Coronavirus Covid- 19 Protocol and Tattoo Shop Etiquette

Coronavirus Covid - 19 Protocol &Tattoo Shop Etiquette

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Studio City Tattoo Is Doing More To Keep You Safe
With State Of The Art

Industrial Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation Filters Developed By NASA!

I know, I know what people are asking us? Yes, this is expensive and yes it works! We are doing our best to keep us all safe.

We have added AiroCide UV germ-killing air purifiers to our shop's air conditioning process to help clean the air and kill germs circulating through the units. These-(State Of The Art Industrial Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation Filters Developed By NASA!) UV filters kill all airborne germs, mold, fungus, and viruses such as Coronavirus passing through the filter.

This filtration system is a state of the art technology developed by NASA to kill airborne viruses and we've brought it to Studio City Tattoo and Lake Arrowhead Tattoo for your Safety!

The technology is based on revolutionary research from NASA, University of Wisconsin (UW), and Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WCSAR), developed originally for the NASA space program. The AiroCide commercial air purification systems use patented technology to kill more than 99.99% of the airborne pathogens that pass through its processor. Airocide is the only air treatment system that after killing the microorganisms it comes in contact with completely mineralizes (destroys) them, converting them to carbon dioxide and water vapor.


The air purifying technology in Airocide was proven to kill 99.999987% of Bacillus thuringiensis, a close cousin to the anthrax bacteria, in a single pass through its reactor. So Coronavirus is also dead!

Among other bacteria, fungi, and viruses, photocatalytic oxidation technology kills airborne Lactobacillus, which can be a problem in wine, beer, and other beverage and food processing facilities.

Airocide NASA UV Filter
AIroCide AiroPro XL UV Air Filtration System Designed By NASA. Kills 99.9 % of all Viruses in the air at Studio City Tattoo

For a 10% discount and more info please click on the link and tell them Studio City Tattoo sent you !

 

Our Coronavirus- COVID-19 Protocol
& Added Safety Measures To Keep All Of Us Safe

We are doing everything we can to make sure you are safe while here at Studio City Tattoo Los Angeles Body Piercing & Lake Arrowhead Tattoo

Here at Studio City Tattoo, we always keep very high standards of cleanliness. Your safety has always been our priority in tattooing and body piercing. .Our artists are trained in bloodborne pathogen handling yearly. We are Cal O.S.H.A certified and licensed by the San Bernardino & Los Angeles Health Department. In order to provide the safest possible tattoo experience for both our clients and artists, we have implemented several new procedures.

1. We will be strictly appointment only and have a 9 person maximum in the studio at a time. Typically far fewer.
One person per practitioner with plenty of distance between stations. We have removed 1 station to obtain maximum distance.
Unfortunately, this means you may not bring anyone with you to your appointment. We will still be able to accommodate
same-day appointments. Please just give us a call first.

2. We will require everyone to wear a mask at all times while in the studio. We encourage everyone to consider purchasing
a reusable/washable mask & disposable gloves. However, if you do not have a mask we will provide you one for free.

3. Immediately upon entering you must use the provided hand sanitizer. Also, we ask that you sanitize your phone or
other items you will be touching frequently during your visit. Please leave any nonessential items at home or in your car. We will then take your temperature with our touchless thermometer.

4. We have gone digital with our waivers. Now you will fill out your consent and disclosure forms on an iPad that will
be thoroughly disinfected after each use or your own Iphone if you have one.

5. We have increased our already stringent cleaning protocols. We continue to use hospital-grade disinfectants and
cleaners and disinfect common area surfaces and door handles several times an hour.

6. We also recently installed an expensive NASA approved AiroCide-Air Purification Technology System
in our shop that kills airborne viruses. We care for your safety. See how it works!

7. By now this should go without saying but, if you're feeling even the slightest bit unwell please call us to reschedule.
We will be happy to accommodate you. We ask the same of all the artists and staff at Studio City Tattoo.

Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding.  We look forward to making beautiful tattoos with you!

Staff at Studio City Tattoo

 

 

Here are the sanitation protocols that Los Angeles tattoo parlors are required to follow.

