Alberta Health Services has closed several home-based tattoo and piercing parlours in Calgary.
"We have strict health and safety standards in place and only those facilities that meet these standards are approved for these types of procedures," says Dr. Judy MacDonald the deputy medical officer of health
Tips from the public about sterilization practices at some of the unapproved parlours led to the closures.
"The home-based parlours closed by AHS did not have proper sterilization processes in place, meaning individuals who received tattoos or piercings through these operations may have been exposed to viruses such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C. and HIV," says Dr. MacDonald.
Alberta Health Services is asking anyone who received a tattoo or piercing at any of the closed parlours to get tested for hepatitis and HIV.
The parlours closed are: Dustin Blatz Tattooing, Grave Marking Tattoo, Ill Tattoos, Norm's Tattoos, Piercer Dan and Tattoo Girl.
Officials also ordered the closure of Outlaw Tattoo and Latino Tattoo Removal but health officials say the businesses have looked after their health concerns and received approval to reopen.
Health officials say their investigation is not over yet and more closures are expected in the coming week.
In the meantime, Alberta Health Services is recommending considering the following questions when choosing where to get your tattoo or piercing done.
To see the closure orders, click on the link to the right.
Important things to look for when choosing a tattoo or piercing facility:
- Is the tattooing/piercing area separate from all dining, washroom, kitchen, lounge or sleeping areas?
- Is the facility clean and in good repair, with smooth washable equipment and surfaces?
- Does the facility have suitable equipment for sterilization, including an autoclave for reusable items?
- If no, does the facility only use single use disposable equipment?
- Is the tattoo equipment wrapped in plastic, and is the plastic changed after every client?
- Does the facility have proper containers for the safe disposal of needles?
- Are all linens etc. changed after every client?
- Does staff wash hands thoroughly with soap and water at a separate dedicated hand washing sink before & after each client?
- Does staff wear disposable gloves that are changed between every client?
- Does staff wear clean clothing?
- Does staff refrain from smoking, drinking and eating in the tattooing/piercing area?
- Does the facility require you to sign a consent form prior to tattooing/piercing?
- Does the facility provide pre and post-care instructions?
- Does the facility require your contact information for their records?
- Can the facility provide you with a copy of the most recent Health Inspection Report?
