health and safety

At Fleet Street Tattoo Torquay, the health and safety of our clients and artists is our highest priority. Tattooing involves piercing the skin, so maintaining strict hygiene and infection control standards is essential to protect everyone in the studio.

We operate in full compliance with UK laws and local authority regulations and follow best practice guidance for tattoo studios.

Tattoo studios in the UK must meet strict standards to operate legally. In England, tattoo artists and premises must be registered with the local authority under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. This means the studio and its practitioners are inspected and approved to ensure proper hygiene, infection control and safe working practices are in place. Local authorities also inspect tattoo studios to confirm that:

• The premises are clean, safe and suitable for tattooing
• Infection prevention procedures are in place
• Equipment is properly sterilised
• Artists follow safe working practices

See our local authority page here. 

It is also illegal in the UK to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969. By complying with these regulations, tattoo studios help reduce the risk of infections and the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.

Because tattooing involves breaking the skin, strict infection control procedures are essential. Our studio follows industry guidance developed by public health authorities and professional organisations to ensure a safe environment for every client. Our infection control practices include:

• Using sterile, single-use needles and cartridges for every client
• Opening equipment from sealed sterile packaging in front of clients
• Using disposable ink caps and never re-using pigments between clients
• Thoroughly disinfecting work surfaces and equipment between every appointment
• Proper disposal of sharps and clinical waste
• Wearing new disposable gloves for each procedure
• Frequent hand washing and hand sanitisation before and after every tattoo

These procedures help eliminate cross-contamination and reduce the risk of infection during tattooing. 

All tattoo equipment that cannot be single-use must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised using professional equipment designed for medical-grade sterilisation. Sterile equipment is either used immediately or kept sealed until required to maintain its sterile condition.

Maintaining a clean studio environment is essential to safe tattooing. At Fleet Street Tattoo Torquay we follow strict daily cleaning procedures to keep the workspace hygienic and professional. Our hygiene practices include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting all work surfaces throughout the day
• Sanitising tattoo chairs, workstations and equipment after every client
• Using disposable coverings on surfaces that may come into contact with equipment
• Maintaining smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be easily disinfected
• Providing accessible hand-washing facilities with hot and cold running water, soap and disposable towels
• Safely disposing of clinical and sharps waste through licensed waste contractors

 Our tattoo artists follow strict hygiene practices at all times. This includes:

• Thorough hand washing before and after every tattoo
• Wearing fresh disposable gloves for each procedure
• Using protective clothing or disposable aprons where required
• Covering any cuts or skin damage with waterproof dressings
• Following safe handling procedures for needles and sharps

Client safety continues after the tattoo is completed. Every client receives clear aftercare advice to support proper healing and minimise the risk of infection. Aftercare guidance typically includes:

• Keeping the tattoo clean and dry
• Washing with mild, fragrance-free soap
• Avoiding swimming, sun exposure and tight clothing during healing
• Applying recommended aftercare products
• Contacting the studio or a healthcare professional if there are signs of infection

Following proper aftercare helps ensure tattoos heal safely and look their best. 

Choosing a professional, licensed tattoo studio is the best way to ensure your tattoo is done safely and hygienically. At Fleet Street Tattoo Torquay we are committed to maintaining high standards of:

• Hygiene
• Professional practice
• Client safety
• Responsible tattooing

If you have any questions about our health and safety procedures, our artists will always be happy to explain how we work and why these standards are so important. 

Contact us today if you're ready to book your tattoo or would like to ask any questions about our service.