Follow the link here

Reopening Protocol for Personal Care Establishments:
Appendix R - Effective as of June 19, 2020

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health is adopting a staged approach, supported
by science and public health expertise, to allow certain businesses to safely reopen. The requirements
below are specific to personal care services that require the touching of a client’s face or body. In
addition to the conditions imposed by the State Public Health Officer, businesses and practitioners
must also be in compliance with all applicable laws including the conditions laid out in this Protocol.

Personal care services include esthetician, skincare and cosmetology services; electrology;
nail salons; body art professionals, tattoo parlors, microblading and permanent make-up; and piercing
shops; and massage therapy (in non-healthcare setting).
Hair salons and barbershops are required to adhere to the protocol for hair salons and barbershops.
Please note: This document may be updated as additional information and resources become
available so be sure to check the LA County website http://www.ph.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
regularly for any updates to this document and related guidance.

This checklist covers:
(1) Workplace policies and practices to protect employee health
(2) Measures to ensure physical distancing
(3) Measures to ensure infection control
(4) Communication with employees and the public
(5) Measures to ensure equitable access to critical services
These five key areas must be addressed as your facility develops any reopening protocols.
All businesses covered by this protocol must implement all applicable measures listed
below and be prepared to explain why any measure that is not implemented is not
applicable to the business.
Business name:
Facility Address:
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
APPENDIX R: Reopening Protocol for Personal Care Establishments Page 2 of 8
Revised 6/18/2020
A. WORKPLACE POLICIES AND PRACTICES TO PROTECT EMPLOYEE HEALTH
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY TO THE FACILITY)
❑ Everyone who can carry out their work duties from home has been directed to do so. This does not
apply to services that are required by law to be conducted in a permitted location.
❑ Vulnerable workers (those above age 65, those who are pregnant, those with chronic health conditions)
are assigned work that can be done from home, whenever possible, and should discuss any concerns
with their healthcare provider or occupational health services to make appropriate decisions on returning to
the workplace.
❑ All workers have been told not to come to work if sick, or if they are exposed to a person who has
COVID-19. Workers understand to follow DPH guidance for self-isolation and quarantine, if applicable.
Workplace leave policies have been reviewed and modified to ensure that workers are not penalized
when they stay home due to illness.
❑ Upon being informed that one or more worker/practitioner, independent contractors and temporary
workers test positive for, or has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (case), the employer has a plan
in place to have the case(s) isolate themselves at home and require the immediate self-quarantine of
all workers that had workplace exposure to the case(s). The employer’s plan should consider a
protocol for all quarantined workers to have access to or be tested for COVID-19 in order to determine
whether there have been additional workplace exposures, which may require additional COVID-19
control measures. See public health guidance on responding to COVID-19 in the workplace.
❑ In the event that the owner, manager, or operator knows of three (3) or more cases of COVID-19
within the workplace, within a span of 14 days, the employer must report this cluster to the Department
of Public Health at (888) 397-3993 or (213) 240-7821.
❑ Alternate, staggered or shift schedules have been instituted to maximize physical distancing.
❑ Workers are provided information on employer or government-sponsored leave benefits that the
worker may be entitled to receive, which would make it financially easier to stay at home, including
employee’s sick leave rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
❑ All workers have been told to seek medical attention if their symptoms become severe, including
persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face.
❑ Symptom checks are conducted before workers may enter the workspace. Checks must include a
check-in concerning cough, shortness of breath or fever, and any other symptoms the worker may be
experiencing. These checks can be done remotely or in-person upon workers' arrival.
Temperature checks should also be done at the worksite, if feasible.
❑ All workers who have contact with the public or other workers during their shift(s) are offered, at no
cost, a cloth face covering. The covering must cover the nose and mouth and is always to be worn by
the worker during the workday when in contact or likely to come in contact with others. Workers do not
need to wear a cloth face covering when the worker is alone in a private office or a walled cubicle.
❑ Face shields are provided and worn by workers when servicing customers that require the removal of
the client’s face covering to provide the personal service. The face shield is to be worn in addition to
the cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings protect others from the wearer’s droplets; face shields help
protect the wearer from other’s droplets.
❑ Face shields are to be used, cleaned, and disinfected per manufacturer’s directions.
❑ Workers wash or sanitize hands before and after using or adjusting face coverings.
❑ Workers avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
❑ Workers are instructed to wash their face coverings daily.
❑ Independent contractors and temporary workers are properly trained on these protocols and have
necessary cloth face coverings and personal protective equipment. Business owners are to discuss
these protocols with the organization supplying the independent contractors and/or temporary
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
APPENDIX R: Reopening Protocol for Personal Care Establishments Page 3 of 8
Revised 6/18/2020
workers, prior to their return to work.
❑ All workstations are separated by at least six feet.
❑ Workers are allowed frequent breaks to wash their hands with soap and water, and workers should
scrub their hands with soap for 20 seconds.
❑ Break rooms, restrooms and other common areas are disinfected frequently, on the following
