The greatest tattoo artist in the world won’t do much business if all their clients complain of infections and complications. Even if tattoo fanatics still decided to brave the unsafe environment, the government would shut you down in a heartbeat. Read on to learn four ways to ensure a safe tattoo experience so you can keep your doors open.

Licenses and Inspections

It may not be the most fun part of running a business, but you need to make sure all your licenses and inspections are taken care of before you open your doors. Depending on your state, you may need a tattoo license, so check to see whether that applies to you. You’ll also need a business license from your local city or county, along with passed health inspections.

OSHA Regulations

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has guidelines that dictate what should and should not happen in a tattoo shop. If you’re not sure about how to proceed, contact OSHA for clarification. One critical thing to get right is following OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen best practices.

Sharps Box

One of the things OSHA will tell you is that you need a sharps box for any pointed items that could carry pathogens. Needles should never be disposed of in the trash—make sure your tattoo shop has a sharps box for proper disposal.

Sterilization

Sterilization is an expensive proposition, but it’s perhaps the most important factor in keeping your doors open. Invest in an autoclave and always have a healthy supply of disposable gloves and disinfectant. You want all your equipment—from needles to wholesale tattoo ink cups—to be free of pathogens.

Now that you know these four ways to ensure a safe tattoo experience, you can focus on providing your clients with the best time possible. After all, you need to set yourself apart from your competition! Create a safe, clean environment, and share it with your customers.