Before getting a tattoo it is good to know what is involved, what are the potential risks and how to minimise them.
When talking about tattoos we recognise three main types of hazards that you could encounter. We will look at them in turn and suggest possible solutions how you can minimise those risks.
First of all there are Environmental factors that have to do with the state and procedures of the premisses where you undertake your treatment.
Next hazard is classed as a Product related hazard and concerns dyes or inks that are used.
Lastly, there is the risk of Infectious diseases.
Each if these can be minimised, although probably never completely eliminated by your careful assessment. What to look out for?
Before you commit on getting a tattoo (or piercing) you should at minimum visit the premisses to satisfy yourself that the studio or the artist comply with the Tattooing Code of Practice. This code specifies for example recommended standards of cleanliness, hygiene and sterilisation procedures to ensure client safety.
The code further stipulates proper pre-treatment consultation and post-treatment recommendations of appropriate care for your tattoo.
Bohemian Tattoo Arts Studio already exceeds the minimum agreed criteria and goes further to subscribe to the best practices of the industry.
Tattoo pigment used by our artists is of the best possible standard and quality. The brands we use comply with the Safety Standards in the USA and European Union.
We strictly do not use any dye or pigment that has passed its expiry date.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for all inks, dyes and pigments that we use are available for your information or the scrutiny of medical professionals.
It is important the tattooists follow high standards of hygiene to prevent infections from occurring, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Bacteria can be introduced into the skin which may cause infection and abscesses. Most common bacterial condition is Cellulitis commonly caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. The symptoms are swelling, redness, pain and feeling generally unwell. If you have symptoms of Cellulitis you need to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Usual course of treatment is antibiotics and in most cases the tattoo will recover well without a need for a touch up. It is utmost important to treat Cellulitis as soon as you suspect this skin condition.
In Bohemian Studio tattooists are expected to wash their hands between clients and different tasks; change aprons, use clean and sterile equipment and keep their stations clean and hygienic. Inks should be decanted into little pots for your procedure only and then disposed of.
Some equipment may be single use or disposable. This will be pre-packed in individual sterile packs. Reusable equipment is normally made of metal and this should be sterilised in an autoclave.
We actively work with medical professionals to further our knowledge within the field. Our artists have undergone training in the prevention of infectious diseases within Tauranga’s DHB.
