I hold a certificate in Blood Borne Pathogens, issued by Worksite Safety (Canada).

Before and after every tattoo appointment, I wipe every surface I will be using with CaviCide, including the tattoo bench, rolling tray, inside and out of the tattoo machines, all equipment (wires, power supply, foot pedal, etc).

CaviCide is a surface-disinfectant used in hospitals and other medical environments that kills harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

It is important all surfaces that can be sprayed with ink or fluids during the tattoo be sanitized before and after every client to prevent cross-contamination and transfer of diseases.

Cross-contamination is the physical transfer of bacteria between objects, people and surfaces. An example of this is when an artist touches clean materials or equipment with contaminated gloves used during a tattoo, or refrains from washing their hands after completing a tattoo.

In my tattoo practice, I avoid and minimize cross contamination before, during and after tattooing in many ways. During a tattoo I will never touch any surface outside of the tattoo without having first removed my gloves and washed my hands. These surfaces include but are not limited to unwrapped or un-sanitized tattoo furniture, personal client items, garbages, and myself (ie. scratching my face, adjusting glasses or hair, etc).

Additionally, all products used across appointments (ie. "stencil stuff” and inks) are handled and dispensed with clean, gloved hands, without touching client skin or the tattooing tray at any point.

During a tattoo appointment you will see me remove contaminated gloves and put on new gloves many, many times! I wash my hands with soap and water every time I put on a new pair of gloves. After having executed a part of the tattooing process (ie. stencil application, tattooing, applying bandaging, etc), and needing to remove my gloves, I will also always wash my hands to ensure that any contaminants that may have transferred during glove removal, or due to small defects in the gloves, are not transferred further to myself, clients or surfaces in the studio.

YES. Tattoo needles, gloves, and disposable materials used in a tattoo session are always, always single use and can only be used for one client only, even if you are blood-related, in a relationship, or friends.

Never allow a tattoo artist to use the same needles, gloves, ink, or disposable barriers on you as another person.

This also includes any unopened needles that remained on the tray during a tattoo. Although sealed shut, they may never be “saved” to use on a different client as the packaging is porous and can transfer bacteria and diseases if one does so. These are considered contaminated and must be disposed of.