REHS Exam: Bloodborne Pathogens

Engineering Controls

First barriers that should be placed are called "engineering controls." Engineering controls include any equipment or machinery that can be used to help prevent exposure for all employees. For example, we'll discuss waste disposal later, but having and using special sharps waste containers will help prevent needlesticks. Employers should use any engineering controls at their disposal to make the establishment safer for employees and clients.

Order of PPE

For use of multiple types of PPE to avoid cross-contamination If used, aprons should always go on first; then put on masks, and after that eye protection. Gloves should always be put on last. When taking off PPE after a body art procedure, remove your gloves first, then your eye protection, then your apron, and your mask last.

Hepatitis Vaccines

Hepatitis B vaccine protects infants, children, and adults from HVB. Hepatitis A and B combination vaccine protects adults from both HVA and HVB. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, so be especially careful to prevent exposure to infectious materials.

Traditional Waste Container

Holds everything that doesn't need to go in the sharps or bio-hazard waste containers (paperwork, food, hand washing, etc.) Any standard trash can and bag will work for these items, marked in some way to indicate that it's for non-hazardous waste.

Window Period of HIV and AIDS

In many cases, a person infected by HIV will test positively for the virus two to eight weeks after the initial infection, but this time period—called the "window period"—can take as long as six months; incubation. The virus's incubation from HIV to AIDS varies widely; cases with HIV developing AIDS within 9 months, and others delaying progression to AIDS for up to 20 years with treatment; 10 years on average. No known cure for HIV or AIDS.

Malaria and Syphilis Transmission

In most cases, malaria spreads when people are bitten by infected mosquitos rather than spreading from person to person, and syphilis is usually transmitted through sexual contact. Body artists should be careful, though, because there is the possibility of malaria or syphilis transmission if blood from an infected person comes into contact with another person's bloodstream. This can happen in a few different ways. For example, there have been rare cases of syphilis and malaria being spread during blood transfusion, and open wounds and jabs from contaminated needles can both provide potential entry points for these dangerous infections. Symptoms of malaria usually show up seven to thirty days after a person is infected with the parasite, and symptoms of syphilis tend to appear three weeks after infection, although the incubation period can range from ten to ninety days.

Chronic Infection

Infection that is long lasting or recurs regularly.

Tattooing

Insertion of pigment under the surface of the skin by pricking with a needle or otherwise, to permanently change the color or appearance of the skin.

Herpetic Whitlow

Is a painful Herpes infection of the finger. If you worked on a customer infected with herpes, and you didn't adequately protect your hands, you could contract this sort of infection. Herpetic Whitlow should go away on its own, but it is highly contagious. If you become infected with a herpes virus, the incubation period usually lasts between two and twelve days, although symptoms of Herpetic Whitlow may take as long as twenty days to appear. A herpes-infected client also runs the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of his or her body. For example, a new piercing or tattoo can cause the virus to flare up in the surrounding skin areas. Normally, this wouldn't be that big of a deal, but the outbreak gives the virus an opportunity to spread to other areas of the body, including the brain. This sort of infection is extremely serious and requires immediate attention. If your client knows that he or she has herpes and is asking for work on the area where outbreaks typically occur, have him or her get an antiviral medication from a doctor. Taking this medication will help keep the virus from flaring up as a result of the procedure.

Herpes simplex

Is a viral disease that manifests itself in a variety of different ways, all of which are characterized by the appearance of sores or blisters in cycles in the affected area. Herpes is not a bloodborne pathogen, but we still need to discuss it, because it presents a special concern to body artists and their customers. Body art can aggravate herpes infections, and if you're not following safe practices, you could contract it from your customers.

Hepatitis

Literally means "inflammation of the liver"; disease causes inflammation and painful swelling of the liver. Almost all cases of hepatitis are caused by one of five hepatitis viruses-- A, B, C, D, and E: A and E strains are not bloodborne. D is not commonly found here in the United States. B and C most likely exposure to body artist.

