Anyone who has ever received a tattoo at Strayarts Tattoos is advised to call WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 extension 4752 for information and recommendations for testing for hepatitis B, C, and HIV.
Strayarts Tattoos (advertised on the internet at https://strayartstattoos.ca) is an unlicensed establishment in the Guelph area that has failed to provide Public Health with an address for inspection or documentation to prove it has followed required infection control measures.
Program manager for the control of infectious diseases Janice Walters said, “We often receive reports of tattoos being done at non-inspected establishments, including people’s homes. We always follow-up to ensure measures are in place to decrease the risk of skin and blood-borne infections. If we aren’t able to confirm the required infection control practices are in place, we need to let clients know of the risks.”
Public Health officials stated it is important for anyone who is considering a tattoo or piercing to be aware of the following:
– in Guelph, tattoo and piercing shops must be licensed by the city;
– Public Health conducts annual infection control inspections of tattoo and piercing establishments. A full list of inspected premises is available from WDG Public Health but clients can also ask their piercing or tattoo artist for their inspection report;
– a reputable artist will obtain a client’s signed consent for procedures;
– the artist must wash his hands thoroughly using soap and water and put on a new pair of gloves before performing any tattoo or piercing procedure.
– new, individually packaged, sterile needles must be used for each tattoo or piercing;
– skin must be appropriately cleaned and disinfected before tattooing or piercing;
– the artist must not re-dip utensils into ink that will be used on other people.
– jewellery made of high-grade, sterile, surgical steel or gold must be used;
– a piercing gun can only be used to pierce ear lobes (the fleshy part of the ear); any other type of piercing must be done using a new, individually packaged, sterile needle; and
– verbal and written aftercare instructions must be provided, giving the client information on how to take care of the new tattoo or piercing until it has healed.
For more information contact Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 extension 4752, or visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
