Tattoo Studio Ignorance Rant...

"Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool… or a coward." (A quote from a CD whose name I can't remember.) I never felt those words were more true than last night. The cops were called on me for nonsense. Here's the story. About a week or so ago a story came out in the local paper. It was concerning the Iowa law, which prohibits tattooing of minors. In this article, my shop and a competing shop agreed fully that it is a good law, and neither of the studios practice tattooing minors under 18. Here's where we get into murky water. The paper photographed a young lady getting a tattoo at this other place. When I read the article, I noticed something disturbing in the picture. It's called an Ultrasonic. It was sitting within inches of where this lady was getting her tattoo. This equipment is indisputably the DIRTIEST piece of machinery in a tattoo studio. EVERY tube that is used by an artist for a tattoo is put into an ultrasonic for cleaning, prior to sterilization. An Ultrasonic, if used uncovered (as in a tattoo station) can send out an aerosol biohazard mist up to 10 feet from the unit. Hepatitis C, is a very hardy virus that can become airborne in such a mist. Ultrasonic machines should NEVER, EVER be used in a tattoo or piercing procedure area. It is part of my job as a studio owner and artist to educate the public when I see things of this nature. So, knowing very well this could stir up stupid drama… I clipped the photo from the paper. And in an effort to educate my clients about safe, clean tattooing... I circled the equipment in red sharpie, and labeled it with a biohazard symbol. I DID NOT include the name of the other shop, artist, or client, when I clipped the photo. Any reasonable townsperson reading the paper would know that information already, from the caption written by the journalist. Now get this… Someone related to the client in the photo, came into my studio SCREAMING at me to take this picture down because of their relation to the client! Of course I told her to get out, at which point she threatened (and did) call the cops. When they showed up, I explained exactly to the officer what you've read above. He nodded, kind of chuckled and left saying, "have a good evening." HELLO! Land of the FREE. FREEDOM of SPEECH. I'm exasperated by people that act as if they've never heard of these things. What floors me about this whole thing is: this relative who "cares" about her kindred was more upset that I was displaying a picture the ENTIRE TOWN has already seen… And apparently gave two shits less about the fact they had been tattooed in unsafe, unsanitary conditions. Did the other studio break the law? No. There is no Iowa law banning the use of an ultrasonic cleaner in a procedure area. In fact, the only reason to have an ultrasonic in a station is to boost efficiency of changing colors during a tattoo. Is that few extra seconds saved worth risking the public's health? Again I say NO. The same thing can be done with a cup of water with some soap. It just takes a little longer. Should there be a law, and people who care about public health, to point out these issues? Absolutely. So now you know. If your getting a tattoo, look to see if the studio is running Ultrasonics in the procedure area, during a tattoo. If so, find another shop. -Joe

can you use an ultrasonic at work station if you use a seperate one just to clean ink out of the the tips between color changes in cups?

that quote comes from a lamb of god cd.

THE ONLY 100% SAFE WAY would be to change water after every client however the odds of airborne contamination from an ultrasonic is so small as to be infinitessimal....but why take any chance at all? Especially with hep and MRSA around. Although I believe its probably pefectly safe to use the ultra on your workstation its that tiny tiny chance that we don't want to risk on our clients!

NO. Because of that minute chance with MRSA and Hep. Look at it this way... artist dips the tubes in the ultrasonic while tattooing to cycle through colors. If the unit is running, those potentially contaminated particles are getting invisibly sprayed on counters, client, sterile packages, the artist, ink bottles (if left out), cabinets, glove boxes, everywhere. Disinfecting is unlikely to reach ALL of those possible points of cross contamination. Most, but not all. Again, better to choose an artist that uses a couple disposable cups with soap and water for rinsing colors. Is it a perfect world? no. The minute potential for cross contamination exists, even in the cleanest of environments. But it is best to reduce the most obvious hazards.

Would someone mind posting a picture of an ultrasonic (or a link to a picture?) I can't run screaming out the hepatitis-infected door if I don't know what I'm running from... Thanks!

I know I make a lot of aggressive post and this one will read no different although it isn’t intended to be rude. Joe, I’m going to have to call you out as picking a fight with your competitors, for whatever reasons. I’m sure you didn’t place that article or picture there just to educate the public, Just as I doubt you place such information from the net or from another newspaper from another state. So what would be the point of doing just your local area ? I have no quarrel with you just the tactics in which you compete. I’m sure you're smart enough to see that your innocent plea would not hold up in a real court, Why make such a plea anyway ? It’s already clear from the many boards we both attend that business is business & under that title anything goes.

So, I'm the bad guy cuz I give a shit? Dont think so. It could have been any shop, any where. Is it my bad, that my competitor got caught with their pants down? no. Do I have a responsibility to educate my clients about this stuff? Certainly.

Well I don't think you did a damn thing wrong Joe! Send me that pic and I'll put it on MY wall!

Here is an image of type of unit we use... in a "dirty" room which is marked with biohazard labels. This room is seperate and away from the tattoo area and stored sterile equipment. http://www.pureimaginationtattoos.com/images/ultrasonic.jpg

Joe, I'm extremely curious as to where you obtained the facts to back up your statements regarding the use of Ultrasonics in the procedure area especially since you stated on a public forum 'So now you know. If your getting a tattoo, look to see if the studio is running Ultrasonics in the procedure area, during a tattoo. If so, find another shop.' Doc

I have been doing some digging to find the article in "Pain" magazine that backs this up. As soon as I hunt down the issue, I will post the info about it.

As for me posting this story in public places... if my "competitors" don't know this, there are probably others that don't as well. Its more important that people know about this stuff than any retarded "Hatfield's and McCoy's" drama.

Do you have a duty to educate the public ? YES Do you have to educate them at the expense of another studio ? NO IMO you are trying to win over customers in your area, By bad mouthing the competitor. Something that isn’t very professional or of value to anyone, Live the example. Portraying childish bickering to the public is the reason this industry can’t shake the mouth thug image so stained into the mentality of the American Tattoo Customer.

i didn't know ultrasonics posed a risk. i have mine a shade under 8 feet from my workspace. of course i like to wipe my schnozz on the backs of my clients necks, too.

Joe, not to be an asshole but when you make defamatory statements, both in your studio and on the internet you really should keep the evidence that supports your statements very handy, you could easily need it in court. I'd also like to know why you didn't share this information with us when you first 'discovered' the potential problem as I'd think you'd be aware of how common the use of Ultrasonics are in tattoo areas? It is NOT that I want to start an arguement over this so much as an honest desire to know what facts/evidence there is to support your statements as I'd never heard of this 'problem' before and I'm very concerned about protecting my clients so I really try to stay on top of this stuff. Doc

I have made no defamatory statements about ANY studio. Did you read the part where I stated I removed ANY reference to any particular artist or shop. I am badmouthing an outdated practice. Just like not wearing gloves USED to be acceptable, it is no longer. I've been on the phone to Pain Magazine to get the article. Waiting for a callback. It's possible it was Crave Magazine. Anyone read that article as well? I wrote the damn thing cuz the cops got called on me for stupidness. yeesh.

Oh... I meant to mention that the newspaper article was written in a manner to imply that there is no difference between my studio and my competitors. It is my opinion and belief that there is a VERY REAL difference, on a number of levels. I absolutely do not want my studio associated (even accidentally) with one who practices in the manner described in my blog.

i don't know if this helps or not but it does contain some info http://unimaxsupply.com/sitepgs/1ultrasonic.htm

Reading between the lines here on that info... In other words they don't know definitively, and that "aerosolization" or "droplet generation" can "theoretically" happen. "Short distance" also seems vague. Thats enough for me to decide to run my cleaning equipment away from the tattoo procedure area. And to form the opinion that its a dirty practice to run one for changing colors. Better clean and safe, than sorry later, IMO. But hey, its still legal in many states to reuse cleaned, re-sterilized needles that have been used on a prior customer. That doesn't mean I have to agree with, or conduct, that practice. Ah, but what do I know? I'm a tattoo artist, not a scientist. -Joe

Well Joe reusing needle’s is no worse than reusing tubes, Any studio retaining 100% biohazard IMO is nasty. Just as this whole issue is merely based on Opinion, We can only hope everyone has learned a little something from your local drama.

"Well Joe reusing needle’s is no worse than reusing tubes" I disagree. Like with piercing forceps, tubes do not directly break the skin. If tubes are properly cleaned, and sterilized, they are safe IMO. Needles, on the other hand, penetrate the skin. Needles can collect coagulated body fluid, dried ink, bits of paper towel, or other materials that can be introduced into the next clients tattoo. My point here, is that used needles are nearly impossible to completely clean, even with ultrasonic cleaning, and sterilization. Not to mention, they can become dull or damaged during the first use. Is it safe if the used needles are sterilized? Sure. Would I want somone tattooin' me with somebody elses, needles.... Hell no. As an analogy, I'm pretty sure some surgeons might re-use a clean, sterilized, and trusted scalpel handle... but certainly changes the blade between each patient.

