Tattooing guidance

Tattooing procedure

Measures required, include:

• Consent forms - must include name, address and telephone number and email address (optional) type of ID seen (should be photo ID, for example, driving licence or passport). Recording details of the design and area to be tattooed is recommended. Records must be kept for 2 years.
• A completed medical questionnaire completed by the client prior to any procedures been carried out.
• After care advice given, verbally and in written form.
• Working surfaces - good construction, in a suitable material that is capable of being cleaned and disinfected.
• Floors and walls – in good condition, in a suitable material that is capable of being cleaned and where necessary, disinfected. Floors should be well sealed.
• Procedures for cleaning working surfaces with a sodium hypochlorite based solution or sanitiser.
• Designated wash hand basin for operators use only, with liquid dispensed soap (preferably anti-bacterial), hot and cold running water (or suitably controlled hot water), connected to main drainage to the property.
• Disposable paper towels for hand drying and foot operated towel waste bin.
• Suitable couch or chairs, arm and leg rests with washable surfaces, in good condition capable of being disinfected.
• Disposable vinyl or nitrile gloves, latex should be avoided as they can cause latex allergy problems.
• Procedures for cleaning client’s skin, for example, using isopropyl alcohol wipes or spray.
• Trigger spray bottles or similar, clearly labelled. The covering to be renewed between clients. Any bottles should be either capable of being sterilised in an autoclave, or disposable.
• Disposable razors for shaving skin.
• Stencil application procedure.
• Disposable single use spatulas or tongue depressors for Vaseline, or similar, application.
• Pre-sterilized single use needles.
• Pre-sterilized grips and tips. If not pouched, they should be stored in a clean sealed container after cooling and used within 4 hours. They must be sterilised again before use.
• Tattoo motors and clip cords covered with plastic, elastic bands used on tattoo motors, to be renewed between clients.
• Disposable ink caps, replaced between clients.
• Disposable tissue for wiping the skin.
• Dressing or cling film for application after tattoo.
• Sharps box and clinical waste contract with a licensed operator. You will be asked to produce evidence of your contract.
• Deep sink with hot and cold water for washing instruments.
• Procedures for cleaning tips and grips if disposables are not used:
  • thorough cleaning in hot soapy water, using a lumen brush to remove debris, rinse in clean hot water
  • place in ultrasonic bath for manufacturer’s recommended time; and
  • place in autoclave.  Pouches must only be used with vacuum sterilisers.
• Autoclave sterilisation procedures, record and maintenance sheets. These should include daily or weekly checks, annual calibration for temperature and written scheme of examination under health and safety legislation covering pressure systems. You will be asked to produce the documentation to prove this examination has been carried out.
• A body fluid spill kit, consisting of disposable aprons, gloves, cloths, plastic bags and hypochlorite based solution.
• First aid kit and you must have a basic qualification in first aid.
• Training or apprenticeship details of the person applying for registration. Membership of a professional organisation is recommended.   
• Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. Ask your medical practitioner for further details .

Inspection procedure

Once a completed application is received, together with the appropriate payment, an officer from the Council will contact you to make an appointment to carry out an inspection. All the tattooing procedures will be checked during the inspection, together with a general health and safety check.

For details about workplace health and safety and the current legislation please go the Health and Safety Executive website.

Further information is also available in the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Tattoo and Piercing Toolkit.

It is advisable to have all necessary documentation to hand when the inspector visits.

Successful applicants should expect their registration to be granted within 20 working days, and once received, certificates must be on display in the public area in the premises.

If you have any queries please email the Licensing Team at licensing@derby.gov.uk.

The guidance notes are not exhaustive. You may need to comply with other legislation relevant to your business. It is your responsibility to ensure you are complying with current law, which may include health and safety, electrical safety, gas safety, pressure systems and data protection. 

Aftercare advice

The advice contained on this page is for general information only. Derby City Council cannot be held responsible for any complication arising from having a tattoo or the aftercare of the procedure.