Temporary Body Art Facility

May practice in temporary demonstration booth for no more than 7 days in a 90-day period. -located within building with direct access to proper hand washing facilities -partition at least 3 ft high separating public from procedure area -floor space of at least 50 ft2 for each practitioner -free of insect or rodent infestation -used exclusively for performing body art -adequate light available.

Piercing Gun

Mechanical stud and clasp ear piercing device used to force needle or stud through ear. Must use disposable, single-use, pre-sterilized stud and clasp that meets jewelry requirements.

Gloves

Most people will be drawn toward latex gloves as they are inexpensive and allow for a broad range of hand motion. However, many people are allergic to latex, and those allergies can be quite severe, so it might be best to choose another type. If you do choose to use latex gloves, make sure to have an alternate type of glove available for those clients with latex allergies. Also, if you're using latex gloves, it's a good idea to wash your hands and change them every twenty minutes or so, as they tend to break down and become less effective. PVC gloves are also inexpensive, but they don't allow for much hand movement. You could also try nitrile gloves that are made to imitate latex gloves, without causing harm to customers with latex allergies. Look around and you will find other options available that will suit your needs and those of your customers. Whatever type you choose, gloves need to be worn during all body art procedures.

Jewelry

Must be made of ASTM F138, ISO 5832-1, and AISI 316L or AISI 316LVM implant grade stainless steel, solid 14K through 18K yellow or white gold, niobium, ASTM F 136 6A4V titanium, platinum, or other materials found to be equally bio-compatible shall be placed in newly pierced skin. Shall be sterilized prior to piercing or shall be purchased pre-sterilized.

Restrictions for Branding

Must be minimum 18 years old to receive a branding, regardless of parental consent.

Restrictions for Tattoos and Permanent Cosmetics

Must be minimum 18 years old to receive a tattoo or permanent cosmetics, regardless of parental consent.

Necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a deep tissue G.A.S. infection. It is commonly referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria," but that's a little misleading. The infection does not exactly "eat flesh"; instead, it releases a toxin that kills body tissue, causing it to appear as if it had been "eaten away."

Locations where animals are NOT allowed (2)

No animals shall be allowed in the procedure area or the decontamination and sterilization area, *except for service animals*, as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

ECP

OSHA also requires that jobs where employees may come into contact with blood or body fluids have what is called an Exposure Control Plan (ECP). Those may sound like pretty low odds, but consider the devastating effect infection could have on the rest of your life. Even a 1 in 1000 chance of being infected with HIV is worth taking every reasonable precaution to prevent. Of course, you should always do what you can to avoid exposure incidents, but when an incident does occur, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of infection even further, which we'll talk about as part of an Exposure Control Plan. OSHA requires that jobs where employees may come into contact with blood or body fluids have an Exposure Control Plan or ECP in place. Basically, an ECP should include procedures for preventing and dealing with exposure. The plan should tell you to whom you need to report your exposure, as well as when and how you should make that report. The ECP should also have information on the proper follow up procedures for you to follow, as well as any forms you may need to fill out.

Client

Person requesting application of a tattoo or body piercing.

Exception for Application of Permanent Cosmetics on Minors

Piercing or permanent cosmetics to nipples or genitals- prohibited for minors, *except* for application of permanent cosmetics to nipples of minor when applied by registered permanent cosmetic technician, with consent of parent/guardian, and as directed by a physician.

Branding

Process in which a mark or marks are burned into human skin tissue with a hot iron or other instrument, with the intention of leaving a permanent scar.

S.T.S.S.

S.T.S.S., like necrotizing fasciitis, is an illness caused by a toxin released by streptococcal bacteria in the blood. S.T.S.S. is quite rare, but extremely deadly. In fact, 70% of cases result in death.

Types of antimicrobial solutions (2)

Sanitizing is done by applying an antimicrobial chemical to a surface. There are two types of antimicrobial solutions you need to know about: *sanitizers* intended for use on non-living surfaces *antiseptics* which are meant for use on human skin.