We moved the ultrasonic to the dirty part of the dirty room. The Health Educators folks are coming to run a seminar on April 23rd and we will be sure to ask about ultrasonics at workstations.

And thats all I'm talking about... Taking positive, proactive steps for a cleaner tattoo environment. Otherwise, I could care less what my regional competition is up to.

Ken01...thanks so much for that info,,,its the same OSHA article I quoted about this subject in a previous post. IMO I believe that the responsible use of an ultrasonic is safe in the tattoo area I, Like Kandyman Joe, prefer to take that extra step "JUST IN CASE" Yes it has been common practise for many years to have an ultrasonic on the station to facilitate color changes using the disposable cup method however if there is even one iota,,,one ten gazillionth of a chance that BBPs could be spread I am going to take measures to eliminate that possibility. Just as a sterilized steel tube is almost assuredly 100% safe its that "ALMOST" that worries me.Ans because of that "almost" my shop is converting to all disposables...mostly because of Joseys bitchin! LOL!! Look guys if there is any chance at all that a negative "BBP incident" could happen isn't it worth it to be safe rather than sorry? And I still say that Joe did what he thought was right...if you knew Joe you would know that his intention was to educate not defame the other shop...Its not like Joe needs the business here fellas....if you knew the other shop and their work you would know exactly what I mean,,,and I am not saying they are bad or anything negative about them at all but Pure Imagination is light years ahead of them. Doc ...DADDY!!!! We need that child support check!! Gimme a call ya old fart!...We miss ya!

Theres a line that every artists draws about cleanliness. All this talk about steel and disposable tubes and what not reminds me of Carson talking about the difference between his neuma machines that are autoclaved after every use and a machine that hasnt been cleaned in 10 years.... and that difference is DISGUSTING! If your gonna toss away your steel tubes why not just toss those dirty machines too...

and Doc, its always good to see you post.

Actually, I'm looking forward to testing out some neumas... In the meantime, my artists are trianed to clean their equipment with hospital grade virucide after every client... 10 years is an awfully long time between clients :-)

regardless of it being a coil machine or airpowered/autoclavable machine. There SHOULD be measures taken to make sure the machine is kept clean. Bagging the machine reduces the risk. And madacide Wipes are another prevention. I bag and wipe my machines down after every tattoo. although i do use a small ultrasonic in my station and its pretty close to where i work. I think im about to remove it.

although a fully autoclavable machine is far cleaner than one that is just bagged and then wiped down. I wish i made it down to that seminar. I need to move closer to you guys.

Lamb of God Ashes of the Wake Omerta ""Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, " If I Die, you are forgiven,if I live, I WILL KILL YOU." Such is the Rule of Honor."" If you are curious about the origins of omerta and a more in depth history of its meaning, wikipedia has done an excellent job.

The HEALTH EDUCATORS seminar will be held on April 23rd in Massachusettes...Brought to you by Off the map tattoo...anyone responsiblyTattooing within a 5 hour drive Should come to this. Any shops in your area whom you may think will benefit from this information URGE them to attend....the information is updated yearly, so if you think you know it all THINK AGAIN.....You will be apalled at the ease a sickness can be spread, the stories of trained doctors who have infected themselves stupidly through other invasive procedures. For more information about this event call us at the shop 1 -413-527-6574 ...SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!

Joe, unfortunately you did make statements that could easily be considered defamatory, namely 'And apparently gave two shits less about the fact they had been tattooed in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.' and 'So now you know. If your getting a tattoo, look to see if the studio is running Ultrasonics in the procedure area, during a tattoo. If so, find another shop.', as the later seems to imply anyone using an Ultrasonic in the procedure area is operating in an 'unsafe, unsanitary' manner and you're telling them to go elsewhere and in the first, you straight out imply the tattoo was done under 'unsafe, unsanitary conditions' which is bliantly defamatory. Yes, of course I read where you stated you removed any reference to the 'other' but, still, your choice of words leaves you wide open to a law suit which they'd almost certainly win. I can easily understand why having the cops called and the part about you saying 'the newspaper article was written in a manner to imply that there is no difference between my studio and my competitors.' upset you but still, you must be careful what statements you make and be prepared to back up your accusations with facts. Frankly I'm more bothered by your comment 'So now you know. If your getting a tattoo, look to see if the studio is running Ultrasonics in the procedure area, during a tattoo. If so, find another shop' as that would seemingly imply that any studio/artist who does use an Ultrasonic in the procedure area is thereby working under 'unsafe and unsanitary conditions' as I do hope you can understand, so, with that statement, you made a defamatory statement against any tattoo artist who does use an Ultrasonic in their 'procedure area.' Add to that the fact that you chose to title your post as 'Tattoo Studio Ignorance' and you should be able to understand why I felt/feel the need to 'call you out' on this. I asked that you provide whatever factual information you have to back up your allegations but to date you haven't provided any but Ken01 promptly provided a link to an OSHA report concerning Ultrasonics which obviously refutes your accusations regarding the dangers of using an Ultrasonic in the procedure area. Contrary to what it may appear, I'm not trying to be an asshole or start an arguement but, again, when someone makes statements such as yours on open forums I do feel I'm entitled to ask for facts to support them since I am one who uses and has long used an Ultrasonic in my 'procedure area' therefore you are implying I work under 'unsafe, unsanitary' conditions and stated my potential clients should go elsewhere because of that fact which makes your accusation somewhat 'personal' as you should be able to understand. As someone who has long busted my ass to protect my clients and reputation by staying on top of any pertinent info regarging bloodborne pathogens, cross contaimination, bacteria and it's transmission and how to prevent it, I'm more than a little offended when someone insinuates that any of my practices are 'unsafe and unsanitary', particularily on an issue I HAVE researched, that article Ken01 refered to is an example of info I'd already seen. While I think it's great when someone alerts us (the Tattoo community) to newly discovered dangers and how to prevent them ,it's quite a different thing to create false fears that are not based on any valid evidence or research, then bad-mouth others who don't share your point of view especially on a public forum (actually, more than 1 forum) Also, bear in mind that I believe I was the first person to post information about MSRA when it was 'discovered' to alert others, I'm not a slacker when it comes to this shit. As far as MSRA, are you aware of the fact the CDC states between 25%-30% of the population carries it in their nose, so I suppose that means tattoo artist should start wearing masks and that we should require everyone coming into our studio's to put a nose cover on before we allow them in? Would't want them breathing and possibly contaminating so many possible things in our studio's, right? And, of course, I suppose we should require them to wear a nose mask during a tattoo for the same reason, right?Read the article; http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html#1, entitled Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public and you'll see I am not making this up. Personally, I prefer to be informed and properly cautious rather than to becoming a fanatic and I'd like to state that is coming from someone who's tattooed for over 42 years, done over 25,000 tattoos and NEVER once had any health related problems. Doc

i'm not reading all that crap. clifton notes, please.

Hahaha the only thing funny about that lame sarcastic remark to a very serious subject is the fact that you dont know that theyre called Cliff notes. Just thought id try and help you maintain the delusion that your'e at all clever.

and yea as a customer id like to be able to read more research on this as well.If its like you said very much thank you, its always good to know what to look for. and if like Doc says it doesnt pose any risks id like to know that too. cause id hate to think that id turn down getting work from a studio i wanted to go to over something that down the line turned out to be untrue or something.

"Hahaha the only thing funny about that lame sarcastic remark to a very serious subject is the fact that you dont know that theyre called Cliff notes. Just thought id try and help you maintain the delusion that your'e at all clever." ridiculous. i was referring to the famous author, of course. http://project1.caryacademy.org/echoes/poet_Lucille_Clifton/samplepoemsclifton.htm

uh yea of course you were. Just like me every time i misspell a word im not actually misspelling it im just alluding to some obscure reference.

precisely.

