Body Art Resources

Body Art Needs Assessment Results

In 2021, we conducted a nationwide survey to assess the needs of the workforce related to body art facility inspections. This needs assessment examined attitudes, skills, and knowledge related to inspection standards, best practices, and resources. The information from this needs assessment can be utilized to identify priorities that guide training and resource development for environmental health professionals responsible for ensuring safe body art practices that protect public health are implemented and followed.

  • Needs Assessment Results Summary | PDF

Resources for Body Art Clients

  • What's in my tattoo ink? | Website
  • Tattoos: Understand risks and precautions, Mayo Clinic | Webpage

Resources for Body Artists

  • Brochures – Association of Professional Piercers, APP | Brochures
  • A Heated Debate: Coil Machines Versus Rotary Machines, Painful Pleasures Community | Webpage
  • Tattoo Ink and Permanent Makeup Labeling Guide, AFDO | PDF
  • 1904.8 - Recording criteria for needlestick and sharps injuries, OSHA | Webpage
  • Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to the tattoo and body piercing industries, OSHA | Webpage
  • Recapping of contaminated needles used in body piercing, OSHA | Webpage
  • Obligations of establishments that provide tattoos and body piercing under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, OSHA | Website

Training

  • Our partners at the Association of Professional Tattooists (APT) and Association of Professional Piercers (APP) allow regulators to take their tattoo and piercing trainings at no-cost:
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Training, Cathy Montie Body Art Training Company | Website
  • Online Bloodborne Pathogens Card Training, Above Training | Website
  • Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) for non-medical persons, Pacific Medical Training | Website
  • Online Trainings, Safe Piercing | Website
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Courses, Body Art Training Group | Website

Additional Resources

  • Explosion in Tattooing, Piercing Tests State Regulators, PEW | Webpage
  • Needs Assessment Results Summary | PDF
  • Body Art and Environmental Health | YouTube
  • Body Art Operators Guide, County of San Diego | PDF

Job Aids

The following PDFs have been designed to be disseminated in a body art facility. Artists and clients can read these aids and trust they're receiving accurate information. Space is included on the bottom of each job aid for health departments to include their logo.

  • Body Art: Know the Risks | PDF
  • Body Art: Aftercare | PDF
  • Body Art: Proper Handling of Sharps | PDF
  • Body Art: When to Seek Medical Attention | PDF