schedule:
o Break rooms _____________________________________________________
o Restrooms ______________________________________________________
o Other ______________________________________________________
❑ Breaks are staggered to ensure that six (6) feet between workers can be maintained in break rooms at
all times.
❑ Workers are prohibited from sharing food and beverages. Workers are prohibited from eating or
drinking anywhere inside the workplace other than designated break rooms or outdoor eating areas to
assure that masks are worn consistently and correctly.
❑ Workers using cleaners or disinfectants wear gloves and other protective equipment as required by
the product instructions.
❑ Disinfectant and related supplies are available to workers at the following location(s):
_________________________________________________________________________________
❑ Hand sanitizer effective against COVID-19 is available to all workers at the following location(s):
_________________________________________________________________________________
❑ Each worker is assigned their own tools, equipment, work supplies and defined workspace.
Sharing held items is minimized or eliminated.
❑ To the extent feasible, this protocol and other COVID-19 related materials downloaded from the DPH
Coronavirus websites are provided in the languages of all workers.
❑ Workers are enlisted and supported as peer educators, reinforcing instructions around physical
distancing and infection control.
❑ All policies described in this checklist other than those related to terms of employment are applied to
staff of delivery and any other companies who may come on to the premises as third parties.
❑ A copy of this protocol has been distributed to each worker.
❑ Optional—Describe other measures:
_________________________________________________________________________________
B. MEASURES TO ENSURE PHYSICAL DISTANCING
❑ Measures are in place to ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between and among workers
and customers, except while providing services that require close contact. These measures include
use of physical partitions or visual cues (e.g., floor markings, colored tape, or signs to indicate where
workers/customers should stand).
❑ Barriers (such as plexiglass) are used at reception desks or other areas where physical distancing
cannot be maintained in order to minimize exposure between workers and clients.
❑ Appointments are staggered to reduce reception congestion and to ensure adequate time for proper
cleaning and sanitation between each customer visit. No walk-in appointments are available.
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
APPENDIX R: Reopening Protocol for Personal Care Establishments Page 4 of 8
Revised 6/18/2020
❑ Virtual check-in technology is used whenever possible to notify workers when a customer arrives.
Customers are asked to wait outside or in their cars instead of waiting in the reception areas.
Reception areas should be modified to support adequate physical distancing, including removing
chairs and sofas or spacing them further apart. Persons waiting outside should maintain a six (6) foot
distance from each other.
❑ Workers do not see multiple customers at once. Services for one customer are completed before a new customer is seen by the same worker.
❑ Workers have been instructed to avoid handshakes, hugs, or similar greetings that break physical
distancing.
❑ Workers are discouraged from congregating in high traffic areas, such as bathrooms, hallways, or
credit card terminals.
❑ Occupancy in worker restrooms, break rooms, and other common areas is limited to permit physical
distancing. Reconfiguration of these sites (removal of chairs from break rooms, etc.) is implemented
to practice physical distancing.
❑ Workflow is reviewed and changes made to permit physical distancing during pickups and deliveries.
Shelving, bins, bulletin boards or other transfer-aiding materials are installed to avoid the need for
person-to-person hand-offs of purchases.
❑ Staff meetings are held in a room that accommodates physical distancing or are held over the phone
or via webinar.
C. MEASURES FOR INFECTION CONTROL
❑ The HVAC system is in good, working order; to the maximum extent possible, ventilation has been
increased in common spaces and guest rooms.
o Consider installing portable high-efficiency air cleaners, upgrading the building’s air filters to the
highest efficiency possible, and making other modifications to increase the quantity of outside air
and ventilation in all offices, guest rooms and other spaces.
❑ For facilities that have not been operating, flush each of the hot and cold-water fixtures for five minutes
prior to reopening to replace stale water in the facility’s plumbing with a fresh and safe water supply.
❑ Clients are contacted before the visit to confirm the appointment and to advise/ask the following:
o Bring and use a face covering (preferably with ear loops) during the visit.
o Do not bring friends, guests, viewers, or others to the appointment.
o Whether they or someone in their household is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. If the client
answers in the affirmative reschedule the appointment.
❑ Maintain a log of all clients with contact information (name, date/time of visit, address, phone, and email) if
possible, this can be done at the time of registration.
❑ Clients are verbally screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival. If the customer is exhibiting any
symptoms, has been sick, or has been exposed to someone who has been sick, the appointment is
rescheduled at least 14 days in the future.
o Both screeners and customers should wear face-covering for the screening.
❑ Disposable gloves are worn for services that require them. Wearing gloves is to be done in conjunction with
regular hand washing and is not a substitute for regular hand washing.
❑ Amenities, including magazines, books, coffee, water, self-service stations, and other items for customers,
have been removed from reception areas.
❑ Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, tissues and trash cans are available to customers in the reception area
and workstations.
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
APPENDIX R: Reopening Protocol for Personal Care Establishments Page 5 of 8
Revised 6/18/2020
❑ Workers are using all required protective equipment, including eye protection and gloves when
required for service.
o Workers are required to wear face coverings at all times. A face shield is also to be worn when