I'd have thought this subject would generate more responce, particularily since so many of us use an Ultrasonic in our precedure area. Doc

I don't expect everyone to agree with me, but I will gladly show anybody what goes into the studio's ultrasonic on a daily basis… And why we keep it in a separate room. Not to put too fine a point on it, the OSHA article addresses aerosolization and droplet generation in environments that are probably not a tattoo area. What about the "drops" from a tattoo machine's tube onto surfaces like an ultrasonic's cup holding lid, and power knobs? What about tattoo needles that potentially poke through the plastic cups used for color rinsing in an ultrasonic? These are variables probably not taken into account when discussing cross-contamination in OSHA’s article. I suspect few pro artists would disagree with ultrasonics being particularly dirty pieces of equipment (in the context of tattooing). Again, I am not saying anything defamatory against anything other than outdated practices. Its equate it to ads comparing brand "X" with a name brand. It is not slander if a specific competitor is not mentioned by name. And "Tattoo Studio Ignorance" is about "ignorant" jerks that call the cops on somebody for nonsense reasons. Obviously the officer thought it was nonsense, or I’d have been in jail. I wonder how Quizno's gets away with slamming Subway by name? Weird. I can’t get over this "fear of litigation" thing either. Have we really gotten so afraid of getting sued, that we can’t have differing opinions and debate? And how is it Mr. Krinkel of "dogz" can get slammed on here all day long. Yet, I supposedly deserve to be sued for defamatory remarks I didn't make? I feel like I’m in an Orwellian nightmare. Extra weird.

Sorry... That should read: "I equate it to ads..."

It all sounds really stupid to me Joe, you made a valid point . Yes artists have used ultrasonics on their stations for years...does not mean its 100% safe. As long as their is one bazillionth of a chance of a negative BBP incident I think any artist who cares for his clients would thank Joe for bringing this subject up. Look, he never mentioned the other shop by name. You guys are making a mountain out of a mole hill.

So Joe you have gone though so much trouble to educate everyone, I take it you have the picture of Kat Tattooing without gloves on posted in your studio also. Just Saying…… Although I do agree with you that retaining Bio-hazard equipment within a studio is nasty.

Hey Josey, or should we say Keepinitreel? yes we do have that pic somewhere

I didn't even know about that until recently, and I haven't seen the pic. If it is public and uncopywrited, I would probably show it. I think benefits of glove wearing are fairly common knowledge among the tattooed though. Lets talk about all the pics I see of artists wearing uncovered watches, braclets, or sleeves dragging through a client's tattoo. Yukk. Maybe I'm just paranoid. I don't allow that in my studio either.

[Quote] Lets talk about all the pics I see of artists wearing uncovered watches, braclets, or sleeves dragging through a client's tattoo. Yukk. Maybe I'm just paranoid. I don't allow that in my studio either. No Shit !!! Or the dumbass walking around the lobby with dirty gloves on holding their hands in the air like: Look I’m not touching anything” YUCK !!! Or even worse the one who touch everything on their station with dirty gloves, I once had an artist who I loved dearly but he had a tattoo on the inside of his lip and he would show customers during the tattoo he was doing grant he used a paper towel as a barrier but I used to puke a little every time I seen him do it.

Joe, dont sweat it. Its a public forum... You did nothing wrong and its obviously cleaner to keep your ultrasonic out of the workstation. Cleaner is better. Remember most people are slow, and the rest are slow to change.

Joe, what I asked for was any evidence to sustain what you stated as to the risk of using an Ultrasonic in the procedure area, particularily after you stated it could produce a hazardous mist up to ten feet away, especially after having read that article from OSHA which states otherwise. As to 'What about the "drops" from a tattoo machine's tube onto surfaces like an ultrasonic's cup holding lid, and power knobs? What about tattoo needles that potentially poke through the plastic cups used for color rinsing in an ultrasonic? These are variables probably not taken into account when discussing cross-contamination in OSHA’s article. I suspect few pro artists would disagree with ultrasonics being particularly dirty pieces of equipment (in the context of tattooing).' The 'drops' are something any competent artist should know is part of the 'clean-up procecess', if the needles poke thru the cup the fluid is obviously discolored and the entire tank should be drained, dis-infected and refilled between clients. I have no idea how 'in depth' the OSHA 'study' was but still, it does somewhat contradict the info you stated. And I think it well worth mentioning that you did state Ultrasonics should never be used in the procedure area ' to boost efficiency of changing colors during a tattoo' while most of your concerns actually pertain to the Ultrasonics used to clean the tubes prior to the sterilization process, which, at least in my studio is not the same unit and is NOT in the procedure area, a practice I HOPE is pretty standard in any knowledgeable studio. I do not dispute the fact THAT Ultrasonic IS the most potentially dangerous piece of equipment in a studio but, again,they should be two entirely different units. Hopefully, that will give you a better idea as to why I was so concerned about what you posted. I'm not trying to be an asshole as I welcome any valid info that relates to Safe Tattooing but I did/do feel what you stated, as you stated it, was not supported by fact (again, I'd already read otherwise) and felt the need to call you on it, particularily when you did state 'If your getting a tattoo, look to see if the studio is running Ultrasonics in the procedure area, during a tattoo. If so, find another shop.', stating 'they had been tattooed in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.', when there is no reliable fact to back that up. As to your explaination of why you titled your post "Tattoo Studio Ignorance", thanks for clearing that up, I thought it meant any studio using an Ultrasonic in the procedure area was ignorant. Now, as to your ' I can’t get over this "fear of litigation" thing either. Have we really gotten so afraid of getting sued, that we can’t have differing opinions and debate? And how is it Mr. Krinkel of "dogz" can get slammed on here all day long. Yet, I supposedly deserve to be sued for defamatory remarks I didn't make? I feel like I’m in an Orwellian nightmare. Extra weird.' As a hard core old school 'asshole' I think we agree on this part but, the sad fact is in today's world you do really need to be very careful what you say and how you say it or you do risk litigation and since you are a good and seemingly concerned Tattoo Artist I'd really hate to hear you were being sued because of that. Some of it I've learned the hard way and was hoping to spare you the bullshit/expense. As to how Krinkle can get slammed, the accusations made are supported by fact which could be presented in court, which makes all the difference in the world, legally. Incidently, I did not say you deserve to be sued, only that you could be there's a distinct difference. As to the subsequent post stating 'It all sounds really stupid to me Joe, you made a valid point .Yes artists have used ultrasonics on their stations for years...does not mean its 100% safe. As long as their is one bazillionth of a chance of a negative BBP incident I think any artist who cares for his clients would thank Joe for bringing this subject up.' I'm sorry if my point of view is considered stupid on this forum and for asking for proof of a very serious accusation which I thought needed clarification, again, since I'd read info stating a very different conclusion on the issue, posted by a rather reputable source that I thought worth mentioning. And Tim, just what IS 100% safe, really? Did you bother to read the article I mentioned from the CDC-http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html#1? If so, I assume you are wearing a nose cover and requiring all clients to put them on the instant they enter the shop? Bet that would go over real good. It may sound stupid to some but I'd hope that at least a few can understand my side of this and my intent. Since I've frequently sat less than 3 feet away from an Ultrasonic, pretty much 6 days a week for the 20 or so years I've used an Ultrasonic to clean my needles during my tattoos, I guess by what you alarmist say, I should have every fucking disease known to man by now, guess they just didn't find it when I had my last blood screen for that crap a couple months ago or perhaps, I'm just one of those 'slow' people. Doc

Doc, you grumpy old fart when I said this was stupid I was not referring to you. What you said makes a lot of sense. I was referring to the people who attcked Joe for doing what he thought was right. So shaddup and go have sex with a parrot ( Taz said so! LOL!)

Funny you should say that... I wore a face mask just the other day due to seasonal allergies! I know I haven't presented the article I mentioned... I've looked through all the issues of Pain that I have on file. I know it exisits, just can't find it. I haven't had a chance to dig through my Crave mags yet... too busy... Anyone care to help find the issue with the article I'm talking about? If not, I'll get to it when I catch a break.

doc, I added the "slow to change" for you, I dont think you are slow. Its all a matter of where the line is. Some people dont feel safe using steel tubes, some dont feel safe with ultrasonics at the stations.

"...The ultrasonic cleaning unit is a great piece of equipment to explain to the client. Unfortunately there are still some studios that have these in the procedure area; help the client understand this is a dangerous practice..." quoted from Crave Tattooing and Body Modification, January 2007 "But it is only $20 at... How to Handle price Shoppers" -article by Christina Shull, APP Secretary

Thanks Paisan!

