Tattooing guidance
Tattooing procedure
Measures required, include:
- Consent forms (recommended photo ID)
- Medical questionnaire completed
- After care advice given (recommended in written form)
- Working surfaces- type/ability to clean, walls - washable and floors well sealed
- Procedures for cleaning working surfaces with a hypochlorite based solution or sanitiser
- Designated wash hand basin for operators use only
- Liquid dispensed soap
- Hot and cold running water
- Disposable paper towels and foot operated towel discard bin
- Suitable couch/chair(s) arm/leg rests with washable surfaces
- Disposable vinyl/nitrile gloves (latex should be avoided as they can cause latex allergy problems)
- Procedures for cleaning client’s skin e.g. Dettol/Isopropyl alcohol
- Trigger spray bottles clearly labelled and plastic covered (renewed between clients)
- Disposable razors for shaving skin
- Stencil application procedure
- Disposable single use spatulas for Vaseline application
- Pre-sterilized single use needles
- Pre-sterilized grips and tips (if not pouched, they should be stored in a clean sealed container and used quickly)
- Tattoo motors/clipcords covered with plastic, elastic bands used on tattoo motors (all renewed between clients)
- Disposable ink caps (new set for each client)
- Disposable tissue for wiping the skin
- Dressing/cling film for application after tattoo
- Sharps box and clinical waste contract
- Deep sink with hot and cold water for washing instruments
- Procedures for cleaning tips and grips (detergent and lumen brush, rinsed, put in ultrasonic bath and then autoclaved)
- Ultrasonic tank
- Autoclave sterilisation procedures and record/maintenance sheets (including daily/weekly checks, annual calibration for temperature and written scheme of examination under Pressure Systems Safety Regs)
- Body fluid spill kit (disposable aprons, gloves, cloths, plastic bags and hypochlorite based solution)
- First Aid
- Training
- Hepatitis B vaccinated
Aftercare advice
The advice contained on this page is for general information only. Derby City Council cannot be held responsible for any complication arising from having a tattoo or the aftercare of the procedure.
Listen to what your tattooist says initially.
- remove dressing after a minimum of 6 hours
- wash with warm water and use a mild, unperfumed soap
- rinse and pat dry with your own soft clean towel
- apply suitable (or recommended) antiseptic cream sparingly
- do not re-cover or bandage
Then, until tattoo has healed:
- wash tattoo gently at least twice daily using mild un-perfumed soap and pat dry with your own clean towel
- apply antiseptic cream after each wash
- continue for at least 10 days
- Do not pick scab or touch tattoo
- Do not cover tattoo with bandages or plasters
- Do not wear tight clothing. Cotton clothes are best
- Do not soak tattoo, have prolonged showers or go swimming
- Do not use Vaseline or perfumed soap and creams
- Do not allow scab or healing tattoo to become too dry. Apply un-perfumed lotion sparingly and frequently
- Do not use a sauna or steam room
- Avoid excess sweating, physical activity or contact sports
- Avoid the sun. Use high SPF sunblock. Do not use a sunbed
- Avoid dirt, grease, oil, chemicals, pets etc
- Do not take advice from friends. If you have problems, talk to your tattooist or doctor
Tattoo convention
Conditions for tattooing at the Derby Tattoo Convention
By registering to tattoo at the Derby Tattoo Convention, you confirm that you will adhere to the ‘Conditions of Tattooing’ as required by Derby City Council. These conditions are outlined below and are mandatory for all participating tattoo artists.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in removal from the event and / or further action being taken against you or your business.
General requirements
- Consent forms - Derby Tattoo Convention consent forms must be submitted in advance through the event organiser
- Aftercare advice - both verbal and written aftercare instructions must be provided to each client in English
- Electrical equipment - all electrical equipment must display a valid and in-date PAT (Portable Appliance Test) sticker. Artists are responsible for ensuring their equipment is certified prior to the event. Non-compliant equipment will not be permitted.
Conditions of tattooing
1. Tattooist registration - a copy of each tattooist’s registration certificate must be submitted to the organiser. The original must be available at the event for inspection.
2. Proof of identity - a valid passport or driving licence must be available at the convention for identity verification.
3. Consent forms - consent forms must be completed by each client. Copies must be provided to the organiser before the event. You must retain the originals.
4. Hand hygiene - handwashing facilities will be available on-site. Hands and forearms must be washed with antibacterial soap and hot water, then dried with disposable paper towels:
- before and after tattooing
- after glove removal
- after using the toilet
5. Minor wounds - any cuts or abrasions on the tattooist’s hands must be covered with a waterproof dressing.
6. Tattoo site preparation - the tattoo site and surrounding area must be disinfected using alcohol wipes prior to tattooing.
7. Equipment and single-use items - equipment must be prepared in front of the client and include:
- single-use pigment trays and pigment
- single-use needles
- single-use ointment and spatulas
- single-use tissues
- disposable gloves
Needles must be opened in front of the client and disposed of in a sharps container conforming to BS 7320 / UN 3291 standards immediately after use.
8. Contamination control
- check gloves regularly for damage
- do not touch face, hair, or smoke while wearing gloves
- pre-load pigment caps before starting to avoid cross-contamination
- blot excess blood and apply ointment with a disposable spatula
- apply a sterile dressing and secure it with appropriate tape
9. Aftercare and acknowledgement - provide aftercare instructions verbally and in writing. Obtain the client’s signature to confirm they have received and understood the advice.
10. Waste disposal
- clinical waste (excluding sharps) must be placed in yellow clinical waste bags
- sharps must go into designated sharps bins
- waste water must be disposed of in the white buckets provided
- regular waste collection will take place throughout the event
11. Surface disinfection - clean and disinfect all surfaces between clients using hot soapy water followed by an approved disinfectant.
12. Personal protective equipment - the following protective wear must be used:
- single-use disposable gloves
- disposable aprons or lap cloths as appropriate