BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS CERTIFICATION TRAININGF O R E A R P I E R C I N G S P E C I A L I S T S

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TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Some states require Ear Piercing Specialists to receive at least one (1) hour of training before performing an ear piercing procedure. The training should include, at minimum, the following points:

• Proper hygiene and safety standards

• Proper use of the piercing instrument

• Proper handling of disposable items including cartridges, gloves and alcohol prep pads

• Overview of bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases

EAR PIERCING IS EXEMPT!

According to Cal/OSHA standards & regulations, ear piercing is exempt from the bloodborne pathogen program.

However, it is still important to learn about the various pathogens and potential occupational exposures.

HOW PATHOGENS ENTER THE BODYBloodborne pathogens are infectious pathogenic microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease. These pathogens include but are not limited to: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Infection can be spread through:

Coughing & sneezing

Consuming food contaminated with feces

Touching ears after a piercing procedure with

unwashed hands

AIRINGESTIONCONTACT

PATHOGENS OF INTEREST TO EAR PIERCING SPECIALISTSVIRUSES:• Hepatitis B• Hepatitis C• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

BACTERIA:• Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)• Streptococcus• Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB)• Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

HEPATITIS ISINFLAMMATION OF

THE LIVER

• Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is a bacteria commonly found in soil, water, plants, and animals.• It can be transmitted by contact with anyting that has Pseudomonas Aeruginosa on it.• Pseudomonas Aeruginosa has been found to be the cause of approximately 95% of the infections in piercings

of the cartilaginous areas of the ear.• It is fast growing and can cause severe swelling and pain within days of the infection. Prompt medical treatment

is required to prevent permanent damage to the cartilage.

ENGINEERING & WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS

PURPOSE:To reduce or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens

DIFFERENCE:• ENGINEERING CONTROLS

Isolate or remove the hazard from the workplace

• WORK PRACTICE CONTROLSReduce the risk of exposure by altering how tasks are performed

• Shop owners and Ear Piercing Specialists MUST:Select and implement appropriate ENGINEERING & WORKPRACTICE CONTROLS where occupational exposures to bloodor other potentially infectious materials may occur

Gloves should be wornin every instance ofcustomer contact

ENGINEERING CONTROLS

• Single-use pre-sterilized piercing earrings and earring backs

• Piercing earrings and earring backs packaged in blister packs

• Touch-free system

• Storage space for piercing instrument that protects it against dust and other contaminates

• Non-porous, cleanable customer chair and set-up area

• Trash pail operated by foot pedal

WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS

• Conduct the client interview and complete paperwork prior to piercing

• Keep the piercing area sanitary and organized

• Perform hand hygiene before and after piercing

• Always wear appropriate gloves• Thoroughly clean and check client’s ears

for signs of infection

PROHIBITED PRACTICES

• NO use of cosmetic products including hairspray and makeup after the piercing

• NO loitering in or near the piercing area

• NO ear touching after the piercing procedure

• Do not pierce anyone under the age of 18 without parental consent

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT & HAND HYGIENE

• Non-latex disposable gloves must be worn by every Ear Piercing Specialist throughout the ear piercing procedure

• For every new customer, a new pair of gloves must be worn• Gloves should be replaced any time items are touched outside of the sterile

piercing area

• Proper hand hygiene is an important part of preventing infection. It includes traditional hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers. For people with skin sensitivities, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) approves the use of alcohol-free hand sanitizers

• Hands should be washed with soap and warm water frequently and especially after using the restroom

• Ear Piercing Specialists MUST use a hand sanitizer to kill microorganisms (germs) before applying gloves and after removing them

WASTE DISPOSAL

Ear piercing waste is not regulated, therefore does not require special handling. It’s

advised to check with your local health department for any special

ordinances.

RELEASE FORMS

Customer records are considered confidential.

All piercing records should be stored in a secure, locked area for

a minimum of five years.

Training records should be kept on file for the duration of

employment and for a minimum of five years after leaving.

INCIDENT REPORTS

Pre-printed Incident Reportsshould be kept near the piercing

area.

In the event of an incident, anIncident Report should be

completed and forwarded to:leannekim@studex.com

If a customer is injured duringthe piercing procedure, advise

him/her to seek immediatemedical attention.

mailto:Leannekim@studex.com

AFTERCARE

• Aftercare instructions must be reviewed verbally with every customer

• A hard copy of the aftercare instructions must be provided to every customer

• The Ear Piercing Specialist is required to answer all customer questions regarding aftercare

Q U E S T I O N S ?

521 W. Rosecrans Ave, Gardena California 90248

www.studex.com

+1 (800) 478-8339

training@studex.com