Body Art Temporary Events: Making Sense of Chaos Sarah Brustkern and Tara Strachan El Paso County Department of Health and Environment Environmental Health Services September 29, 2009

The Big Question! An artist says to you “I’m planning on having a Body Art Temporary Event, what do I do?”

Background The event was to take place February 8- 10, There were to have been 46 shops, local and from abroad that were participating in the event. Over 100 artists were to be actively performing body art at the event.

Down to Business: Planning Temporary licensing for artists –One license for the event? Or do you license every artist at the event? Infection control training –No single standard course. Managing environmental hazards –Ranges from booth set up to waste disposal.

Temporary Body Art Establishment Licenses Body Art Temporary Event Coordinator Application -Covers the regulations (condensed) -Contact information for coordinator -Responsibilities of coordinator -Provides a list of all participants Body Art Temporary Event Vendor Form -Provides vendor information -Responsibilities of each vendor -Booth requirements -Hepatitis B vaccination or declination

Coordinator meeting: - Review regulations and forms - Layout must be provided ( with hand sink locations ) - Biohazard information provided ( written handling procedures and disposal contract ) Expectations of all artists clearly stated at this time to the event coordinator All questions answered, both artist and inspector Temporary Body Art Establishment Licenses

Infection Control Training Bloodborne pathogen class (BBP) -No set standard in the state and differs across the country. -El Paso County Board of Health Regulations require that employees at licensed Body Art Establishments take a BBP class that is taught by the Health Department. -Alternative solution was needed for out-of-town artists participating at the event. Solution: -Be flexible and take a few classes online yourself and see what fits best, for your county’s regulations. -Have all artists take the chosen course prior to event. -EPCDHE required that artists take, at the minimum, the Red Cross online course.

Environmental Hazards Sharps and biohazard contract with temporary event coordinator Major concern: Improper disposal Where is the biohazard going? How will it be transported? Is it posing a health risk to the public? Does it follow the county regulations? Solution: Make a list of all possible questions and concerns. Address these at the meeting. Make sure you feel comfortable with the contract, you are the one inspecting and approving the event!

Yikes! Inspections….ROUND 1

Inspections…Problems Found

Memorable Quotes “You’re gonna contaminate my water” “I go to the bathroom to wash my hands” “I’m not going to use the hand wash set up”

Issues with Initial Set Up Handwashing Water temperatures did not meet regulation requirements. Artists thought the temporary handwashing set up was crude and dirty. Many did not wash hands as needed. The handwashing expectations were not met at the start of the event and were hard to maintain throughout the event. Equipment Absorbent surfaces everywhere. Chairs, carpet, curtains, and ceiling tiles in clean room. Plastic liner and bags were used in the attempt to have a cleanable surface.

Issues with Initial Set Up Equipment sterilization Shop was going to sterilize all equipment Seventy percent of equipment had passed the 6 month “sterile” date or no date was on the equipment. Last-minute change, brought in sterilizers and turned a room into a clean room. Artist requirements Artists from all over the country did not read El Paso County regulations. Some things that were acceptable at “home” were not acceptable at the event. Example- Plastic wrap as dressing for a fresh tattoo.

Issues with Initial Set Up Eating and drinking Occurring in booths, alcoholic beverages too. Artist stated that they ‘usually do this’ at events.

The Fix Planning Paper work (Complete) Layout (Critical) Meetings (More than one) Meet with Coordinator & Vendors Equipment All disposable! No need for a clean room!

The Fix Handwashing Temporary sinks versus stations Have one for a set number of artists No messy buckets or complaints!!!! Other Issues Be present during set up to help with placement of items. Be FLEXIBLE!

Inspection…ROUND 2 Corrected violations that could be corrected. Water temperature for handwashing, eating/drinking, porous surfaces, clean room, and disposable equipment.

Questions?? Contact Information Sarah Brustkern (719) Tara Strachan (719)