Listen to what your tattooist says initially.

1. remove dressing after a minimum of 6 hours
2. wash with warm water and use a mild, unperfumed soap
3. rinse and pat dry with your own soft clean towel
4. apply suitable (or recommended) antiseptic cream sparingly
5. do not re-cover or bandage

Then, until tattoo has healed:

1. wash tattoo gently at least twice daily using mild un-perfumed soap and pat dry with your own clean towel
2. apply antiseptic cream after each wash
3. continue for at least 10 days

• Do not pick scab or touch tattoo
• Do not cover tattoo with bandages or plasters
• Do not wear tight clothing. Cotton clothes are best
• Do not soak tattoo, have prolonged showers or go swimming
• Do not use Vaseline or perfumed soap and creams
• Do not allow scab or healing tattoo to become too dry. Apply un-perfumed lotion sparingly and frequently
• Do not use a sauna or steam room
• Avoid excess sweating, physical activity or contact sports
• Avoid the sun. Use high SPF sunblock. Do not use a sunbed
• Avoid dirt, grease, oil, chemicals, pets etc
• Do not take advice from friends. If you have problems, talk to your tattooist or doctor

Tattoo convention

By registering to tattoo at the Derby Tattoo Convention, you confirm that you will adhere to the ‘Conditions of Tattooing’ as required by Derby City Council. These conditions are outlined below and are mandatory for all participating tattoo artists.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in removal from the event and / or further action being taken against you or your business.

General requirements

• Consent forms - Derby Tattoo Convention consent forms must be submitted in advance through the event organiser
• Aftercare advice - both verbal and written aftercare instructions must be provided to each client in English
• Electrical equipment - all electrical equipment must display a valid and in-date PAT (Portable Appliance Test) sticker. Artists are responsible for ensuring their equipment is certified prior to the event. Non-compliant equipment will not be permitted.

Conditions of tattooing

1. Tattooist registration - a copy of each tattooist’s registration certificate must be submitted to the organiser. The original must be available at the event for inspection.
2. Proof of identity - a valid passport or driving licence must be available at the convention for identity verification.
3. Consent forms - consent forms must be completed by each client. Copies must be provided to the organiser before the event. You must retain the originals.
4. Hand hygiene - handwashing facilities will be available on-site. Hands and forearms must be washed with antibacterial soap and hot water, then dried with disposable paper towels:

• before and after tattooing
• after glove removal
• after using the toilet

5. Minor wounds - any cuts or abrasions on the tattooist’s hands must be covered with a waterproof dressing.
6. Tattoo site preparation - the tattoo site and surrounding area must be disinfected using alcohol wipes prior to tattooing.
7. Equipment and single-use items - equipment must be prepared in front of the client and include:

• single-use pigment trays and pigment
• single-use needles
• single-use ointment and spatulas
• single-use tissues
• disposable gloves

Needles must be opened in front of the client and disposed of in a sharps container conforming to BS 7320 / UN 3291 standards immediately after use.
8. Contamination control

• check gloves regularly for damage
• do not touch face, hair, or smoke while wearing gloves
• pre-load pigment caps before starting to avoid cross-contamination
• blot excess blood and apply ointment with a disposable spatula
• apply a sterile dressing and secure it with appropriate tape

9. Aftercare and acknowledgement - provide aftercare instructions verbally and in writing. Obtain the client’s signature to confirm they have received and understood the advice.
10. Waste disposal

• clinical waste (excluding sharps) must be placed in yellow clinical waste bags
• sharps must go into designated sharps bins
• waste water must be disposed of in the white buckets provided
• regular waste collection will take place throughout the event

11. Surface disinfection - clean and disinfect all surfaces between clients using hot soapy water followed by an approved disinfectant.
12. Personal protective equipment - the following protective wear must be used:

• single-use disposable gloves
• disposable aprons or lap cloths as appropriate