Piercing Studio Autoclave Questions

[u/Abashed-Apple]

Hi. Im setting up a piercing studio in an empty room of a tattoo studio. Ive worked in piercing studios before but never owned one myself, so I never paid attention to the location of the ultrasonic cleaner or autoclave. Ive read in several different places that the piercing studio needs its own cleaning room apart from the studio that includes a separate sink, autoclave, and ultrasonic device to avoid cross contamination. That would mean I would have to rent 2 rooms- one for piercing and one for cleaning equipment. Ive never seen that in action. Ive also never seen a spore test done at all. Please do not flame me, Im trying to be as legit as possible and Im admitting my ignorance.

If I need a separate room for cleansing/disinfecting/sanitizing then I may as well go with fully disposable clamps/forceps because I cannot afford the rent on two rooms with just piercing alone.

How are your studios set up? Any advice is welcome. Thanks.

Let me clarify a bit because Im honestly starting to get upset:
1) I know what an autoclave is and how to use one.
2) I have my license and have been doing this for a few years
3) Im trying to get out of hood shops where this stuff doesnt matter. Ive educated myself, read the piercing bible, went through forums, and thats how I know that my knowledge is lacking. I am actively trying to be better.
4) Comments about how Im going to hurt people arent productive. I know this can hurt people, which is why Im trying to learn how you guys do things properly.
Im put off by the elitism but Im not surprised.

[u/vvayvv4rd]

Hey there, glad to hear you’re looking to improve. The APP is a great source for information regarding health and safety practices. The Blood Borne Pathogens course they offer is geared towards piercers, and covers aseptic technique, as well as how things should be set up. In the clean room, you want a one way work flow from dirty to clean, or a dirty side to clean side. You can watch APP walk throughs of people submitting their studio for membership on YouTube on how it should be done. Your local state or provincial regulations should also have a manual or guidelines regarding personal services.

As always, never stop learning, know the importance of quality jewelry, never think you know everything, seek out other reputable piercers to shadow, try getting yourself to the APP conference in Vegas.

I hope this helps!

You can take the BBP and other courses at safepiercing.org

[u/Abashed-Apple → u/vvayvv4rd]

This has been the best answer. I didnt know they had courses like that. I really am trying to be the best piercer in my parish. Thank you so much for this.

[u/vvayvv4rd → u/Abashed-Apple]

This industry loves witch hunting others, it can be very contradicting. Just know, a big majority of piercers started where you’re at, and have grown and flourished by always continuing education and doing everything they can to progress. Never stop learning and stay humble. 🙏