To become professional tattoo artists, it is necessary to acquire the hygiene and sanitation skills outlined in the Ministry of Health Guidelines and required by national regulations, through a very specific training program.
We are talking about the tattoo artist hygiene and sanitation course: a mandatory program that allows future tattoo artists to learn all the necessary knowledge to:
- prevent the risk of infections and transmissible diseases during tattooing
- take all precautions to avoid potential health problems
- recognize signs of infection
- manage any emergency situations
In 2021, the tattoo artist hygiene and sanitation course was updated to meet new industry needs and improve hygienic practices in the professional tattoo world.
A new regulation was introduced that transforms the course into a true training program, implementing various thematic areas and requiring tattoo artists to obtain a certificate of suitability.
What the previous hygiene and sanitation course covered
Before the new Regulation, the Hygiene and Sanitation Qualification Course for Tattoo Operators included 94 total hours of instruction and a final test.
The course provided basic knowledge in hygiene and sanitation and developed the practical skills necessary to perform tattoos safely, specifically:
- Characteristics of jewelry, metals, and stones for piercing
- Elements of allergology, infectiology, virology, and biology
- Materials and tools for piercing and tattooing
- Anatomical sites for piercing application
- Specific industry regulations
Additionally, it focused on all aspects related to structural requirements for the workplace, waste disposal, first aid, sterilization, biological risk, and skin anatomy and physiology.
Passing the exam led to the issuance of a professional qualification valid nationally (for all regions that required 94 hours, or less).
The new 1500-hour hygiene and sanitation course regulation for tattoo artists
In the summer of 2021, new provisions were issued, regulated by Regional Law no. 13 of July 23, 2021, which define the professional figure of the Tattoo Operator.
This new regulation establishes that to practice the profession, tattoo artists must attend a 1500-hour training course (no longer 94 hours).
At the end of the course, they must pass a final exam to obtain the Regional Certification recognized throughout Italy and Europe.
The new training program, with mandatory attendance, includes 1000 hours of theoretical-practical instruction and 500 hours of internship.
These include and enhance hygiene and sanitation requirements, such as environmental requirements, sterilization, waste disposal, workplace safety, and safety techniques according to hygienic prophylaxis.
The objective is to provide:
- adequate skills in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the skin
- all practical tattooing techniques according to hygiene and prophylaxis standards
- knowledge of health risks
- all hygiene and sanitation regulations and prevention measures essential for performing tattoo artist activities
- skills to organize and maintain the workplace, equipment, and procedures in compliance with safety and environmental protection standards
The same regulation also introduced mandatory refresher courses every three years, as well as penalties, license suspensions, and closures in case of violations or failure to possess the required hygiene and sanitation prerequisites.
The new regulation for the tattoo artist hygiene and sanitation course is therefore aimed at protecting the health rights of clients, promoting high standards of quality and safety, and disseminating good practices in the tattoo sector.
The 1500-hour Tattoo Operator Course at Milano Tattoo School
Milano Tattoo School immediately adapted to the new Lombardy Region Regulation of July 23, 2021 – no. 13 and created the 1500-hour Tattoo Operator Course.
This is a comprehensive training program that provides 360-degree instruction in the classroom and lab to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be a professional tattoo artist.
The course guarantees qualification for performing tattoos with the issuance of the Lombardy Region Professional Certification for Tattoo Operator, valid throughout Italy and at a European level.
The 1500-hour Tattoo Operator Course is taught by a highly qualified expert staff and developed using advanced technologies, innovative teaching methods, and high-quality equipment from the industry’s leading brands.
A highly valuable program that allows you to learn the skills and tools to independently manage and perform the profession of tattoo operator, including all the necessary and legally mandatory hygiene and sanitation requirements.
Want to become a professional tattoo artist?
Trust the experts at Milano Tattoo School