providing services that do not enable the client to wear a face covering.
o Disposable gloves are to be worn during the procedures and while performing cleaning and
disinfection of all implements and surfaces after each client session.
❑ Clients are required to wear face coverings at all times while in the facility, except when the face covering
must be removed for the performance of services involving that part of the face. Cloth face coverings
should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unable to
remove the mask or cloth face covering without assistance.
❑ Clean face coverings are available for workers to ensure that if soiled, these can be changed during the shift.
Where possible, clean face coverings are offered to customers, should their face covering become soiled.
❑ Workers are provided with clean, launderable, or disposable smocks that are replaced after each
customer.
❑ A cleaning and disinfection plan has been developed to address the following:
o High traffic areas, such as reception areas, areas of ingress and egress, including stairways,
stairwells, and handrails;
o Common areas and frequently touched objects (e.g., tables, doorknobs or handles,
light switches, phones) which should be disinfected on an hourly basis during business hours using
EPA approved disinfectants;
o All handles, hoses, spray nozzles, and other equipment before and after use on a customer;
o All payment portals, credit card readers, pens, and styluses after each use.
❑ Hospital grade Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved products are used to clean and disinfect
anything the client came in contact with, including treatment tables, face cradles, stools, etc. Follow the
product manufacturer’s recommendations for contact time.
❑ An employee per shift is designated to oversee and enforce additional sanitization and disinfection
procedures, as needed.
❑ Workers are provided time to implement cleaning practices during their shift. Cleaning assignments are
assigned for the hours of operation and are part of the worker’s job duties.
❑ Hard-surfaced, non-porous chair or large hard-surfaced or plastic baskets for clients to put their clothes on or
in are available.
❑ All appliances at workstations and in treatment rooms are properly disinfected between each customer.
o Non-porous implements, such as tweezers or scissors, are cleaned with hot, soapy water to remove
any physical debris, rinsed, and dried completely. Followed by immersing the implement in an EPA registered disinfectant for the full contact time as stated by the manufacturer’s directions. Items are
removed at the end of contact time, rinsed, and dried with a clean paper towel.
o For electrical implements such as magnifying LED lamps, hot towel warmers, and esthetic devices,
clean the implement with a spray wipe to remove any physical debris. Followed with an EPA-registered
disinfectant spray or wipe for the full contact time as noted by the manufacturer’s directions. Use
caution when using a spray and be sure your device is unplugged and do not spray into the motor.
o For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines,
remove visible contamination if present. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and
disinfection products. Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics. If no manufacturer’s guidance is
available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes containing at least 60% alcohol to disinfect touch
screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid the pooling of liquids.
❑ Treatment tables must be covered with either a treatment table paper, a clean towel, or a clean sheet after
each use.
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
APPENDIX R: Reopening Protocol for Personal Care Establishments Page 6 of 8
Revised 6/18/2020
❑ Linens are removed (even if the customer did not get under them) and the bed or table is properly disinfected
between customers.
❑ Workers wear disposable gloves when removing used linens, towels, and other draping, including blankets,
and client draping for each treatment.
❑ All dirty linens, including towels, and smocks are placed in a closed container and not used again until
properly laundered either by a commercial laundering service or a laundering process which includes
immersion in water of at least 160° F for at least 25 minutes. Do not shake dirty laundry.
❑ Store all clean linens in a clean covered place. Ensure workers who handle dirty linens or laundry wear
gloves.
❑ Doors are left open, where possible, if they do not open and close automatically. Exception: Body art facilities
must maintain doors closed.
❑ The entire facility, including product display areas, are cleaned and disinfected at least daily.
❑ Floors are vacuumed when possible, instead of sweeping or other methods to prevent dispersing of
pathogens into the air.
❑ All “test” products have been removed and discarded.
❑ Restrooms and handwashing facilities are kept stocked with soap, paper towels, and toilet paper and sanitized
regularly using EPA approved disinfectants.
❑ Restrooms are free of any unnecessary products such as candles or other supplies.
❑ Hands-free equipment is installed wherever feasible (including restrooms) to reduce risk of contamination.
❑ Cashless transactions are strongly encouraged. If reasonable, customers are enabled to swipe their own
credit/debit cards, and card readers are sanitized between each guest use.
If electronic or card payment is not possible, customers pay with exact cash payment or check.
❑ Optional - Describe other measures to promote infection control:
_________________________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BODY ART FACILITIES
❑ Clients are instructed that they must wear cloth face coverings during the entirety of the service.
❑ Workers are required to wear face coverings at all times. A face shield is also to be worn when
providing treatment on facial or neck areas that do not enable the client to wear a face covering.
❑ Disposable gloves are required throughout the tattooing or piercing service and while performing cleaning
and disinfection of all implements and surfaces after each client session.
❑ Piercing and tattooing services for the mouth/nose area have been suspended.
❑ The Infection Prevention Control Plan has been updated to include additional cleaning, disinfection and
other measures, as needed. The additional measures include:
o Increased cleaning and disinfection of body art procedure areas and equipment
o Maintaining accurate documentation logs