Hand Antiseptics

Sanitizing your hands with an alcohol gel does not replace hand washing, although it may be used as an additional precaution. Hand antiseptics help reduce the number of pathogens on your hands, but they do nothing to remove dirt and oil on your hands that only hand washing can successfully remove. So if you use hand antiseptics, make sure you wash your hands first. To sanitize your hands, apply the directed amount of antiseptic to your hands. Rub all the surfaces of your hands together thoroughly, including between your fingers. Continue rubbing your hands together until they are dry.

Universal Precautions

Series of practices and methods of infection control employees take steps to appropriately avoid all contact with blood and bodily fluids: hand washing, glove use, PPE, injury prevention, proper handling and disposal of sharps and blood/bodily fluid contaminated products.

Sterilization Load

Shall be monitored with mechanical indicators for time, temperature, and pressure, and shall include, at a minimum, a Class V integrator.

Commercial Biological Indicator Monitoring System

Shall be used to test sterilization equipment after initial installation, after any major repair, and at least once per month. The expiration date of the monitor shall be checked prior to each use. Test results recorded in log kept on site for 3 years after date of results.

Temporary Body Art Facility Sponsor

Shall not allow a person to perform procedures unless person possesses a valid body art practitioner registration. Responsible for ensuring availability of: booth requirements, supplied restrooms, sharps waste containers for each booth, licensed medical waste disposal company for removal of sharps containers, frequent trash pickup, wastewater removal and potable water recharge, decontamination and sterilization area that is separated from a procedure area by at least 5 ft or cleanable barrier, adequate backup supplies, nearby emergency room information, and display or folder of all certificates of registration.

No Access to a Decontamination and Sterilization Area

Shall use only purchased disposable, single-use, pre-sterilized instruments. In place of sterilization records, the following must be kept and maintained for minimum of 90 days following use of instruments: 1. record of purchase and use of all single-use instruments 2. log of all procedures, including the names of the practitioner and client and procedure date 3. written proof on company or laboratory letterhead showing pre-sterilized instruments have undergone a sterilization process that clearly identifies instruments sterilized by name or item number, with lot or batch number of sterilizer run.

G.A.S.

*Group A Streptococcus* is a type of bacteria frequently found on the skin and in the throats of healthy people. When G.A.S. bacteria enter the blood, they cause infections that can turn deadly. Examples are Necrotizing Fasciitis and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, or S.T.S.S.

MRSA

*Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus* is the most common drug-resistant staph strain, and in recent years, has accounted for close to two thirds of all staph infections; developed resistance to these antibiotics over time.

OPIM

*Other Potentially Infectious Materials* includes other human body fluids and any possibly infected human body tissue.

PPE

*Personal protective equipment* is clothing or tools that are designed to protect from injury or sickness while working. Examples include aprons, bibs, masks, safety glasses, goggles, and gloves. Properly worn gloves create an effective barrier between you and your clients.

Sterilizing Process

1. The first step in sterilization is what we call the "pre-clean" step. In this step, you remove any visible debris or residue from the item that you will be sterilizing. This is why you pre-soak the items, so any proteins and debris can start to break down. To start the sterilization process, clean each object manually, using a mild detergent and cool water. You will likely need to use something like a cotton swab to help clean off any debris. You should then place the objects in an ultrasonic cleaning unit, or Sonic Bath. These devices use detergents and ultrasonic water to clean the objects placed inside them. Be careful when using a sonic bath, as these devices can cause particles to fly into the air. Read all the manufacturer's instructions before using a sonic bath, and make sure that its lid is securely attached while in use. The purpose of the pre-clean step is to make sure that you completely remove any blood and tissue that might be on the item before sterilizing it, as the other steps won't remove proteins from objects, which can result in allergic reactions for future clients.

Transmission of HIV

1. sexual intercourse with an infected partner 2. contact with infected blood 3. transmission from mother to child, either in the womb or via breastfeeding. HIV can be found in many body fluids, but it is most concentrated in infected blood.