First off, in response to Tim and Gabe. Tim, Thanks for explaining and for being able to see what I was/am trying to get across. I did feel the reference was somewhat directed at me as I do believe I'm the only one challenging Joe on this issue. Glad you were able to see/argee that what I've said make sense. Gabe, Thanks for your responce, I suspected it was sorta directed at my post/stance, again, since I'm the one challenging Joe on this. As to what you said 'Its all a matter of where the line is. Some people dont feel safe using steel tubes, some don't feel safe with ultrasonics at the stations.' I know and agree with that premise, my point is that I believe their decision should be based on factual information, especially when that information critisizes others, particularily on a web forum. Even moreso when that includes a statement advising people to take their business elsewhere based upon that information. I trust you're about to see what I mean. Doc

Joe, before I respond in the manner I believe appropriate, I have to be certain that '"...The ultrasonic cleaning unit is a great piece of equipment to explain to the client. Unfortunately there are still some studios that have these in the procedure area; help the client understand this is a dangerous practice..." quoted from Crave Tattooing and Body Modification, January 2007 "But it is only $20 at... How to Handle price Shoppers" -article by Christina Shull, APP Secretary' Is the 'proof' and/or information you were refering to in your earlier post. Do try to respond at your earliest possible convience. Doc

Gabe, on a 'side note' of sorts. As to your ' doc, I added the "slow to change" for you, I dont think you are slow." I find that somewhat ironic in that when I first started tattooing, I tried to advocate changing the needles and tubes, pigment after every tattoo and wiping down any bloody surfaces, something that was not done 'back then' but I did it anyways and was given the nickname of 'Doctor' John because they ragged me about it, saying as much as I worried about that shit I should have become a doctor instead of a tattoo artist and the name kinda stuck. That was back in '64 and I suspect I'm the only one still alive from that 'group' but it is the truth. Doc

I did not say it was "proof" of anything. I did say it was in an article I read. It appears to be someone well respected in the modification community. I happen to agree with the Crave article statements from my own experience in tattoo studios. I'll just say I have seen the spray pattern an ultrasonic can create in studio's 'dirty' rooms if run uncovered (such as with color rinsing). I have been in very few studios considered reputable who still run them openly in the stations. I'm not saying the OSHA article is wrong... just not necessarily geared for this industry, or the practice of color rinsing during a tattoo procedure. I find it possible that the OSHA article was written in a context of finding the minimum of acceptable work conditions (perhaps in a lab or bio-haz rooms). When I say "find another studo/artist" I am talking about clients seeking studios with higher standards than the minimum required.

Well then I'm definitely going to call you on this one, Joe. From the precise wording of your original statements about Ultrasonics, such as 'An Ultrasonic, if used uncovered (as in a tattoo station) can send out an aerosol biohazard mist up to 10 feet from the unit. Hepatitis C, is a very hardy virus that can become airborne in such a mist. Ultrasonic machines should NEVER, EVER be used in a tattoo or piercing procedure area.' as well as 'And apparently gave two shits less about the fact they had been tattooed in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.' and , of course, 'So now you know. If your getting a tattoo, look to see if the studio is running Ultrasonics in the procedure area, during a tattoo. If so, find another shop.' Then there's 'If the unit is running, those potentially contaminated particles are getting invisibly sprayed on counters, client, sterile packages, the artist, ink bottles (if left out), cabinets, glove boxes, everywhere. Disinfecting is unlikely to reach ALL of those possible points of cross contamination. Most, but not all. ' and then we also have 'I have been doing some digging to find the article in "Pain" magazine that backs this up. As soon as I hunt down the issue, I will post the info about it.' . These all all your words, Joe, these last, in responce to my request for the facts to back your statements up. Frankly Joe, I don't understand how you could think those few words are 'facts' to back up your statements regarding the use of an Ultrasonic in the procedure area or any of the rest. I get Crave too, Joe, got the same issue, read the same article but somehow I did not interpretate it as you stated. In fact, I found it tonight, reread it and it still reads just like the quote you offered as your proof. So now I'm asking just where the rest of that bullshit came from, obviously it's not proven fact or even information from a reputable health agency and it certainly does not contain anything to contradict the report published regarding Ultrasonics by OSHA. See, I'm old school, if you can prove it with facts and evidence, it's most likely true, on the other hand, if you can't prove it or show evidence it is most likely bullshit and should never be confused as to which is which. I see nothing that gave you the right to present that info like it was fact, even less to understand how it gave you the right to post , again, on more than 1 public forum 'So now you know. If your getting a tattoo, look to see if the studio is running Ultrasonics in the procedure area, during a tattoo. If so, find another shop.', insinuating anyone who does is 'tattooed in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.' That's Bull Shit, plain and simple. You ought to know and understand that there's more than enough bad press and paranoia regarding getting a tattoo as is, without you throwing more shit on the fire. What the fuck were you thinking and did you really think that shit would fly without being challenged? Run your studio however you want, that is indeed your right but DO NOT come onto a public forum and bash the practices of countless serious and concerned tattoo artist with your baseless accusations and not expect to be reamed for it. Aside from being royally pissed about your slam on the profession I'm seriously wondering whether Joe is more dedicated to the Art of Tattooing or more concerned with what makes Joe look good and fuck anyone who does not share his unfounded fears about 'safety' and fuck any artist/studio that might lose money because they read that bullshit and figure since it came from a tattoo artist with a little bit of a rep it MUST be true and it was posted on websites dedicated to Tattoos. I'm too angry to get into this any more right now but, from one dedicated Tattoo Artist who you offended with your shit, FUCK YOU back, KandyAss Joe, Doc

just to get the topic back to trying your best to keep tattooing safe and improving the name of tattooing; is cold sterilization (with chemicals) just as effective or safe as using an autoclave??

In response to this post we did a little unofficial poll of tattoo studios around the country by phone and this is what we found,... over80% of the studios who talked with us had at one time used an ultrasonic on their workstaions. of that 80% just under 50% have stopped using the ultrasonic on stations because it "could" cause a negative BBP incident. *NOTE; I said "could" not "would". of the 40% who still used this method 25% still thoughjt it was perfectly safe...the remaining 15% had not heard it may NOTY be safe. Doc...come on man...no need for calling names and all that! You are better than that!

I'm lol, that someone referring to themselves as "doctor" as a nickname, is saying I'm full of shit. This whole time I thought I was debating with someone with doctoral credentials. Maybe I am full of shit, but I believe what I believe. "Backs it up" and "prooves" are completely different. There is no 100% proof, even in the OSHA writing. I interpret the OSHA article as opinion, with words like "theoretically," and "can" etc. Just like everything else here I have said it "can" and "it is possible" I think we will have to agree to disagree. And as I said, I simply hold my studio to more than minimum OSHA precautions. I urge clients to look for studios that do the same.

Oh, as matter of course... Iowa law only "suggests" tattoo artists wear gloves during a tattoo. I would not recommend a studio to a client who follows only those minumum standards either. "If you're pissing people off, you must be doing something right" (I forgot who said that)

Dammit... last one, really. I would like to (once again) point out there is no information in the OSHA article regarding the intended use of an ultrasonic. I feel the indended use is to clean dirty, blood soiled, tools or jewelry. IMO, to use one for color rinsing in an area where skin is being intentionally broken open is stretching the intended use of that equipment. That's it. I'm done, I don't have any more time to spend on this. I have tattoos to do.

Sorry, I was wrong and it was called to my attention...there is info about intended use, I meant nothing that suggests its intended for use in a procedure area.