D. MEASURES THAT COMMUNICATE TO THE PUBLIC
❑ A copy of this protocol is posted at all public entrances to the facility.
❑ A sign notifying customers that they will be screened for symptoms upon arrival asked to use hand
sanitizer, and to wear a face-covering is posted at all entrances.
❑ Signage is posted that reminds customers to maintain social distancing of six (6) feet, wash hands or use
sanitizer upon entry, stay home if they are ill or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and
communicate changes to service offerings. Signage should be posted in clearly visible locations,
including at entrances, including pictograms, and be made available digitally (e.g., through e-mail).
❑ Signage is posted in display areas to let customers know it is cleaned and disinfected daily.
❑ Online outlets of the establishment (website, social media, etc.) provide clear information about
facility hours, required use of cloth face coverings, policies in regard to making appointments,
waiting outside or in their car for their appointment, preordering, prepayment, pickup and/or other
relevant issues.
E. MEASURES THAT ENSURE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO CRITICAL SERVICES
❑ Services that are critical to the customers/clients have been prioritized.
❑ Transactions or services that can be offered remotely have been moved on-line.
❑ Measures are instituted to assure access to goods and services for customers who have mobility
limitations and/or are at high risk in public spaces.

The Association of Professional Piercers
Recommended Response & Recovery Interim Protocols