Requirements for Infection

1. sufficient quantity of the pathogen present in a body fluid 2. a host organism that is susceptible to the infecting pathogen; not all people are susceptible to every infection 3. an entry point; a pathogen must find a way to bypass barrier of skin (usually through an opening such as a cut, scratch, or scrape.)

Waste Containers (3)

1. traditional waste 2. bio-hazardous waste 3. sharps waste

Transmission of Hepatitis B and C

1. virus passed on to their babies during child birth by infected mothers. 2. unprotected sex with an infected individual. 3. also can be spread by direct contact with infected blood or open sores, and y indirect contact with contaminated object; sharing needles.

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)

A disease-causing (pathogenic) microorganism that is present in human blood and can be transmitted to humans.

Hand Washing Facility

A facility providing an adequate supply of running potable cold and hot water, soap and single use towels or hot air drying machines

Antiseptic solution

A liquid or semi-liquid substance that is approved by the federal FDA to destroy or reduce the number of disease-causing microorganisms present on the skin and on mucosal surfaces.

Restrictions for Body Piercings

A minor is permitted to receive a piercing in the presence of his/her guardian. A body art facility may refuse to perform body piercing on a minor, regardless of parental/guardian consent.

Instrument

A non-medical application device used in performing body art, including but not limited to, needles, needle bars, needle tubes, forceps, hemostats, tweezers, razors, or razor blades.

Malaria

A parasitic illness carried by mosquitos, is rare in the United States; however, the disease may affect immigrants and international travelers. Victims of malaria suffer from severe fevers, chills and sweats, and flu-like symptoms. If the illness goes untreated, it can cause organ failure and death.

Registration

A person shall not perform body art if he or she is not registered with the LEA, and at any location other than a permitted permanent or temporary body art facility. A valid and current registration issued by a LEA shall be valid in any other jurisdiction for no more than 5 consecutive days, or 15 days total, in any one calendar year.

Disinfectant

A product that is registered by the federal EPA and the Department of Pesticide Regulation, as indicated on the label, to reduce or eliminate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms, for use in decontamination work surfaces.

Sharps Container

A puncture-resistant, leak-proof container that can be closed for handling, storage, transportation, and disposal and that is labeled as a bio-hazard. Should be located within arm's reach of the body artist during every body art procedure and is considered full when the container is three-quarters filled.

Procedure Area

A room, or designated portion of a room, that is set apart and only used to perform body art.

Decontamination and Sterilization Area

A room, or specific section of a room, that is set apart and used only to decontaminate and sterilize instruments.

IPCP

A written *Infection Prevention Control Plan* shall specify procedures to eliminate or minimize employee and client exposure to BBPs: 1. cleaning and decontaminating work environmental surfaces 2. cleaning, decontaminating, packaging, sterilizing, and storing reusable instruments 3. protecting clean instruments and sterile instrument packs from dust and moisture exposure during storage 4. setup and teardown procedure for any form of body art performed at the facility 5. techniques to prevent contamination of instruments or procedure site during performance of body art 6. procedures for safe handling and disposal of sharps waste Training not less than once each year and records maintained for 3 years.

Finished Tattoo Protection

After the tattoo is finished, you'll need to protect the tattoo from infection. You may do this by putting a thin coat of antibiotic cream or petroleum jelly and sterile gauze over the tattooed skin; each parlor follows its own procedure. Just make sure that a protective barrier is placed between the new tattoo and anything that might cause infection.

Workstation

An area set up to perform body art procedures; a separate room or area that can be screened

Sharps

Any object that may purposely or purposefully cut or penetrate the skin or mucus membranes.

