10 Things Every Tattoo Shop Does to Keep Their Shop Safe and Clean
Tattooing is an art form that has been around for centuries. However, the modern tattoo shop has certain advantages that weren’t afforded to our predecessors. Nowadays, we have the tools and equipment to ensure that everything is safe and clean, not only for the patrons but for the tattoo artist too.
Running a tattoo parlor involves risk. Since you’re performing permanent body modification, there is the potential for many things to go wrong. A tattoo could become infected due to unsanitary premises, for example, or a patron could sustain an injury from slipping, tripping, or being tattooed with faulty equipment. The way to counter this is by employing regular practices to keep your shop safe and clean.
In today’s litigious society, running a tattoo shop could mean you end up on the wrong side of a liability lawsuit. Minimize your risk by following these ten tips to keep your shop safe and clean.
- The workstation in your tattoo shop needs to be disinfected after every use. Use a suitable disinfectant and ensure all surfaces are thoroughly wiped down before your next customer arrives. The whole tattoo parlor needs to be kept clean at all times.
- A roll of paper towel or shrink-wrap should be used to cover the bench or couch, which needs to be replaced after every use.
- Keep your tattoo equipment in a safe, sterile environment when not in use. Discard any needles that you believe to be contaminated in a secure sharp box. Ensure you change your needles after every tattoo – even if a client has two or more tattoos in one sitting, the needles must be changed after each one.
- The tattoo parlor must have adequate lighting and non-slip floors. All surfaces and furniture need to be spill-resistant and should be easy to clean.
- Use soap and water to clean your hands. It’s best to install a sink and faucet that’s operated by a lever, so you don’t risk contaminating your hands by touching it. Do not substitute alcohol cleanser for soap or hand-washing, but it may be used on freshly cleaned hands.
- Use a separate sink for washing your equipment and place dirty items in a designated area away from your clean workstation. Don’t leave dirty items lying amongst clean items – they could get confused.
- Ensure every client is the legal age for being tattooed. Be sure they’re not intoxicated, are feeling in good health, and are certain they want to have the tattoo. Don’t attempt to tattoo anyone who looks unwell, underage, or under the influence.
- Provide each of your clients with the proper aftercare advice. This includes demonstrating how to care for a new tattoo. Give them a leaflet containing all the necessary information, so they don’t forget what to do.
- Wear gloves and a face mask while tattooing clients and dispose of them after every use. Patrons should wear a mask too! If you are unwell, don’t work with clients as this will risk passing your illness on. Wash your hands frequently and keep your clothing spotless.
- Get liability insurance for tattoo shops to protect yourself in the event of a lawsuit. Even the best-run tattoo parlors can suffer an incident from time to time. It’s better to have liability insurance for tattoo artists in place than find yourself bankrupt because of a liability claim.
Get in Touch with XINSURANCE About Insurance for Tattoo Artists
Liability coverage can give you true peace of mind and help you keep a steady hand while working. If you’d like to understand more about XINSURANCE and their all-in-one coverage, get in touch today. Call 877-585-2853 or email at info@xinsurance.com for a chat. Check out our website for more information, including details about our vast product line, and click for a quote when you’re ready.
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All artists need to work in an environment where they can concentrate without the fear that an injury or accident may occur. Protect yourself by keeping your shop in tip-top condition and get yourself liability coverage with XINSURANCE.
Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.