Hi all, It is adivsed that all eqipemtn uised in the santiation, disenfection and sterlization of all tattoo implemnts be in a sperate area away from clients. Common ssnec too! Quote; "Splashes of blood or serum into the individual's eye or mouth in clinical settings or in the laboratory must be regarded as potentially serious exposures. While there has been concern about the potential infectivity of aerosols generated by dental, medical, and laboratory equipment, and although HBsAg may be found in large particles of "spatter" that travel short distances, OSHA is not aware of any data that link HBV transmission with aerosols through inhalation." I think Joe had his heart in the right place!!!!!! Beyond many states with weak regualtions is OSHA for all to do! 29 CFR 1910.10 Blood Borne Pathogen for tattooing 1910.1030(a) Scope and Application. This section applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as defined by paragraph (b) of this section. 1910.1030(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following shall apply: Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, or designated representative. Blood means human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood. Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Clinical Laboratory means a workplace where diagnostic or other screening procedures are performed on blood or other potentially infectious materials. Contaminated means the presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface. Contaminated Laundry means laundry which has been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials or may contain sharps. Contaminated Sharps means any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin including, but not limited to, needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed ends of dental wires. Decontamination means the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal. Director means the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or designated representative. Engineering Controls means controls (e.g., sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems) that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace. Exposure Incident means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee's duties. Handwashing Facilities means a facility providing an adequate supply of running potable water, soap and single use towels or hot air drying machines. Licensed Healthcare Professional is a person whose legally permitted scope of practice allows him or her to independently perform the activities required by paragraph (f) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-exposure Evaluation and Follow-up. HBV means hepatitis B virus. HIV means human immunodeficiency virus. Needleless systems means a device that does not use needles for: (1) The collection of bodily fluids or withdrawal of body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is established; (2) The administration of medication or fluids; or (3) Any other procedure involving the potential for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens due to percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps. Occupational Exposure means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties. Other Potentially Infectious Materials means (1) The following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids; (2) Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); and (3) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV. Parenteral means piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needlesticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions. Personal Protective Equipment is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes (e.g., uniforms, pants, shirts or blouses) not intended to function as protection against a hazard are not considered to be personal protective equipment. Production Facility means a facility engaged in industrial-scale, large-volume or high concentration production of HIV or HBV. Regulated Waste means liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials; contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed; items that are caked with dried blood or other potentially infectious materials and are capable of releasing these materials during handling; contaminated sharps; and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or other potentially infectious materials. Research Laboratory means a laboratory producing or using research-laboratory-scale amounts of HIV or HBV. Research laboratories may produce high concentrations of HIV or HBV but not in the volume found in production facilities. Sharps with engineered sharps injury protections means a nonneedle sharp or a needle device used for withdrawing body fluids, accessing a vein or artery, or administering medications or other fluids, with a built-in safety feature or mechanism that effectively reduces the risk of an exposure incident. Source Individual means any individual, living or dead, whose blood or other potentially infectious materials may be a source of occupational exposure to the employee. Examples include, but are not limited to, hospital and clinic patients; clients in institutions for the developmentally disabled; trauma victims; clients of drug and alcohol treatment facilities; residents of hospices and nursing homes; human remains; and individuals who donate or sell blood or blood components. Sterilize means the use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all microbial life including highly resistant bacterial endospores. Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. Work Practice Controls means controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which a task is performed (e.g., prohibiting recapping of needles by a two-handed technique). 1910.1030(c) Exposure Control -- 1910.1030(c)(1) Exposure Control Plan. 1910.1030(c)(1)(i) Each employer having an employee(s) with occupational exposure as defined by paragraph (b) of this section shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii) The Exposure Control Plan shall contain at least the following elements: 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(A) The exposure determination required by paragraph (c)(2), 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(B) The schedule and method of implementation for paragraphs (d) Methods of Compliance, (e) HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities, (f) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up, (g) Communication of Hazards to Employees, and (h) Recordkeeping, of this standard, and 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(C) The procedure for the evaluation of circumstances surrounding exposure incidents as required by paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this standard. 1910.1030(c)(1)(iii) Each employer shall ensure that a copy of the Exposure Control Plan is accessible to employees in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(e). 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv) The Exposure Control Plan shall be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure. The review and update of such plans shall also: 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)(A) Reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens; and 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)(B) Document annually consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure. 1910.1030(c)(1)(v) An employer, who is required to establish an Exposure Control Plan shall solicit input from non-managerial employees responsible for direct patient care who are potentially exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps in the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering and work practice controls and shall document the solicitation in the Exposure Control Plan. 1910.1030(c)(1)(vi) The Exposure Control Plan shall be made available to the Assistant Secretary and the Director upon request for examination and copying. 1910.1030(c)(2) Exposure Determination. 1910.1030(c)(2)(i) Each employer who has an employee(s) with occupational exposure as defined by paragraph (b) of this section shall prepare an exposure determination. This exposure determination shall contain the following: 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)(A) A list of all job classifications in which all employees in those job classifications have occupational exposure; 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)(B) A list of job classifications in which some employees have occupational exposure, and 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)(C) A list of all tasks and procedures or groups of closely related task and procedures in which occupational exposure occurs and that are performed by employees in job classifications listed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) of this standard. 1910.1030(c)(2)(ii) This exposure determination shall be made without regard to the use of personal protective equipment. 1910.1030(d) Methods of Compliance -- 1910.1030(d)(1) General. Universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. 1910.1030(d)(2) Engineering and Work Practice Controls. 1910.1030(d)(2)(i) Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. Where occupational exposure remains after institution of these controls, personal protective equipment shall also be used. 1910.1030(d)(2)(ii) Engineering controls shall be examined and maintained or replaced on a regular schedule to ensure their effectiveness. 1910.1030(d)(2)(iii) Employers shall provide handwashing facilities which are readily accessible to employees. 1910.1030(d)(2)(iv) When provision of handwashing facilities is not feasible, the employer shall provide either an appropriate antiseptic hand cleanser in conjunction with clean cloth/paper towels or antiseptic towelettes. When antiseptic hand cleansers or towelettes are used, hands shall be washed with soap and running water as soon as feasible. 1910.1030(d)(2)(v) Employers shall ensure that employees wash their hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment. 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi) Employers shall ensure that employees wash hands and any other skin with soap and water, or flush mucous membranes with water immediately or as soon as feasible following contact of such body areas with blood or other potentially infectious materials. 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii) Contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps shall not be bent, recapped, or removed except as noted in paragraphs (d)(2)(vii)(A) and (d)(2)(vii)(B) below. Shearing or breaking of contaminated needles is prohibited. 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A) Contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps shall not be bent, recapped or removed unless the employer can demonstrate that no alternative is feasible or that such action is required by a specific medical or dental procedure. 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B) Such bending, recapping or needle removal must be accomplished through the use of a mechanical device or a one-handed technique. 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii) Immediately or as soon as possible after use, contaminated reusable sharps shall be placed in appropriate containers until properly reprocessed. These containers shall be: 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii)(A) Puncture resistant; 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii)(B) Labeled or color-coded in accordance with this standard; 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii)(C) Leakproof on the sides and bottom; and 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii)(D) In accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(E) for reusable sharps. 1910.1030(d)(2)(ix) Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure. 1910.1030(d)(2)(x) Food and drink shall not be kept in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or on countertops or benchtops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xi) All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering, and generation of droplets of these substances. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xii) Mouth pipetting/suctioning of blood or other potentially infectious materials is prohibited. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiii) Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be placed in a container which prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiii)(A) The container for storage, transport, or shipping shall be labeled or color-coded according to paragraph (g)(1)(i) and closed prior to being stored, transported, or shipped. When a facility utilizes Universal Precautions in the handling of all specimens, the labeling/color-coding of specimens is not necessary provided containers are recognizable as containing specimens. This exemption only applies while such specimens/containers remain within the facility. Labeling or color-coding in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) is required when such specimens/containers leave the facility. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiii)(B) If outside contamination of the primary container occurs, the primary container shall be placed within a second container which prevents leakage during handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping and is labeled or color-coded according to the requirements of this standard. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiii)(C) If the specimen could puncture the primary container, the primary container shall be placed within a secondary container which is puncture-resistant in addition to the above characteristics. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv) Equipment which may become contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be examined prior to servicing or shipping and shall be decontaminated as necessary, unless the employer can demonstrate that decontamination of such equipment or portions of such equipment is not feasible. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv)(A) A readily observable label in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i)(H) shall be attached to the equipment stating which portions remain contaminated. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv)(B) The employer shall ensure that this information is conveyed to all affected employees, the servicing representative, and/or the manufacturer, as appropriate, prior to handling, servicing, or shipping so that appropriate precautions will be taken. 1910.1030(d)(3) Personal Protective Equipment -- 1910.1030(d)(3)(i) Provision. When there is occupational exposure, the employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee, appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields or masks and eye protection, and mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, pocket masks, or other ventilation devices. Personal protective equipment will be considered "appropriate" only if it does not permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through to or reach the employee's work clothes, street clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time which the protective equipment will be used. 1910.1030(d)(3)(ii) Use. The employer shall ensure that the employee uses appropriate personal protective equipment unless the employer shows that the employee temporarily and briefly declined to use personal protective equipment when, under rare and extraordinary circumstances, it was the employee's professional judgment that in the specific instance its use would have prevented the delivery of health care or public safety services or would have posed an increased hazard to the safety of the worker or co-worker. When the employee makes this judgement, the circumstances shall be investigated and documented in order to determine whether changes can be instituted to prevent such occurrences in the future. 1910.1030(d)(3)(iii) Accessibility. The employer shall ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment in the appropriate sizes is readily accessible at the worksite or is issued to employees. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, powderless gloves, or other similar alternatives shall be readily accessible to those employees who are allergic to the gloves normally provided. 1910.1030(d)(3)(iv) Cleaning, Laundering, and Disposal. The employer shall clean, launder, and dispose of personal protective equipment required by paragraphs (d) and (e) of this standard, at no cost to the employee. 1910.1030(d)(3)(v) Repair and Replacement. The employer shall repair or replace personal protective equipment as needed to maintain its effectiveness, at no cost to the employee. 1910.1030(d)(3)(vi) If a garment(s) is penetrated by blood or other potentially infectious materials, the garment(s) shall be removed immediately or as soon as feasible. 1910.1030(d)(3)(vii) All personal protective equipment shall be removed prior to leaving the work area. 1910.1030(d)(3)(viii) When personal protective equipment is removed it shall be placed in an appropriately designated area or container for storage, washing, decontamination or disposal. 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix) Gloves. Gloves shall be worn when it can be reasonably anticipated that the employee may have hand contact with blood, other potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin; when performing vascular access procedures except as specified in paragraph (d)(3)(ix)(D); and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces. 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(A) Disposable (single use) gloves such as surgical or examination gloves, shall be replaced as soon as practical when contaminated or as soon as feasible if they are torn, punctured, or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised. 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(B) Disposable (single use) gloves shall not be washed or decontaminated for re-use. 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(C) Utility gloves may be decontaminated for re-use if the integrity of the glove is not compromised. However, they must be discarded if they are cracked, peeling, torn, punctured, or exhibit other signs of deterioration or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised. 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D) If an employer in a volunteer blood donation center judges that routine gloving for all phlebotomies is not necessary then the employer shall: 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D)(1) Periodically reevaluate this policy; 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D)(2) Make gloves available to all employees who wish to use them for phlebotomy; 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D)(3) Not discourage the use of gloves for phlebotomy; and 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D)(4) Require that gloves be used for phlebotomy in the following circumstances: 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D)(4)(i) When the employee has cuts, scratches, or other breaks in his or her skin; 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D)(4)(ii) When the employee judges that hand contamination with blood may occur, for example, when performing phlebotomy on an uncooperative source individual; and 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(D)(4)(iii) When the employee is receiving training in phlebotomy. 1910.1030(d)(3)(x) Masks, Eye Protection, and Face Shields. Masks in combination with eye protection devices, such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields, or chin-length face shields, shall be worn whenever splashes, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can be reasonably anticipated. 1910.1030(d)(3)(xi) Gowns, Aprons, and Other Protective Body Clothing. Appropriate protective clothing such as, but not limited to, gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments shall be worn in occupational exposure situations. The type and characteristics will depend upon the task and degree of exposure anticipated. 1910.1030(d)(3)(xii) Surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers or boots shall be worn in instances when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated (e.g., autopsies, orthopaedic surgery). 1910.1030(d)(4) Housekeeping -- 1910.1030(d)(4)(i) General. Employers shall ensure that the worksite is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. The employer shall determine and implement an appropriate written schedule for cleaning and method of decontamination based upon the location within the facility, type of surface to be cleaned, type of soil present, and tasks or procedures being performed in the area. 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii) All equipment and environmental and working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A) Contaminated work surfaces shall be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant after completion of procedures; immediately or as soon as feasible when surfaces are overtly contaminated or after any spill of blood or other potentially infectious materials; and at the end of the work shift if the surface may have become contaminated since the last cleaning. 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(B) Protective coverings, such as plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or imperviously-backed absorbent paper used to cover equipment and environmental surfaces, shall be removed and replaced as soon as feasible when they become overtly contaminated or at the end of the workshift if they may have become contaminated during the shift. 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(C) All bins, pails, cans, and similar receptacles intended for reuse which have a reasonable likelihood for becoming contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be inspected and decontaminated on a regularly scheduled basis and cleaned and decontaminated immediately or as soon as feasible upon visible contamination. 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(D) Broken glassware which may be contaminated shall not be picked up directly with the hands. It shall be cleaned up using mechanical means, such as a brush and dust pan, tongs, or forceps. 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(E) Reusable sharps that are contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall not be stored or processed in a manner that requires employees to reach by hand into the containers where these sharps have been placed. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii) Regulated Waste -- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A) Contaminated Sharps Discarding and Containment. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1) Contaminated sharps shall be discarded immediately or as soon as feasible in containers that are: 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)(i) Closable; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)(ii) Puncture resistant; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)(iii) Leakproof on sides and bottom; and 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)(iv) Labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this standard. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2) During use, containers for contaminated sharps shall be: 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)(i) Easily accessible to personnel and located as close as is feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used or can be reasonably anticipated to be found (e.g., laundries); 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)(ii) Maintained upright throughout use; and 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)(iii) Replaced routinely and not be allowed to overfill. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(3) When moving containers of contaminated sharps from the area of use, the containers shall be: 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(3)(i) Closed immediately prior to removal or replacement to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(3)(ii) Placed in a secondary container if leakage is possible. The second container shall be: 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(3)(ii)(A) Closable; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(3)(ii)(B) Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage during handling, storage, transport, or shipping; and 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(3)(ii)(C) Labeled or color-coded according to paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this standard. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(4) Reusable containers shall not be opened, emptied, or cleaned manually or in any other manner which would expose employees to the risk of percutaneous injury. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B) Other Regulated Waste Containment -- 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(1) Regulated waste shall be placed in containers which are: 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(1)(i) Closable; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(1)(ii) Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(1)(iii) Labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) this standard; and 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(1)(iv) Closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(2) If outside contamination of the regulated waste container occurs, it shall be placed in a second container. The second container shall be: 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(2)(i) Closable; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(2)(ii) Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping; 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(2)(iii) Labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this standard; and 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B)(2)(iv) Closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(C) Disposal of all regulated waste shall be in accordance with applicable regulations of the United States, States and Territories, and political subdivisions of States and Territories. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv) Laundry. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A) Contaminated laundry shall be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(1) Contaminated laundry shall be bagged or containerized at the location where it was used and shall not be sorted or rinsed in the location of use. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(2) Contaminated laundry shall be placed and transported in bags or containers labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this standard. When a facility utilizes Universal Precautions in the handling of all soiled laundry, alternative labeling or color-coding is sufficient if it permits all employees to recognize the containers as requiring compliance with Universal Precautions. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(3) Whenever contaminated laundry is wet and presents a reasonable likelihood of soak-through of or leakage from the bag or container, the laundry shall be placed and transported in bags or containers which prevent soak-through and/or leakage of fluids to the exterior. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(B) The employer shall ensure that employees who have contact with contaminated laundry wear protective gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment. 