Bio-Hazardous Waste Container

Bio-hazardous waste is waste that has a high probability of spreading disease-causing pathogens. Contact your local waste management provider for information on the pick-up of bio-hazardous waste, including sharps. Body artists must also document all sharps waste disposal at their facility, and these records need to be kept for three years. If an enforcement officer requests to see these records, you are obligated to provide them. Based on the definitions in the California Medical Waste Management Act, sharps are the only bio-hazardous waste you'll be likely to generate during body art procedures. This means you probably won't be required to maintain other bio-hazard waste containers, although you may want to check with your local regulatory authority to make sure. Even if you aren't required to have a bio-hazard waste container, it isn't a bad idea to have one available in case it is ever needed. Any fluid blood, or any container or equipment containing fluid blood, must be discarded in the bio-hazard waste container. As a body artist, you will likely only encounter small amounts of blood that are not still fluid by the time they are thrown away. However, just because a bit of blood soaked into a paper towel doesn't meet the official definition of bio-hazardous waste doesn't mean it can't carry dangerous bloodborne pathogens. Generally, anything that touched, or may have touched, human body fluids or potentially contaminated skin or surfaces should be handled with care, and you may choose to discard such items in a bio-hazard waste container, as an added precaution. Materials that you may want to dispose of in this manner include protective gloves, paper towels, plastic protective covers, pigment caps and leftover pigment, cotton swabs, and leftover ointment removed after use.

Misting

Blood that comes into contact with the fast-moving needle can easily be turned into a mist and can cause anything positioned beneath the needle to become contaminated. Equipment must be positioned above the level of the procedure, to prevent contamination by "misting."

Body Art

Body piercing, tattooing, branding, or application of permanent cosmetics.

Temporary Body Art Facility (1 Booth)

Booth shall be equipped with hand washing equipment that consists of containerized liquid soap, single-use paper towels, a 5-gallon or larger container of potable water accessible via spigot**, and a wastewater collection and holding tank of corresponding size**. **potable water refilled and holding tank evacuated frequently to provide uninterrupted use. No food, drink, tobacco, or animals permitted in booth.

Artificial Immunity

By vaccination: Injecting dead or weakened forms of certain pathogens can teach your body to recognize and fight those diseases in a low-risk situation. Vaccination is not 100 percent effective. In rare cases, people can become infected with a disease to which they have previously been vaccinated.

Acute Infection

Classification of infection where symptoms appear rapidly, but generally disappear within a few days.

Informed Consent Form

Client shall read, complete, and sign from prior to performance of body art that includes the following: 1. description of procedure 2. what to expect following procedure: suggested care, medical complications 3. statement regarding permanent nature of body art 4. notice that tattoo inks, dyes, and pigments are not approved by FDA 5. post-procedure instructions: care of procedure site, restrictions on physical activities and restriction duration, signs and symptoms of infection, any signs or symptoms that indicate need to seek medical care

Medical History Questionnaire

Client shall receive, complete, and sign questionnaire that includes: 1. may be pregnant 2. history of herpes at the proposed procedure site, diabetes, allergic reactions to latex or antibiotics, hemophilia or other bleeding disorder, or cardiac valve disease 3. history of medication use 4. other risk factors for BBP exposure

Sterilization

Complete destruction of all living organisms, including spores.

Approved

Deemed acceptable by the regulatory authority.

Natural Immunity

Developed immunity means exposure to the pathogens that cause those diseases would not result in infection; the human body has already developed the ability to easily recognize and kill the pathogen from a previous exposure.

Sanitization

Effective bactericidal and virucidal treatment approved by regulatory authority as being effective in destroying or significantly reducing the number of pathogens.

Antiseptic Use

Similar to sanitizers, antiseptics are made to destroy harmful pathogens. Unlike sanitizers, however, antiseptics are made to cleanse living tissue, namely, your skin. Common examples of antiseptics are antimicrobial soap, iodine, and rubbing alcohol. As with sanitizers, there are a number of antiseptics to choose from, so choose wisely. When choosing your antiseptics, consider how you will be using the chemicals, and the safest, most effective, and most efficient way to do so. For example, choose antiseptics that will avoid drying out the skin, but also allow the skin to breathe as well. Finding this balance in the antiseptics you use is important for your clients and for the success of your facility. You should always use an appropriate antiseptic to thoroughly clean the area you will be tattooing or piercing to prevent any health risks. Swab the area using a circular motion, and do not touch the area with your hands afterwards. Store antiseptics in a cabinet away from food and medicine. While you may want to store your antiseptic in a pump bottle for use with cotton balls, you may also consider storing it in its original bottle. If you choose to keep it in the original container, pour the amount you will need into a smaller paper cup for each use, and discard any leftovers when you are done. Both of these storage methods will help prevent contamination.

