.

Guns using pre-sterilised studs and butterflies with protective disposable fittings are preferable as there is no direct contact of the gun with the client’s skin.

After every use, the gun must be wiped over with 70% alcohol, or another suitable disinfectant.

Catheter needle

The catheter needle is a pre-sterilised needle in thin plastic tubing, used for piercing all areas of the body.

The needle is passed through the skin and withdrawn leaving only the tube in place. A sterile stud or ring is then inserted into the tube and the tube withdrawn. Care should be taken to ensure minimal handling of the jewellery.

The needle and tubing must be disposed of immediately after use into a suitable sharps container.

A new sterile needle must be used for each client.