‘Ya get what ya pay for.’ 

We’ve all heard that phrase and hopefully we live by it. With tattoos, piercings, and parachutes, tattooers want their clients to think that way too. But when it comes to ongoing education are tattooers applying the same principle? Some states with regulations have made ongoing education a required part of the licensing process. Passing our state exam is NOT an indication of the full knowledge needed to practice the craft of tattooing.  As conscientious artists we should be seeking expanded knowledge whether it is required or not.

As tattooers we work in a dangerous field... we deal with body fluids. Standard Precautions warns us that we must consider ALL body fluids as potentially hazardous, not just blood. We need to be aware not only for our own safety and that of our co-workers but also for the safety of our families that we go home to. The idea of protecting ourselves, our livelihood and our loved ones warrants seeking continued education, quality continued education.

Some might take a 10 minute blood borne pathogen ‘class’ online and answer 10-20 questions for ‘certification’? What was really learned? I repeat my opening words... Ya get what ya pay for! In that whizbang ‘class’ was anything learned about psoriasis? Diabetes? HPV? MRSA? Necrotizing Faciitis? Dermatitis? C. Diff? Skin Cancer? Don’t think so. Could questions be asked and was there time for discussion? Nope on that one too? Hmmmm... but it was only $19 YGWYPF!!

How happy would we be to know our doctor or dentist hasn’t taken any continuing education courses in the last 10 years? Yikes, huh? Or that they took what amounts to a pop quiz every couple of years to renew that piece of paper on the wall? Make you feel all warm and cozy inside? 

TATTOOERS ARE NO DIFFERENT!   

As a client I would be asking questions about the continuing education of the tattooer and the studio personnel.  Ask to see their certification and have questions ready regarding health issues and prevention protocol.  It's your right as a client to get friendly, complete answers.

Today we know a great deal more about HBV/HCV, HIV, HPV etc than we did 10 years ago.  We have new diseases not even heard of 10 years ago! C. Diff... now where did that come from? On a daily basis we are exposed to potentially deadly viruses and bacteria that want nothing more than to get into our bodies and wreak havoc. It is an ever changing dangerous world out there and we need the right ammunition to keep ourselves safe. I don’t know about you but I want to go into that battle fully armed.

While I may be prejudiced to one particular blood borne pathogen course there are numerous comprehensive programs available out there geared specifically for the body artist. Look at the curriculum of the course you might be considering... what is covered?  Is there an instructor present? Some of the best classes I’ve taught were the result of lively discussions about health issues and procedures.   

In the USA our industry falls under the directive of OSHA Regulations (Standards-29CFR) Blood borne Pathogens 1910.1030. Does the quickie blood borne courses cover the requirements of that regulation? Six hours, instructor present?  Does it give one the material to set up an exposure control plan for the shop?  Do ya really learn anything or are ya just getting a piece of paper at the end that says ‘certified’?

Let's repeat that.....YGWYPF.

After taking a quality, industry specific blood borne pathogen course I promise any tattooer that they will find holes in their current regiment. A missed barrier here, an overlooked procedure there. Enough that it is endangering their life and the life of those around them, clients, family and friends. A certificate in the wallet or on the wall means nothing unless it is a testament to true knowledge.

Parting thought: Answer one question... can you as a tattooer discuss with your client what the Koebner Effect is and what it means to them? YGWYPF! As a client I would ask my potential tattooer if THEY know the answer to that question! If they don't, keep looking!

The life you save may be your own.