Home › Tattoo Studio Risk Assessment
Tattoo Studio Risk Assessment — Infection Control & Health and Safety in Minutes
Describe your studio, services, and hygiene protocols. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant tattoo studio risk assessment covering infection control, COSHH (inks and chemicals), sharps handling, and Local Authority licensing requirements instantly.
Used by tattoo studios, mobile tattoo artists, and body piercing professionals across the UK
🩸 Bloodborne pathogen risk is the primary legal and safety concern in tattooing. Mention your infection control procedures (autoclave sterilisation, single-use needles, sharps bins, PPE) and we will include full COSHH and biohazard controls required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Local Authority licensing.
Legal requirements for tattoo studios
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, tattoo studios and mobile tattoo artists must conduct a risk assessment covering all significant hazards to staff and clients. This includes infection control (bloodborne pathogens, cross-contamination), needle stick injuries, COSHH (tattoo inks, cleaning chemicals, sterilisation agents), manual handling, electrical equipment, and workplace violence or aggressive client behaviour.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) apply to tattoo inks, stencil transfer solutions, petroleum jelly, green soap, and all cleaning and sterilising chemicals (e.g. Barbicide, alcohol-based wipes, autoclave detergents). A COSHH risk assessment must be in place for every substance used, covering safe storage, ventilation, PPE, and disposal. Tattoo inks may contain metals (titanium dioxide, iron oxide) and organic compounds that require assessment under COSHH.
Most UK Local Authorities require tattoo studios and body piercing premises to be licensed under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. Licensing conditions typically require evidence of infection control procedures, autoclave validation, sharps disposal contracts, public liability insurance, and a written health and safety risk assessment. Failure to comply can result in licence refusal or revocation.
Tattoo artists and studio owners are strongly advised to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B due to occupational exposure risk. The Health and Safety Executive recommends vaccination for anyone at risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids. This is not a legal requirement but is considered best practice and may be required by insurers or Local Authority licensing officers.
How it works
1. Describe your studio and services
Tell us whether you operate from a fixed studio or work mobile, what services you offer (tattoo, body piercing, permanent makeup), and your infection control procedures (autoclave sterilisation, single-use needles, sharps disposal). If you work alone or have staff, mention it — we will tailor the assessment accordingly.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant tattoo studio risk assessment covering infection control, COSHH, sharps handling, PPE, client consent, and all relevant UK health and safety legislation.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Submit it to your Local Authority for licensing, include it in your insurance application, or keep it on file for Environmental Health inspections. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every tattoo studio risk assessment is written in full — covering all infection control, COSHH, and client safety hazards specific to your services.
Bloodborne pathogen exposure (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV)
Needle stick injury prevention and sharps disposal
Autoclave sterilisation procedures and validation
Single-use needle and tube protocols
Cross-contamination prevention (client-to-client)
COSHH — tattoo inks, stencil solutions, petroleum jelly, green soap
COSHH — cleaning and sterilising agents (Barbicide, alcohol wipes, autoclave detergents)
PPE — gloves, aprons, face shields, barrier film
Client consent, aftercare and allergy/reaction risk
Workplace violence and aggressive client behaviour
Electrical equipment safety (tattoo machines, autoclave, lighting)
Slips, trips and falls in studio environment
Manual handling of equipment and furniture
Local Authority licensing compliance and Environmental Health inspections
Works for
From traditional tattoo studios to mobile artists and permanent makeup technicians, Anyrisks covers every type of skin puncture service.
What customers say
"I needed this for my Local Authority licence renewal. Anyrisks covered infection control, autoclave procedures, COSHH for my inks and cleaning products — everything Environmental Health asked for. Done in minutes."
Liam R.
Tattoo studio owner, Manchester
"As a mobile artist I work alone in clients' homes. The assessment covered lone working, client premises risk, and all the bloodborne pathogen controls. Exactly what my insurer needed."
Jess T.
Mobile tattoo artist, Brighton
"I offer both tattoo and body piercing. Anyrisks covered both services in one assessment — sharps disposal, autoclave, PPE, client aftercare. Professional document, accepted by the council first time."
Dev P.
Tattoo and piercing studio, Birmingham
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Bloodborne pathogen risk assessed under COSHH | ✓ | ✗ |
| Tattoo inks and cleaning chemicals COSHH compliant | ✓ | ✗ |
| Autoclave and sterilisation procedures included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Sharps disposal and needle stick injury controls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Local Authority licensing compliance covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Does this cover Local Authority licensing requirements?
Yes — the risk assessment covers infection control, hygiene standards, COSHH (inks and cleaning agents), sharps disposal and client aftercare, all of which are required by most UK Local Authority tattoo parlour licensing schemes.
Is this suitable for mobile tattoo artists?
Yes — describe that you work mobile and the assessment will include lone working controls, client premises risk assessment, and portable equipment safety. Mobile tattoo artists have the same infection control and COSHH obligations as studio-based operators.
Does it cover bloodborne pathogen risk?
Yes — the assessment includes controls for bloodborne pathogen exposure (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV) under the COSHH Regulations 2002, including needle stick injury prevention, sharps disposal, PPE (gloves, aprons) and vaccination recommendations.
Do I need separate assessments for piercing?
If you also offer body piercing, describe both services and the assessment will cover both. Piercing has similar infection control risks but different techniques and equipment — we cover both in one document if needed.
Can I use this for guest artist work?
Yes — if you work as a guest artist at other studios, this assessment demonstrates your understanding of infection control and safe working procedures, which host studios will expect to see.
How long does it take?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your studio setup, services offered (tattoo, piercing, or both), and any specific hazards (e.g. laser removal equipment). Anyrisks produces a complete, UK-compliant tattoo studio risk assessment instantly.
Is COSHH covered for tattoo inks and cleaning chemicals?
Yes — tattoo inks, stencil transfer agents, vaseline, green soap, and cleaning/sterilising agents (e.g. Barbicide, alcohol wipes, autoclave detergents) are all assessed under COSHH Regulations 2002. The assessment includes safe storage, PPE, ventilation and disposal.
Does it cover autoclave and sterilisation procedures?
Yes — the assessment covers sterilisation equipment (autoclaves), single-use needle and tube protocols, and contamination prevention. Proper sterilisation is central to infection control and is required by Local Authority licensing.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Assessment · Do I Need a Risk Assessment? · Risk Assessment Legal Requirements · Risk Assessment Generator