After more than 12 years of consideration and field
application we conclude that
the "Unimax System" is not only practical
(being
practiced in our 2 tattoo shops in NYC: Sacred Tattoo and Bowery Tattoo) but the
only feasible way to meet OSHA requirements to safely handle contaminated
tools in Tattoo and Piercing. And further, it seems it would be a
violation of the
spirit and principles of OSHA not to adopt this system, or to pretend it was
never seen.
Current practices and regulations requiring the cleaning of contaminated equipment
while contaminated causes
subsequent contamination of facilities and personnel.
This is unacceptable.
The Unimax System is the most compelling
alternative.
If anyone has any comment or improvements or sees flaws in this system,
please write to, Wes Wood at info@unimaxsupply.com
A suggested alternative: using a completely
disposable tube grip and needle assembly
would be an available alternative. However, to require the adoption of
completely disposable tube, grip and needle
(if an alternative existes)
would not be acceptable to the many tattooists who prefer Stainless Steel.
Adoption of a mandatory disposable system is inappropriate because
(A) re-usable (Stainless Steel) tools are currently used and preferred by many
with no measurable effect on the infection incidence, and
(B) a safe method for handling reusable tubes does exist - The Unimax System.
Current practices seem to us to
- violate OSHA proper work practices for the safe handling of contaminated
equipment,
- violate OSHA safe disposal of liquid wastes,
- violate OSHA 1910.1030(d)(3)(x)
worker personal protective equipment standards while cleaning contaminated items,
- violate OSHA proper work practices transporting contaminated equipment and
- violate OSHA requirements to adherence to OSHA standards.
Reminder: Tattoo and piercing are required to follow local, state and federal regulations.
Following the procedure below does not violate OSHA 1910.1030
We suggest for your study the following
procedure
which we believe enhances worker protection by applying the
spirit and principles of OSHA
1910.1030.
| 1. Rinse out the tube, or wipe the
piercing tool. |
For tattooing,
This is the only "pain in the neck part:" you should rinse out
the tube after finishing the job.
Run your needle and
tube in your cleaning cup just like changing colors.
Piercing tools can be easily wiped with an antimicrobial cloth wipe.
It is important to reduce the staring microbial load.
For ink, if you
don't remove the excess ink now it will be harder to remove after
sterilization.
This is the step that adequately satisfies OSHA "pre-cleaning"
to reduce the starting microbial load -- but without spreading
potentially contaminating microbes. This step demonstrates that limiting microbial contamination
to a cup of water is safer that spreading it around
a shop to a sink, an ultrasonic and surrounding areas.
"Rinsing-cup" liquid and liquids from ultrasonics* can be disposed of as follows:
add 10% bleach and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Pour into the sanitary sewage system via the toilet (not the sink)
taking care to avoid splashing.
Dumping "untreated" contaminated water into the sanitary waste
system is a violation of safe handling of contaminated
wastes.
Piercing tools can be wiped with a disinfectant cloth immediately
after the procedure to remove any visible ointment or body fluids
and placed directly in the basket or in the tray in front loaders.
|
 |
| 2. Place unit or tube in container or sterilizer
tray and sterilize |
Dismount the needle-tube-grip unit from the tattoo
machine and
lift the needle up and out of the tube by the loop and place it
into a Sharps Container.
It would be contrary to safe handling to turn the tube
upside down and hope the needle drops or can be shaken out into a
sharps container as suggested by some. Beside being upside down with
the needle portion up this suggestion is laughable.
Place the tube with grip directly into an autoclavable
container or directly into the autoclave tray inside the
sterilizer. Autoclave at end of day or as convenient or
necessary as the work schedule permits.
A small autoclave within each station should be necessary.
Used instruments are never to be left in an open exposed state after
the work is completed nor should contaminated tools be kept in
disinfecting trays or temporary holding containers.
It would be a violation to transport or carry a "pan" or
tray of
contaminated liquid with tools from the station to a separate room
for cleaning. Contaminated liquids can only be transported in leak-proof tightly-closed
containers. |
 |
 |
3. Sterilize and then clean normally.
All tools are now sterile, contamination has been eliminated.
It is possible to sterilize without the tools being completely
100% clean.
Tools may now be brushed clean without fear of contaminated or spatter.
Dry, package and sterilize in sealed autoclave bags as normal.
It would be a violation of safety principles to
brush-clean contaminated equipment
not wearing face
protection, not using heavy-duty protective gloves (as opposed to latex
gloves)
and without impervious body covering.
For example, it would be prohibited to clean using street
clothes as protection
or an apron (that would not protect the arms).
To clean contaminated equipment protective clothing must be worn
that has been
specifically made to protect the worker from contamination.Cleaning
contaminated tools is not
a reasonable activity for tattoo and piercing shops.
The room itself would be prohibitive to construct to meet
standards of safety.
|
It is
an OSHA violation of safe handling to bend, break, melt, recap, remove
or do anything
to contaminated sharps except dispose of them in a sharps container.
There is no other option. Nor are they to be given away to clients.
Anyone reprocessing to save any part of the needle bar is in
violation. |
As one last benefit,
The Unimax System will save money that we currently spend decontaminating
what does not need to become contaminated in the first place.
Better for the environment and better for us as workers.
*Ultrasonics