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is an international health and safety
organization. It is a nonprofit voluntary alliance dedicated to the dissemination of information
about body piercing. Governed by a voluntary elected Board of Directors, the APP is a united
group of piercing professionals that freely shares information to help fellow members, piercers,
healthcare professionals, legislators, health inspectors, and the general public get the best and
most up-to-date information about body piercing.
For most countries around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the closure of body
art facilities (including body piercing, tattooing, and other elective body art procedures). As
countries seek to reopen their economies and ease measures like forced business closings and
social distancing, the APP has sought to give accurate, appropriate, and achievable guidelines
for all body artists to follow to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and lower the impact in their
workplace.
We continue to recommend that body art professionals follow local, state or provincial, and
national guidelines regarding the closure of non-essential business operations and, within these
guidelines, make decisions that are best for them and their individual situations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a terrible impact on all body art businesses and the people
who work in them. It has sickened and killed hundreds of thousands worldwide. Through it all,
body artists have stuck together, freely shared information, and readied themselves to return to
work and serve their clientele. The Association of Professional Piercers would like to thank the
body piercing and body art community for their resiliency, professionalism, and commitment to
health and safety.
During this pandemic, information continues to evolve very quickly. The authors of this
the document will make every effort to make regular updates as new and better information
becomes available. If you have suggestions for improvements to this document please email the
secretary of the APP at secretary@safepiercing.org
Version 1.0
Updated: 04/21/2020
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL GUIDELINES
Because COVID-19 has affected different parts of the world in dramatically different ways, it is
important to follow local, state or provincial, and national guidelines. This means taking
measures to keep yourself informed of what these rules, guidelines, and policies are and
regularly researching updated information from reliable sources.
In the United States, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed a way for local
communities to determine their risks going forward and their path to reopening their economies:
“Public health control activities by the level of COVID-19 community transmission”
· None to Minimal – Evidence of isolated cases or limited community transmission, case
investigations underway, no evidence of exposure in a large communal setting,
e.g., healthcare facility, school, mass gathering.
· Minimal to Moderate – Widespread and/or sustained transmission with the high likelihood
or confirmed exposure within communal settings with the potential for a rapid increase
in suspected cases.
· Substantial – Large scale community transmission, healthcare staffing significantly
impacted, multiple cases within communal settings like healthcare facilities,
schools, mass gatherings, etc.”
1
These categories will no doubt play a large role in your local government’s assessment of when
non-essential businesses may resume business. If body art isn’t specifically addressed in your
local rules and guidelines, please contact your local health agency for direction, or if that is not
possible, follow the closest comparative standard such as the rules applied to cosmetology and
massage therapy industries.

 

