Old news, but food for thought!

Who knew Victoria BC has a bylaw requiring minors to receive parental consent before getting a tattoo? Bylaw no. 3304 also has a detailed set of guidelines attached to it, therefore making them enforceable! Something to think about for other municipalities?

Interesting Comparison

The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH) in July 2010 released an interesting document comparing the legal structures in place for personal service establishments. Different Canadian provinces and US states were analysed including regulatory bodies, training and enforcement, highlights and gaps/potential hazards.  Check it out here.

BC has passed new, more comprehensive guidelines! Click to view

Silicon implant

Subdermal implant material

Autoclave

A device that uses high heat and pressure to sterilize equipment.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

A device that uses ultrasound, sometimes used with a cleansing solvent, to clean equipment.

Microdermal Jewelry

Jewellery with a flat plate containing a number of holes for tissue to grow through to allow for the jewelry to stay anchored.

Scalpels

Sharp surgical instrument used for making cuts in the skin or tissues. In body modification setting, can be used for scarification, bifurcations, stretching and even amputations.

The types of scalpels the artists use can give you some hints on what types of services they offer:

Scalpels with a flat edge are commonly used for bifurcation.

Scalpels with a rounded edge are commonly used for implantation.

Hooks

Should be stainless stain so they do not quickly rust when autoclaved

Open design flesh hook

Locking/“Gilson” hook

Can hold a greater amount of weight and prevents hook from coming out







Thermo Cautery Unit

An electrode equipped device generally used for invasive surgery to seal blood vessels. Can be heated to extremely high temperatures to create localized burns, which heals into scars on the body.

Piercing Needles

Extremely sharp, hollow needles used for puching holes into the skin. Single use only.

Piercing Forceps

To assist with the insertion or removal of jewellery.

Tattoo Needles

One tattoo needle is made up of several individual needles grouped together. Only one tattoo needle/person for safety and sanitation reasons.

Many different tattoo needles are available.



Tattoo Tube Grips

Used as part of the tattoo machine. Holds the needle in place and provides a grip for the tattoo artist.

Two types: Disposable (rubber, plastic) or stainless steel. Can be single or multiple pieces.

Stainless steel tattoo tube grips can be reusable after cleaning and autoclaving after each customer.

Tattoo inks

Pigments combined with carriers or solvents used for permanent coloration, black light or glow-in-the-dark designs on the skin.

Tattoo Machines/Guns

Tattoo Machines/Guns

A hand-held device consisting of a needle that quickly moves up and down while injecting ink into the skin.

Equipment

Critical: 
     Punctures skin or enters sterile tissue; 
     Requires heat sterilization, with maintenance logs and spore strips 

      - Tattoo Machines/ Guns

      - Tattoo Needles

      - Piercing Forceps

      - Piercing Needles

      - Thermo Cautery Unit

      - Hooks

      - Scalpels

      - Microdermal Jewelry

      - Silicon Implant

Semi-Critical:
     Comes in contact with mucous membrane (e.g. ears, nose, mouth, non-intact skin)
     Requires high level disinfectant or single-use equipment

      - Tattoo Inks

 Non-Critical:
     Has a chance to contact with non-intact skin or exposure to blood/body fluid splatter (e.g. counter tops, chairs)
     If so, requires intermediate level disinfectant;
     If not, requires low-level disinfectant

      - Tattoo Tube Grips

      - Ultrasonic Cleaner

      - Autoclave

FAQ

Q: Are dyes and inks used in tattoo shops approved by any source?

A: No, there is no approval authority for licencing dyes or inks. Recent research has found that some tattoo inks contain carcinogenic chemicals or contaminants that are hazardous to health.

Q: How common are tattoos?

A: 20% American adults have at least one!

Legislation/ Guideline

British Columbia : Public Health Act

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_08028_01

     BC : Regulated Activities Regulation
   
     http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/161_2011

BC : Guidelines for Personal Service Establishments (2013)

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/protect/pdf/pse-guidelines.pdf

BC : Guidelines for Tattooing (1997)

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/1997/tattoo.pdf

BC : Guidelines for Ear and Body Piercing (1999)

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/1999/piercing.pdf

Information

>>>Disclaimer:  CIPHI is not endorsing any of the below sites, practices, or procedures. Some sites have pictures or information that may be offensive or contradictory to reader beliefs.  Opinions don't necessarily represent those of Environmental Health professionals. <<<

_______________________________________________________________________

Elwood Body Modification

A well respected body modification specialist and educator, Elwood is an excellent resource to have tattoo and body modification questions answered. In addition, he is currently involved in the development of new BC Guidelines for PSEs and Tattooing.
http://elwoodsbodymod.com/index.html

8 Most Bizarre Body Modifications

This website shows a list of interesting body modification arts
http://www.oddee.com/item_96617.aspx

Culture Crazy

An interesting blog that has updates and recent news from within the body modification industry
http://www.culturecraze.com/industryNews.aspx

Procedures

- Implants 

- Bifurcation

- Scarification

- Flesh Hooks

- Body Branding

- Body Piercing

- Tattoo