G.A.S. Transmission

Some G.A.S. infections are spread via direct contact, but Necrotizing Fasciitis and S.T.S.S. are not typically spread from person to person. Rather, they are usually caused by bacteria that are already present on the infected person's skin, which infect the person's body via an entry point. Good hygiene and cleanliness practices help to prevent these infections. Symptoms of G.A.S. infections typically appear within one to ten days of infection. As with staph infections, strep is most easily prevented by keeping cuts and wounds clean and bandaged. Make sure to stress to your customers the importance of keeping their new body art and the surrounding skin clean and protected from pathogens until they have sufficiently healed. You can also protect your clients by properly cleaning and preparing each client's skin before beginning any procedure.

Mobile Body Art Facility

Special purpose commercial modular or coach. -certified by Dept. of Housing and Community Development (HCD) -follow DMV occupational licensing requirements. -fixed hand wash sink with warm water, containerized liquid soap, single-use paper towels dispensed from wall-mounted, touchless dispenser -pressurized supply of at least 5 gallons of potable water -waste water tank sized to be minimum of 1.5 times the size of the potable water tank. -only use purchased disposable, single-use, pre-sterilized instruments -must be operated within 200 feet of an accessible restroom -shall not be used as a living space/residence

Temporary Body Art Facility (2 or more Booths)

Sponsor shall provide one hand wash area for every 2 demonstration booths; located within a booth with partitions at least 3 feet high separating hand wash area from the public. Area shall be equipped with a commercial, self-contained hand wash station that consists of containerized liquid soap, single-use paper towels, storage capacity of 5-gallons or more of potable water, and a trash receptacle. No food, drink, tobacco, or animals permitted in booth.

Staph Transmission

Staph infections, including MRSA, usually result from direct or indirect contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces and objects. As with all infections, staph requires an entry point, and it frequently enters its victims through minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches in the skin. Keeping these areas clean and bandaged and washing your hands frequently will go a long way toward preventing staph infections. It is not uncommon for external wounds to develop minor staph infections that remain localized at the injury site. Such infections are treated relatively easily. However, if the pathogen is permitted to invade deeper into the body, it can cause much more serious infections, including septicemia, or blood poisoning. These invasive infections are frequently fatal. Of the nearly 95,000 invasive MRSA infections in the US in 2005, nearly one in six caused death. In most cases, the incubation period of a staph infection takes between two and ten days.

Staphylococcus aureus

Staph is a class of pathogenic bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. A staph infection risk is present whenever there is a break in the skin, be it a cut, scrape, or puncture.

Cosmetic

Substances or products used to enhance or alter the appearance or fragrance of the body. Many cosmetics are designed for use of applying to the face and hair.

Hepatitis Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin within 6 months of exposure; similar to those of the flu and disappear in a matter of weeks. Many people won't even experience symptoms until serious liver damage has occurred, including cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, and liver cancer. Damage is often irreversible and requires transplant in many cases.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a dangerous bacterial infection that flares up in stages. These stages can extend over a period of years, with late stages of syphilis potentially affecting victims ten to twenty years after the infection was first contracted. Syphilis tends to cause sores and rashes in its primary and secondary stages; in its late stages, which are rare but significantly more dangerous, complications can include damage to the eyes, brain, liver, bones, blood vessels, central nervous system, and heart. The late stages of syphilis can be fatal.

Cross-contamination

The "crossing" of bacteria or germs from one surface to "contaminate" another. Any unsanitized object or surface is a potential source of cross-contamination.

Permanent Cosmetics

The application of pigments in human skin tissue for the purpose of permanently changing the color or other appearance of the skin. Includes, but is not limited to, permanent eyeliner, eyebrow, or lip color.

