Some safety guidelines should take into consideration when you decide to have a tattoo. Following is a brief safety checklist to take care of. You should have your safety in mind when you get a tatoo done. Keep your self out of any kind of harm.

• Is it necessary to see the use of autoclave and sterilization certification?

An autoclave resembles a pressure cooker primarily used in the medical field for sterilizing medical instruments. It is an apparatus which uses superheated steam under high pressure to sterilize instruments and kills all pathogenic microorganisms. It is a machine which is a must in every tattoo shop.

Do not shy away from asking the tattoo artist if his/her autoclave is FDA-regulated.

• Why wear gloves?

It is very important. The artist should wear well fitted protective latex gloves. If he is touching the broken skin the artist should change the gloves regularly. This protect both you and the artist from any kind of infection being transferred from each other.

• Should my tattoo artist be certified?

There is no kind of certificate or diploma give to the tattoo artist as a proof of their skills. There are many artist who are good at their work and require a license in their state to get on with the business. It becomes very necessary for the customer to know they are taking every step carefully before they get themselves in the chair.

• Should the artist be vaccinated for Hepatitis B?

You need to make sure that the artist is vaccinated. Do not just take their word for it, if their is nothing to hide then the artist would show you the proof. If you feel the artist is uncomfortable while talking about it then you don't want to get tattoo there. It spreads easily if the needles are not properly sterilized.

• Are Ointments, inks, water and other items shared with other customer?

Make sure you get a little disposable ink bottle just for you. You really don't want to share it with any other fan of tattoo. Before you leave assure that the small bottle of ink which was used on you was disposed. Same goes for other things like ointment.

• How important is the use of new needles?

The best way to prevent any kind of infection transmitted to you through needles is to see it for your self that the new needle is opened when you are ready to get tattooed. If you have not seen the needle being opened in front of you then you can ask to open a new one for you.

• Should I ask to see examples of the artist's finished work?

Don't get swayed by the beautiful pictures on the tattoo shop walls. Look for what you want. Look closely and see if you see all what you intend to get on your body for ever. If you think this is not the place do not feel shy to move towards exit.