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(C) When a facility ships contaminated laundry off-site to a second facility which does not utilize Universal Precautions in the handling of all laundry, the facility generating the contaminated laundry must place such laundry in bags or containers which are labeled or color-coded in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i). 1910.1030(e) HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities. 1910.1030(e)(1) This paragraph applies to research laboratories and production facilities engaged in the culture, production, concentration, experimentation, and manipulation of HIV and HBV. It does not apply to clinical or diagnostic laboratories engaged solely in the analysis of blood, tissues, or organs. These requirements apply in addition to the other requirements of the standard. 1910.1030(e)(2) Research laboratories and production facilities shall meet the following criteria: 1910.1030(e)(2)(i) Standard Microbiological Practices. All regulated waste shall either be incinerated or decontaminated by a method such as autoclaving known to effectively destroy bloodborne pathogens. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii) Special Practices. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(A) Laboratory doors shall be kept closed when work involving HIV or HBV is in progress. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(B) Contaminated materials that are to be decontaminated at a site away from the work area shall be placed in a durable, leakproof, labeled or color-coded container that is closed before being removed from the work area. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(C) Access to the work area shall be limited to authorized persons. Written policies and procedures shall be established whereby only persons who have been advised of the potential biohazard, who meet any specific entry requirements, and who comply with all entry and exit procedures shall be allowed to enter the work areas and animal rooms. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(D) When other potentially infectious materials or infected animals are present in the work area or containment module, a hazard warning sign incorporating the universal biohazard symbol shall be posted on all access doors. The hazard warning sign shall comply with paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this standard. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(E) All activities involving other potentially infectious materials shall be conducted in biological safety cabinets or other physical-containment devices within the containment module. No work with these other potentially infectious materials shall be conducted on the open bench. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(F) Laboratory coats, gowns, smocks, uniforms, or other appropriate protective clothing shall be used in the work area and animal rooms. Protective clothing shall not be worn outside of the work area and shall be decontaminated before being laundered. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(G) Special care shall be taken to avoid skin contact with other potentially infectious materials. Gloves shall be worn when handling infected animals and when making hand contact with other potentially infectious materials is unavoidable. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(H) Before disposal all waste from work areas and from animal rooms shall either be incinerated or decontaminated by a method such as autoclaving known to effectively destroy bloodborne pathogens. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(I) Vacuum lines shall be protected with liquid disinfectant traps and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or filters of equivalent or superior efficiency and which are checked routinely and maintained or replaced as necessary. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(J) Hypodermic needles and syringes shall be used only for parenteral injection and aspiration of fluids from laboratory animals and diaphragm bottles. Only needle-locking syringes or disposable syringe-needle units (i.e., the needle is integral to the syringe) shall be used for the injection or aspiration of other potentially infectious materials. Extreme caution shall be used when handling needles and syringes. A needle shall not be bent, sheared, replaced in the sheath or guard, or removed from the syringe following use. The needle and syringe shall be promptly placed in a puncture-resistant container and autoclaved or decontaminated before reuse or disposal. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(K) All spills shall be immediately contained and cleaned up by appropriate professional staff or others properly trained and equipped to work with potentially concentrated infectious materials. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(L) A spill or accident that results in an exposure incident shall be immediately reported to the laboratory director or other responsible person. 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(M) A biosafety manual shall be prepared or adopted and periodically reviewed and updated at least annually or more often if necessary. Personnel shall be advised of potential hazards, shall be required to read instructions on practices and procedures, and shall be required to follow them. 1910.1030(e)(2)(iii) Containment Equipment. 1910.1030(e)(2)(iii)(A) Certified biological safety cabinets (Class I, II, or III) or other appropriate combinations of personal protection or physical containment devices, such as special protective clothing, respirators, centrifuge safety cups, sealed centrifuge rotors, and containment caging for animals, shall be used for all activities with other potentially infectious materials that pose a threat of exposure to droplets, splashes, spills, or aerosols. 1910.1030(e)(2)(iii)(B) Biological safety cabinets shall be certified when installed, whenever they are moved and at least annually. 1910.1030(e)(3) HIV and HBV research laboratories shall meet the following criteria: 1910.1030(e)(3)(i) Each laboratory shall contain a facility for hand washing and an eye wash facility which is readily available within the work area. 1910.1030(e)(3)(ii) An autoclave for decontamination of regulated waste shall be available. 1910.1030(e)(4) HIV and HBV production facilities shall meet the following criteria: 1910.1030(e)(4)(i) The work areas shall be separated from areas that are open to unrestricted traffic flow within the building. Passage through two sets of doors shall be the basic requirement for entry into the work area from access corridors or other contiguous areas. Physical separation of the high-containment work area from access corridors or other areas or activities may also be provided by a double-doored clothes-change room (showers may be included), airlock, or other access facility that requires passing through two sets of doors before entering the work area. 1910.1030(e)(4)(ii) The surfaces of doors, walls, floors and ceilings in the work area shall be water resistant so that they can be easily cleaned. Penetrations in these surfaces shall be sealed or capable of being sealed to facilitate decontamination. 1910.1030(e)(4)(iii) Each work area shall contain a sink for washing hands and a readily available eye wash facility. The sink shall be foot, elbow, or automatically operated and shall be located near the exit door of the work area. 1910.1030(e)(4)(iv) Access doors to the work area or containment module shall be self-closing. 1910.1030(e)(4)(v) An autoclave for decontamination of regulated waste shall be available within or as near as possible to the work area. 1910.1030(e)(4)(vi) A ducted exhaust-air ventilation system shall be provided. This system shall create directional airflow that draws air into the work area through the entry area. The exhaust air shall not be recirculated to any other area of the building, shall be discharged to the outside, and shall be dispersed away from occupied areas and air intakes. The proper direction of the airflow shall be verified (i.e., into the work area). 1910.1030(e)(5) Training Requirements. Additional training requirements for employees in HIV and HBV research laboratories and HIV and HBV production facilities are specified in paragraph (g)(2)(ix). 1910.1030(f) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-exposure Evaluation and Follow-up -- 1910.1030(f)(1) General. 1910.1030(f)(1)(i) The employer shall make available the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to all employees who have occupational exposure, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to all employees who have had an exposure incident. 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii) The employer shall ensure that all medical evaluations and procedures including the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, including prophylaxis, are: 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(A) Made available at no cost to the employee; 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(B) Made available to the employee at a reasonable time and place; 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(C) Performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician or by or under the supervision of another licensed healthcare professional; and 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(D) Provided according to recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service current at the time these evaluations and procedures take place, except as specified by this paragraph (f). 1910.1030(f)(1)(iii) The employer shall ensure that all laboratory tests are conducted by an accredited laboratory at no cost to the employee. 1910.1030(f)(2) Hepatitis B Vaccination. 1910.1030(f)(2)(i) Hepatitis B vaccination shall be made available after the employee has received the training required in paragraph (g)(2)(vii)(I) and within 10 working days of initial assignment to all employees who have occupational exposure unless the employee has previously received the complete hepatitis B vaccination series, antibody testing has revealed that the employee is immune, or the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons. 1910.1030(f)(2)(ii) The employer shall not make participation in a prescreening program a prerequisite for receiving hepatitis B vaccination. 1910.1030(f)(2)(iii) If the employee initially declines hepatitis B vaccination but at a later date while still covered under the standard decides to accept the vaccination, the employer shall make available hepatitis B vaccination at that time. 1910.1030(f)(2)(iv) The employer shall assure that employees who decline to accept hepatitis B vaccination offered by the employer sign the statement in Appendix A. 1910.1030(f)(2)(v) If a routine booster dose(s) of hepatitis B vaccine is recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service at a future date, such booster dose(s) shall be made available in accordance with section (f)(1)(ii). 1910.1030(f)(3) Post-exposure Evaluation and Follow-up. Following a report of an exposure incident, the employer shall make immediately available to the exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, including at least the following elements: 1910.1030(f)(3)(i) Documentation of the route(s) of exposure, and the circumstances under which the exposure incident occurred; 1910.1030(f)(3)(ii) Identification and documentation of the source individual, unless the employer can establish that identification is infeasible or prohibited by state or local law; 1910.1030(f)(3)(ii)(A) The source individual's blood shall be tested as soon as feasible and after consent is obtained in order to determine HBV and HIV infectivity. If consent is not obtained, the employer shall establish that legally required consent cannot be obtained. When the source individual's consent is not required by law, the source individual's blood, if available, shall be tested and the results documented. 1910.1030(f)(3)(ii)(B) When the source individual is already known to be infected with HBV or HIV, testing for the source individual's known HBV or HIV status need not be repeated. 1910.1030(f)(3)(ii)(C) Results of the source individual's testing shall be made available to the exposed employee, and the employee shall be informed of applicable laws and regulations concerning disclosure of the identity and infectious status of the source individual. 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii) Collection and testing of blood for HBV and HIV serological status; 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii)(A) The exposed employee's blood shall be collected as soon as feasible and tested after consent is obtained. 1910.1030(f)(3)(iii)(B) If the employee consents to baseline blood collection, but does not give consent at that time for HIV serologic testing, the sample shall be preserved for at least 90 days. If, within 90 days of the exposure incident, the employee elects to have the baseline sample tested, such testing shall be done as soon as feasible. 1910.1030(f)(3)(iv) Post-exposure prophylaxis, when medically indicated, as recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service; 1910.1030(f)(3)(v) Counseling; and 1910.1030(f)(3)(vi) Evaluation of reported illnesses. 1910.1030(f)(4) Information Provided to the Healthcare Professional. 1910.1030(f)(4)(i) The employer shall ensure that the healthcare professional responsible for the employee's Hepatitis B vaccination is provided a copy of this regulation. 