All Points Medical Waste Blog

Is your tattoo parlor OSHA compliant?

What you need to know to protect your business

As the owner of a tattoo parlor, you’re no doubt well aware of the danger of needles and the risks involved with improperly discarding them. But it’s also critical for you to not only know and understand the mandates dictated by OSHA when it comes to disposal, but also to adhere to these requirements. Here’s a quick guide on what you need to know:

Proper waste disposal can protect your bottom line

Believe it or not, many consumers are aware of OSHA requirements and will deliberately choose a tattoo salon that is compliant. So in addition to the rules about wearing gloves, using new needles for each client and the requirements relating to the ink and other materials used for creating tattoos, it’s imperative that you follow the regulations set forth on waste disposal.

Used materials must not be discarded with regular trash

Needles and other items like gloves, masks, gowns, gauze, etc. must not be thrown into your business’s regular trash bin. These items can be soiled and contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids making them hazardous to those who might come in contact. 

All needles must be discarded in the right container

Needles used to create tattoos are categorized sharps and as such, can cause illness, injury or infection to a person who’s accidentally pricked or stuck by them. To protect your clients and your artists, you must use an OSHA approved sharps container to dispose of used tattoo needles. Make sure your sharps container is located close to where your artists are working and that it is secured to the wall or in a spot where they cannot fall or be comprised. They must also be closed at all times and never overfilled.

Have your waste materials removed regularly

As you know, creating a single tattoo can often involve the use of many needles and thus depending on how busy your salon is, can mean creating a lot of waste on a daily basis. To ensure you’re never stuck with a dangerous amount of waste, it’s ideal to work with your provider on a schedule that includes regular pick up and disposal.

Keeping your tattoo business compliant is a key consideration to protecting your business and keeping your team and clients healthy and safe. All Points Medical Waste is dedicated to providing you with highly personalized service and attention. Give us a call today at 772.600.4885 to find out about our medical waste disposal services.

Dawn Connelly

Dawn is the vice president of All Points Medical Waste. All Points Medical Waste is a family-owned and operated medical waste disposal and compliance company that has been serving the Treasure Coast, Palm Beaches, and surrounding areas since 1994.
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