CLEAN
Cleaning should always take place wearing appropriate PPE for the task at hand. In general,
disinfection should take place with an EPA approved (or international equivalent) hard-surface
disinfectant.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols include but are not limited to:
a. Disinfecting regularly used surfaces, such as countertops, pens, tablets, seating areas,
bathrooms, and door handles between clients
b. Hand hygiene for practitioners and other customer service employees before and after
every interaction with a new customer
c. Encourage customers to use touchless payment options, when available. Minimize
handling cash, credit cards, reward cards, and mobile devices, where possible.
2
d. Each new customer should be given the opportunity to perform hand hygiene (hand
washing or hand sanitizer) when they enter the BAF
e. If jewelry is handled by a customer, immediate disinfection of that jewelry should be
performed (an alternative would be to have customers wear gloves before handling
jewelry, or disallowing handling of any jewelry in the facility)
f. HEPA filter air filtration (filters to be changed while wearing appropriate PPE)
3
g. Increasing ventilation to the outside air by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning in
office and waiting areas
h. Waiting areas: Minimum 6 total air changes per hour with air movement inwards in
relationship to adjacent areas
4
i. Procedure room: Minimum 6 total air changes per hour with air movement outwards in
relationship to adjacent areas
5
j. Processing and decontamination room: Minimum 6 total air changes per hour with air
movement inwards in relationship to adjacent areas
6
k. Keep your facility as well ventilated as possible for increased exchange of outside air.
Additional suggestions
● OSAP COVID-19
● OpenWHO Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for Novel Coronavirus
● JHPIEGO Reference Manual for Health Care Facilities with Limited Resources
Module 11: Infection Prevention and Control Program Management
● OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/grocery-food-retail-workers.html
3 https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/appendix/air.html#AppendixI
4 https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/appendix/air.html#tableb1
5
ibid
6
ibid
Version 1.0
Updated: 04/21/2020
DISTANCE
Social distancing is one of the key practices of the COVID-19 pandemic response. As forced
closures of non-essential businesses are lifted, social distancing measures are still needed to
be utilized to prevent the spread of the virus. In addition, because body art can be planned in
advance, this is an opportunity for staff members to screen customers and eliminate
unnecessary face-to-face interactions.
Social Distancing measures in body art facilities include but are not limited to:
a. Making every effort to keep 6-feet or more apart unless a procedure is taking place
b. Minimizing the number of customers in the BAF. This includes switching to performing
procedures by “appointment only”, (no walk-ins)
c. Limiting body art procedure areas to the customer and the artist/technician only
d. Limiting customer companions to digital means (via digital conferencing applications)
unless required by law (minor piercings, genital piercing)
e. Screening clients for symptoms digitally or by phone before entering facility
f. Limiting employees on staff to minimum
g. Strongly considering special accommodations for personnel who are members of a
vulnerable population
7
h. Moving as many services as possible to video conferencing/email (troubleshooting, for
example)
i. Marking areas on the body art facility floor to designate a 6-foot perimeter distancing
j. Encouraging clients to wait in their cars until their artist/technician is ready. At a bare
minimum closing off waiting for areas and contacting customers via phone when their
artist/technician is ready for their procedure.
k. Refusing service to any client who arrives with symptoms
8
l. Refusing to allow symptomatic employees to work
m. Asking employees to self monitor their temperature before leaving for work
n. Develop and agree to a response plan in case someone in the workplace becomes ill
with symptoms of COVID-19. This plan should include at least:
i. – Identify a room or area where someone who is feeling unwell or has symptoms
can be safely isolated
ii. – Have a plan for how they can be safely transferred from there to a health
facility.
iii. – Know what to do if a staff member tests positive for COVID-19 during or just
after their work shift
iv. – Agree to the plan in advance with your partner's health care provider or health
department.
7 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
8 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
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Updated: 04/21/2020
o. If an employee develops symptoms at work, follow the protocol you’ve developed, gather
together with the names of the clients they worked with, and contact your local department of
health
Additional suggestions
● Monitor and record employee temperature with a non-contact thermometer
the device in the facility several times a day (if allowed by local law).
● Monitor and record each client’s temperature non-contact thermometer device (if
allowed by local law and client consents to this).
Protect
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is already an every-procedure-practice in body
art facilities. Once again, due to the airborne nature of the novel coronavirus, more extensive
and new PPE practices are recommended during this pandemic until new information is
gathered.
The enhanced use of PPE includes but is not limited to:
a. PPE use such as gloves and face protection by all employees, including customer
service employees, management, and artists/technicians
9
b. The use of facemasks, eye protection, face shields for all body art procedures
c. All employees wearing new disposable gloves for each interaction with a new customer
and performing hand hygiene whenever gloves are changed
d. Advising customers before entering the facility, regardless of symptoms, to put on a cloth
face covering or facemask
10
e. BAF and its staff should assess exposure risks of performing individual procedures
based on the data available and their general understanding of the procedure.
Appropriate policies should be made and reviewed regularly
Additional suggestions
● Use discretion and consider reducing non-essential nasal and oral procedures
until we have more relevant data.
● If available, set up hand sanitizer and face masks for clients at the entrance of
the BAF.
● Post visual media (e.g., signs, posters) at the entrance and in strategic places
(e.g., waiting areas, entrances) to provide instructions (in appropriate languages)
about hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Instructions
should include wearing a cloth face covering or facemask for source control, and
how and when to perform hand hygiene.

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