1910.1030(f)(4)(ii) The employer shall ensure that the healthcare professional evaluating an employee after an exposure incident is provided the following information: 1910.1030(f)(4)(ii)(A) A copy of this regulation; 1910.1030(f)(4)(ii)(B) A description of the exposed employee's duties as they relate to the exposure incident; 1910.1030(f)(4)(ii)(C) Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred; 1910.1030(f)(4)(ii)(D) Results of the source individual's blood testing, if available; and 1910.1030(f)(4)(ii)(E) All medical records relevant to the appropriate treatment of the employee including vaccination status which are the employer's responsibility to maintain. 1910.1030(f)(5) Healthcare Professional's Written Opinion. The employer shall obtain and provide the employee with a copy of the evaluating healthcare professional's written opinion within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation. 1910.1030(f)(5)(i) The healthcare professional's written opinion for Hepatitis B vaccination shall be limited to whether Hepatitis B vaccination is indicated for an employee, and if the employee has received such vaccination. 1910.1030(f)(5)(ii) The healthcare professional's written opinion for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up shall be limited to the following information: 1910.1030(f)(5)(ii)(A) That the employee has been informed of the results of the evaluation; and 1910.1030(f)(5)(ii)(B) That the employee has been told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation or treatment. 1910.1030(f)(5)(iii) All other findings or diagnoses shall remain confidential and shall not be included in the written report. 1910.1030(f)(6) Medical Recordkeeping. Medical records required by this standard shall be maintained in accordance with paragraph (h)(1) of this section. 1910.1030(g) Communication of Hazards to Employees -- 1910.1030(g)(1) Labels and Signs -- 1910.1030(g)(1)(i) Labels. 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(A) Warning labels shall be affixed to containers of regulated waste, refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious material; and other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials, except as provided in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(E), (F) and (G). 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(B) Labels required by this section shall include the following legend: 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(C) These labels shall be fluorescent orange or orange-red or predominantly so, with lettering and symbols in a contrasting color. 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(D) Labels shall be affixed as close as feasible to the container by string, wire, adhesive, or other method that prevents their loss or unintentional removal. 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(E) Red bags or red containers may be substituted for labels. 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(F) Containers of blood, blood components, or blood products that are labeled as to their contents and have been released for transfusion or other clinical use are exempted from the labeling requirements of paragraph (g). 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(G) Individual containers of blood or other potentially infectious materials that are placed in a labeled container during storage, transport, shipment or disposal are exempted from the labeling requirement. 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(H) Labels required for contaminated equipment shall be in accordance with this paragraph and shall also state which portions of the equipment remain contaminated. 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(I) Regulated waste that has been decontaminated need not be labeled or color-coded. 1910.1030(g)(1)(ii) Signs. 1910.1030(g)(1)(ii)(A) The employer shall post signs at the entrance to work areas specified in paragraph (e), HIV and HBV Research Laboratory and Production Facilities, which shall bear the following legend: (Name of the Infectious Agent) (Special requirements for entering the area) (Name, telephone number of the laboratory director or other responsible person.) 1910.1030(g)(1)(ii)(B) These signs shall be fluorescent orange-red or predominantly so, with lettering and symbols in a contrasting color. 1910.1030(g)(2) Information and Training. 1910.1030(g)(2)(i) Employers shall ensure that all employees with occupational exposure participate in a training program which must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours. 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii) Training shall be provided as follows: 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii)(A) At the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place; 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii)(B) At least annually thereafter. 1910.1030(g)(2)(iii) [Reserved] 1910.1030(g)(2)(iv) Annual training for all employees shall be provided within one year of their previous training. 1910.1030(g)(2)(v) Employers shall provide additional training when changes such as modification of tasks or procedures or institution of new tasks or procedures affect the employee's occupational exposure. The additional training may be limited to addressing the new exposures created. 1910.1030(g)(2)(vi) Material appropriate in content and vocabulary to educational level, literacy, and language of employees shall be used. 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii) The training program shall contain at a minimum the following elements: 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(A) An accessible copy of the regulatory text of this standard and an explanation of its contents; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(B) A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(C) An explanation of the modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(D) An explanation of the employer's exposure control plan and the means by which the employee can obtain a copy of the written plan; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(E) An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(F) An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(G) Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(H) An explanation of the basis for selection of personal protective equipment; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(I) Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that the vaccine and vaccination will be offered free of charge; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(J) Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(K) An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that will be made available; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(L) Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident; 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(M) An explanation of the signs and labels and/or color coding required by paragraph (g)(1); and 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N) An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session. 1910.1030(g)(2)(viii) The person conducting the training shall be knowledgeable in the subject matter covered by the elements contained in the training program as it relates to the workplace that the training will address. 1910.1030(g)(2)(ix) Additional Initial Training for Employees in HIV and HBV Laboratories and Production Facilities. Employees in HIV or HBV research laboratories and HIV or HBV production facilities shall receive the following initial training in addition to the above training requirements. 1910.1030(g)(2)(ix)(A) The employer shall assure that employees demonstrate proficiency in standard microbiological practices and techniques and in the practices and operations specific to the facility before being allowed to work with HIV or HBV. 1910.1030(g)(2)(ix)(B) The employer shall assure that employees have prior experience in the handling of human pathogens or tissue cultures before working with HIV or HBV. 1910.1030(g)(2)(ix)(C) The employer shall provide a training program to employees who have no prior experience in handling human pathogens. Initial work activities shall not include the handling of infectious agents. A progression of work activities shall be assigned as techniques are learned and proficiency is developed. The employer shall assure that employees participate in work activities involving infectious agents only after proficiency has been demonstrated. 1910.1030(h) Recordkeeping -- 1910.1030(h)(1) Medical Records. 1910.1030(h)(1)(i) The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee with occupational exposure, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. 1910.1030(h)(1)(ii) This record shall include: 1910.1030(h)(1)(ii)(A) The name and social security number of the employee; 1910.1030(h)(1)(ii)(B) A copy of the employee's hepatitis B vaccination status including the dates of all the hepatitis B vaccinations and any medical records relative to the employee's ability to receive vaccination as required by paragraph (f)(2); 1910.1030(h)(1)(ii)(C) A copy of all results of examinations, medical testing, and follow-up procedures as required by paragraph (f)(3); 1910.1030(h)(1)(ii)(D) The employer's copy of the healthcare professional's written opinion as required by paragraph (f)(5); and 1910.1030(h)(1)(ii)(E) A copy of the information provided to the healthcare professional as required by paragraphs (f)(4)(ii)(B)(C) and (D). 1910.1030(h)(1)(iii) Confidentiality. The employer shall ensure that employee medical records required by paragraph (h)(1) are: 1910.1030(h)(1)(iii)(A) Kept confidential; and 1910.1030(h)(1)(iii)(B) Not disclosed or reported without the employee's express written consent to any person within or outside the workplace except as required by this section or as may be required by law. 1910.1030(h)(1)(iv) The employer shall maintain the records required by paragraph (h) for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. 1910.1030(h)(2) Training Records. 1910.1030(h)(2)(i) Training records shall include the following information: 1910.1030(h)(2)(i)(A) The dates of the training sessions; 1910.1030(h)(2)(i)(B) The contents or a summary of the training sessions; 1910.1030(h)(2)(i)(C) The names and qualifications of persons conducting the training; and 1910.1030(h)(2)(i)(D) The names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions. 1910.1030(h)(2)(ii) Training records shall be maintained for 3 years from the date on which the training occurred. 1910.1030(h)(3) Availability. 1910.1030(h)(3)(i) The employer shall ensure that all records required to be maintained by this section shall be made available upon request to the Assistant Secretary and the Director for examination and copying. 1910.1030(h)(3)(ii) Employee training records required by this paragraph shall be provided upon request for examination and copying to employees, to employee representatives, to the Director, and to the Assistant Secretary. 1910.1030(h)(3)(iii) Employee medical records required by this paragraph shall be provided upon request for examination and copying to the subject employee, to anyone having written consent of the subject employee, to the Director, and to the Assistant Secretary in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. 1910.1030(h)(4) Transfer of Records. 1910.1030(h)(4)(i) The employer shall comply with the requirements involving transfer of records set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1020(h). 1910.1030(h)(4)(ii) If the employer ceases to do business and there is no successor employer to receive and retain the records for the prescribed period, the employer shall notify the Director, at least three months prior to their disposal and transmit them to the Director, if required by the Director to do so, within that three month period. 1910.1030(h)(5) Sharps injury log. 1910.1030(h)(5)(i) The employer shall establish and maintain a sharps injury log for the recording of percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps. The information in the sharps injury log shall be recorded and maintained in such manner as to protect the confidentiality of the injured employee. The sharps injury log shall contain, at a minimum: 1910.1030(h)(5)(i)(A) The type and brand of device involved in the incident, 1910.1030(h)(5)(i)(B) The department or work area where the exposure incident occurred, and 1910.1030(h)(5)(i)(C) An explanation of how the incident occurred. 1910.1030(h)(5)(ii) The requirement to establish and maintain a sharps injury log shall apply to any employer who is required to maintain a log of occupational injuries and illnesses under 29 CFR 1904. 1910.1030(h)(5)(iii) The sharps injury log shall be maintained for the period required by 29 CFR 1904.6. 1910.1030(i) Dates -- 1910.1030(i)(1) Effective Date. The standard shall become effective on March 6, 1992. 1910.1030(i)(2) The Exposure Control Plan required by paragraph (c) of this section shall be completed on or before May 5, 1992. 1910.1030(i)(3) Paragraph (g)(2) Information and Training and (h) Recordkeeping shall take effect on or before June 4, 1992. 1910.1030(i)(4) Paragraphs (d)(2) Engineering and Work Practice Controls, (d)(3) Personal Protective Equipment, (d)(4) Housekeeping, (e) HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities, (f) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up, and (g)(1) Labels and Signs, shall take effect July 6, 1992. [56 FR 64004, Dec. 06, 1991, as amended at 57 FR 12717, April 13, 1992; 57 FR 29206, July 1, 1992; 61 FR 5507, Feb. 13, 1996; 66 FR 5325 Jan., 18, 2001; 71 FR 16672 and 16673, April 3, 2006]

Geez, sorry about typing in my sleep and not using spell check. This is better. Sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hi all, It is advised that all equipment used in the sanitation, disinfection and sterilization of all tattoo implements be in a separate area away from clients. Common sense too!

Thanks for all that info!!