Bloodborne Pathogens for Tattoo Artists and Body Piercers

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Tattoos, body piercings, and permanent cosmetics have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Since puncturing or piercing of the skin is involved, more attention has been paid to training requirements for the technicians or artists performing these procedures in an effort to promote safety for both the clients and the artists. Many states have passed guidelines or regulations governing tattooing, body piercing, and permanent cosmetics. Check with your local Board of Health if you have specific questions about your state requirements.

At a minimum, compliance with the Federal Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is required. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29CFR 1910.1030, was established by OSHA in 1991. This standard regulates occupational exposures for workers whose jobs put them at a reasonable risk of coming into contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials. Yearly training is required to be in compliance with the standard.

Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training

Eduwhere has developed an online course to provide the training required by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The course is targeted for anyone who has potential exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. There is some information provided that is specific to the tattoo and body piercing industry.

Material covered in the course includes definitions of bloodborne pathogens, modes of transmission, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, exposure control plans, and hepatitis B vaccinations.

Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training This course provides training as required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29CFR 1910.1030). Material covered in the course includes definitions of bloodborne pathogens, modes of transmission, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccinations, and other information needed to ensure worker safety. This course can be used as introductory training as well as satisfy OSHA's annual refresher requirement. Note that the standard requires an opportunity for you to ask interactive questions and receive answers from the person conducting the training session. OSHA was asked if having a trainer available to answer any questions via email was considered to be in compliance with this requirement. In an interpretation letter OSHA states that "it is critical that trainees have an opportunity to ask and receive answers to questions where material is unfamiliar to them. Frequently, a trainee may be unable to go further with the training or to understand related training content until a response is received." Therefore, it is OSHA's policy that using an email system to answer questions is NOT considered direct access to a qualified trainer. If the qualified trainer is available through an interactive on-line exchange or via phone communication whenever a question arises, this is considered acceptable. This training course complies with the requirement by having an online chat (AOL screen name: eduwhere) available at 9 am -11 am (Eastern Time) every Wednesday and a toll free number to call if you have questions (866-523-9108). [course description]

Does OSHA Accept Online Training?

Yes. However, note that OSHA does not approve or endorse training programs. OSHA leaves the determination as to whether training is sufficient up to the employer. We have designed the course such that it is detailed and comprehensive and not just a brief, general overview of the topics.

Will I Get a Certificate When I Complete the Course?

Yes. After you’ve completed the course, we’ll mail you a certificate suitable for framing, a laminated, wallet-sized certificate, and a copy of your exam scores for your training records.

Questions?