Oregon Health Licensing Agency

Oregon Health Licensing Agency Body Art Program Earlobe Piercing Education Navigation Tip! Use the toggle button to expand the viewable area.

Client Care, Safety, Sanitation and Infection Control (CCSSIC) This education session, in addition to the study references used to source the examination, will provide individuals with the necessary information pertaining to CCSSIC in the earlobe piercing industry. There is an examination immediately following this session to ensure individuals gain a basic understanding of CCSSIC for earlobe piercing.

Earlobe Piercing “Earlobe piercing” means piercing of the soft lower part of the external ear only, not to include cartilage or any other part of the body. Earlobe piercing is a hands-on profession that must be learned through practical experience. The piercer must: • Provide consultation to the client and conduct anatomy assessment; • Discuss jewelry, the piercing procedure, potential risks and complications, the healing process and aftercare guidelines; and • Provide required documentation to the client.

Client Consultation Assessment of the Earlobe Because everyone is built differently, not everyone is anatomically suited for every piercing. A piercing should not be attempted if there is not enough tissue to support the piercing. Certain daily activities and sports can delay healing or prohibit certain piercings. An experienced piercer will be able to ascertain if the piercing is likely to be successful.

Client Consultation Immediate Disqualifiers Immediate disqualifiers include: • A person who is inebriated or appears to be incapacitated by the use of alcohol or drugs; • A person who shows signs of recent intravenous drug use; and • A person under 18 years of age, who does not have a parent or guardian present to provide consent.

Client Consultation Jewelry Jewelry that is used for an earlobe piercing must be a sterile, encapsulated single-use stud with clasp. Jewelry should be an appropriate size for the amount of tissue; jewelry that is too small may get imbedded in the tissue. Use of personal client jewelry or any apparatus or device presented by the client is prohibited.

Client Consultation Discussion with the Client; Questions and Concerns The piercer must: • Answer questions the client may have before and after the piercing is performed; • Provide information to the client regarding the piercing procedure; and • Give both oral and written aftercare instructions.

Client Consultation Discussion with the Client; Questions and Concerns, continued • Discuss risks and possible complications associated with the piercing which may include: • Allergy or sensitivity to the jewelry; and • Aftercare products. • Suggest a course of action if a problem occurs with the piercing; • Review causes and symptoms of infection; and • Explain the healing time for the piercing.

Proper Identification To receive a piercing, a client must: • Be 18 years of age; • Provide proof of age which includes: • Current governmental issued photographic identification. If the client is a minor: • Parent or legal guardian must be present and provide: • Written parental consent; and • Governmental issued photographic identification.

Forms Piercers are required to maintain forms for a minimum of three years; these forms must be made available for inspection upon request by the agency.

Forms Client Records Piercers shall maintain client records which include: • Client: • Name, address, telephone number; • Date of birth; • Health history: • Sensitivities to medicines or topical solutions; • Bleeding disorders; and • Complications from previous piercing procedure(s).

Forms Client Records, continued • Date of each service; • Body location; • Type of service performed; • Name and registration number of the technician providing service; • Special instructions or notations relating to the clients' medical or skin condition; • Copy of signed statement that the client has received educational material and aftercare instructions;

Forms Client Records, continued • Proof of age consisting of the following: • Copy of current government issued photographic identification verifying client is 18 years of age. If client is under 18 years: • Written parental or legal guardian consent; and • Copy of parent or legal guardian current governmental issued photographic identification.

Forms Client Records, continued • Possible health risks resulting from the piercing which may include pain, bleeding, swelling, infection, scarring and nerve damage; and • Who to contact with questions and concerns: Oregon Health Licensing Agency, Regulatory Operations Division, 700 Summer St. N.E., Suite 320, Salem, Oregon 97301-1287.

Forms Client Records, continued • Signed statements from the client which includes: • Certification that the client is 18 years of age; • Certification that the client is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and • Signature attesting the client has: • Reviewed the disclosure statement; and • Been provided aftercare instruction in written and verbal format.

Forms Aftercare Aftercare instructions for appropriate piercing care during healing must be provided verbally and in written format to every client. Written and verbal instructions must include: • Cleansing and sterilization techniques; • Required equipment and supplies; • Requirements regarding the piercing site;

Forms • Aftercare, continued • Restrictions; • The importance of maintaining a clean environment; and • Possible side effects. Client education is an essential service every piercer must provide.

Standards for Earlobe Piercing Services Hand Washing All licensees are responsible for adhering to the following standards while serving clients: • Hands must be washed before and after treatment of each client, and before putting on gloves and immediately after gloves are removed; • Thorough hand washing may be by use of antibacterial hand sanitizer; and • Single-use disposable paper products.

Standards for Earlobe Piercing Services Proper Gloving A new pair of disposable gloves must be worn during the treatment of each client. When gloves are removed during a treatment, gloves must be discarded, hands must be washed and a fresh pair of gloves used. Gloves must be worn during the procedures of: • Cleaning, rinsing and drying of instruments. Torn or perforated gloves must be discarded immediately, and hands must be washed after gloves are removed.

Standards for Earlobe Piercing Services Tray Set-Up When performing a piercing procedure, all instruments, tools and supplies should be on a sanitized tray set-up with an appropriate tray liner. Tray liners should be a plastic-backed dental bib or other impenetrable tray liner.

Standards for Earlobe Piercing Services The Marking Instrument All marking instruments must be used on cleansed skin and marked with the following: • Single use, disposable permanent marking instrument; or • Sterilized toothpick dipped in Gentian Violet.

Standards for Earlobe Piercing Services Skin Cleansing of Procedure Area The client’s skin must be cleansed by applying an antiseptic prior to and following treatment. Skin cleansing product must be used according to manufacturer’s instructions. All substances shall be dispensed in a manner to prevent contamination of the unused portion. Single-use tubes, containers and applicators shall be discarded following the piercing service.

Standards for Earlobe Piercing Services The Earlobe Piercing System “Earlobe piercing system” means a hand-held tool that pierces an individual’s earlobe using a sterile, encapsulated stud with a clasp. The earlobe piercing system must be: • Made of non-absorbent or non-porous material which can be cleaned and disinfected; • Used according to manufacturer’s instructions; • Disinfected with a high-level disinfectant before being used on a client; and • Used with single-use piercing instruments and discarded immediately after use.

Disposal Disposal of Contaminated Waste Disposable products that come in direct contact with clients must be stored in closeable clean containers. All waste material related to treatment must be deposited in a covered container following service for each client. All items that come in direct contact with the client’s skin that cannot be cleaned or disinfected must be disposed of utilizing a “double bagging” technique in a sealable plastic bag that is separate from sealable trash or garbage liners in a covered waste receptacle immediately after use.

Proper Tool Isolation Clean, sterilized re-usable instruments must be stored in clean covered containers and must be stored separately from used or soiled instruments; and

Surface Disinfection A high-level disinfectant must be used to disinfect surfaces contaminated by blood or bodily fluids and used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.

Examination You will be required to take an examination upon completing this earlobe piercing education. Take the Exam!

Earlobe Piercing Examination

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Oregon Health Licensing Agency