Body Piercing

The creation of an opening in a human body for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration. Includes, but is not limited to, the piercing of an ear, including tragus, lip, tongue, nose, or eyebrow. Does not include the piercing of an ear with a disposable, single-use, pre-sterilized stud and clasp applied using a mechanical device to force needle or stud through ear, except for tragus.

Contaminated

The presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on a surface or in or on an item.

Scarification

The process of cutting skin with a sharp instrument for the purposes of producing a permanent scar or mark.

Body Art Facility

The specified building, section of a building, or vehicle in which a practitioner performs body art.

Decontamination

The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where the pathogens are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal.

Sterilization vs. Sanitization for killing pathogens

There are two different processes for killing pathogens: sterilization and sanitization. Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms on a surface, pathogenic or not. Any reusable body art equipment that comes in contact with blood or body fluids must be sterilized between uses. This includes forceps, hemostats, and tubes, among others. Also, any equipment that may come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids or which comes in direct contact with skin should be sterilized between uses. We'll talk about how sterilization is done later in the course. The only body art equipment that does not need to be sterilized is that which is immediately discarded after a single use and never re-used. For example, piercing or tattoo needles must be used only once and cannot be sterilized and re-used. Sterilization is not an easy thing to accomplish, and simply isn't practical for large work surfaces like counters, client chairs, and so forth. This is where the second process for eliminating pathogens—sanitization—comes into play. Unlike sterilizing, sanitizing does not kill all pathogens. Instead, it reduces the number of pathogens to a low enough level that they present very little threat.

Blood Exposure Incident

When the skin is pierced through such events as a needle, cut, or abrasion from material contaminated with blood from a client. Or if the eye, mouth, or other mucus membrane or non-intact skin comes in contact with blood or blood-contaminated material from a client. Exposure does not always result in infection.

Sanitizer Use

When used properly, sanitizers kill at least 99.9% of all bacteria, fungi, and viruses present on a surface. There are many types of sanitizers available, and choosing the proper sanitizer for your needs and using it correctly is vital to keeping your facility—and the people who enter it—safe. When choosing a sanitizer, check out the labels. Different types of sanitizers are created to destroy different types of pathogens, and these factors will obviously make a difference. While looking at the label, make sure that the sanitizer you choose is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, to ensure that it is not only approved, but also that the sanitizer will do what the label claims it will do. extremely important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It is vital to pay attention to these types of details since they have the potential to drastically change the effectiveness of the sanitizer. Failing to comply with the instructions could have severe consequences. It is best to store sanitizers in the original container. Make sure the lid of the container is tightly closed, and place the sanitizer in a cabinet away from food or medications. When sanitizing an object or surface, first clean it thoroughly. Use any all-purpose cleaner to remove visible dirt and debris. Next, cover the item or surface with a sanitizing solution. You can use any number of effective sanitizers, but choose one that will not corrode the surfaces or equipment on which you plan to use it. Let the solution rest on the object or surface before wiping it away. The amount of contact time required will depend on the sanitizer used. Make sure to read and follow the instructions on the label. After the appropriate contact time has passed, wipe the sanitizer away with a disposable, sanitary paper towel. The object and surface should now be safer and less likely to transmit disease. Note that disinfectant wipes and any common cleaners that do not kill pathogens are not suitable sanitizers for body art procedures.

Spilled blood clean up

You won't likely encounter the need to clean up large amounts of blood; however, if you do, you must carefully follow sanitation procedures. First, make sure to put on gloves to protect your hands from being contaminated. Next, cover the spill with paper towels and pour carefully--to avoid splashing--a bleach solution over the towels. Let the spill soak for at least five minutes before you collect all of the towels and dispose of them in a bio-hazard waste container. Finally, wipe up the area with clean paper towels. If there is broken glass in the spill, make sure to first disinfect the entire spill before cleaning up the mess. Use forceps, pliers, or a broom and dust pan to remove any broken glass. Never use your hands to pick it up. Dispose of the glass in the appropriate waste container and continue to sanitize the spill area as described before.