Let’s be honest, infection control isn’t the most exciting topic in the body art industry. It doesn’t get the same attention as a clean line, a perfectly placed piercing or a finished piece you’re proud to post. But without proper infection control, even the most skilled artists put themselves, their clients and their business at risk.

Whether you’re running a busy tattoo studio in Melbourne or a piercing studio in Perth, infection control in 2026 isn’t optional, it’s a professional responsibility. It protects your clients, your staff and your business livelihood.

That’s why I have now put together:

 The Infection Control Challenge!!

This is to test what you actually know, highlight areas that are often overlooked and give you a clear idea of where you stand.

 

So, are you confident your practices are up to standard or is it time for a refresher? Let’s find out.

How the Challenge Works

This isn't your typical boring compliance quiz. I've designed five crucial questions that cover the essential infection control practices every body art professional should know inside and out. Each question comes with a multiple-choice format and we'll reveal the correct answer along with a fun fact or practical tip to help cement that knowledge in your brain.

At the end, you'll tally up your score and discover whether you're infection control royalty or whether it might be time to level up your skills.

Spoiler alert: no matter how you score, the fact you’re doing this means you’re already taking steps to improve.

Let's get started, shall we?

 

Question 1: Tool Sterilization—The Foundation of Safe Practice

Question: How often should you sterilize reusable tools in your body art practice?

A) Once a week—keep things tidy on Mondays
B) After every single use—no exceptions
C) Only when they look a bit dodgy

Answer: B) After every use

Fun Fact: Even if your tools look spotless enough to eat off (please don't), invisible nasties like bacteria, viruses, and fungi can be lurking on the surface. Think of sterilization as giving your tools an exclusive spa treatment after every session because your next client deserves equipment that's not just clean but properly sterilized.

In Australia, this isn't just best practice; it's a regulatory requirement. Whether you're using an autoclave, chemical sterilization or dry heat, the golden rule is simple: one client, one sterilization cycle. No shortcuts, no "she'll be right" attitude. Your professional reputation (and your clients' health) depends on it.

 

Question 2: Hand Hygiene—Your First Line of Defence

Question: True or False: Hand sanitizer can replace proper handwashing every single time.

Answer: False

Tip: Look, we love a good squirt of hand sanitizer as much as the next germaphobe, it's convenient, it smells nice (usually) and it makes us feel productive.

But here's the science: hand sanitizer is brilliant for quick touch ups when soap and water aren't available but it's not a complete substitute for proper handwashing.

Soap and water physically remove dirt, debris, and microorganisms from your hands, while hand sanitizer works by killing germs on the surface. When your hands are visibly soiled or you've been handling bodily fluids, soap and water is the gold standard.

The ideal technique? Scrub for at least 20 seconds, roughly the time it takes to hum "Happy Birthday" twice, though we recommend choosing a more dignified tune in front of clients. After COVID19 we should all be professionals now.

Pro tip: Keep both options readily available in your workspace and know when to use which. Your hands are your most important tools, ensure you treat them accordingly.

 

Question 3: Surface Cleaning—Where Germs Love to Party

Question: How often should surfaces in your workspace be disinfected?

A) Daily—one good clean to start the day
B) Before and after each client—yes, every single time
C) Weekly—surely that's enough?

Answer: B) Before and after each client

Extra Tip: Here's the thing about germs, they're like that mate who overstays their welcome at parties. They love hanging out on high touch surfaces like treatment chairs, countertops, door handles and equipment trolley. Left unchecked, they'll multiply faster than rabbits in springtime.

In Australian body art studios, surface disinfection isn't optional, it's mandatory between every client. This means wiping down everything your client or their bodily fluids might have touched, plus all the surfaces you've contacted during the procedure. Yes, it takes extra time. Yes, it might feel repetitive. But cross-contamination is sneaky and your vigilance is what stands between a safe experience and a potential health hazard.

Invest in quality hospital-grade disinfectants approved for use in Australia (check the TGA register), and make surface cleaning as automatic as switching on your lights each morning. Your future self and your satisfied, healthy clients will thank you.

 

Question 4: Gloves & Personal Protection—Barrier Protection 101

Question: True or False: Wearing gloves means you don't need to change them between clients.

Answer: False

Tip: Gloves are amazing. They're like tiny force fields for your hands, protecting you from bloodborne pathogens and protecting your client from whatever you touched five minutes ago. But here's where some practitioners get it wrong: gloves aren't magical. They're single-use barriers, not reusable armour.

Every time you finish with a client, those gloves need to come off and go straight in the bin—no ifs, buts, or maybes. Why? Because anything those gloves touched during the procedure (ink, blood, fluids, contaminated surfaces) is now on the outside of those gloves. Wearing them for the next client is essentially serving up a cross-contamination cocktail on a silver platter.

The same principle applies if your gloves tear, get visibly contaminated or if you need to touch something clean (like answering your phone or grabbing supplies). New task? New gloves. It's that simple.

And while we're at it, wash your hands before putting gloves on and after taking them off. Gloves aren't a substitute for hand hygiene; they're an additional layer of protection.

 

Question 5: Staying Current—Knowledge is Power

Question: How often should you refresh your infection control training in the body art industry?

A) Every five years—surely things don't change that fast
B) Once a decade—if it was good enough in 2015...
C) Annually—because guidelines evolve

Answer: C) Annually

Do you remember what you learned about infection control five years ago? Can you confidently say you're up to date with the latest Australian guidelines, product developments and regulatory changes? If you hesitated even slightly, you're not alone.

Infection control is a dynamic field. New pathogens emerge (recent global events), technologies improve, research reveals better practices and regulations get updated. What was acceptable practice a few years ago might not meet current standards today. In Australia's body art industry, staying current isn't just professional, it's your responsibility to your clients and your business.

Annual refresher training ensures you're not just maintaining the status quo, but actively improving your practices. It's also an excellent opportunity to ask questions, clarify grey areas, and connect with other professionals who take infection control as seriously as you do.

 

Tally Your Score: How Did You Go?

Be honest with yourself. How many did you get right?

0–2 Correct: Newbie Level—Time to Boost Your Skills!

No judgment here, everyone starts somewhere! The fact that you're reading this article shows you care about improving, which is half the battle. The good news is Infection control isn't rocket science but it does require proper training and consistent practice. You've identified a gap and now it's time to fill it with quality, accredited education.

3–4 Correct: Proficient—Almost There, Just a Few Tweaks Needed

You've got a solid foundation but there are a few knowledge gaps that could potentially put your practice at risk. You're so close and with a bit of focused learning, you'll be operating at the highest standard in no time. Sometimes it's the little details that make the biggest difference.

5 Correct: Infection Control Master—You're 2026-Ready!

Congratulations, you legend! You're clearly taking infection control seriously and it shows. But even masters need to stay sharp, guidelines change, new research emerges and there's always something new to learn. Keep that knowledge current and continue setting the standard for excellence in your field.

 

Why Infection Control Matters More Than Ever in 2026

Let's step back for a second and talk about the bigger picture. Australia's body art industry has come a long way from the backroom studios of decades past. Today's practitioners are skilled professionals operating in regulated environments where client safety is top priority.

But with professionalization comes responsibility. Clients are more informed than ever, and they're making conscious choices about who they trust with their bodies. They're researching studios, reading reviews, and asking about best infection control practices. Your commitment to safety isn't just about compliance; it's about building trust, reputation, and a sustainable business.

Moreover, Australian health departments and regulatory bodies aren't easing up on enforcement. Regular inspections, strict licensing requirements and potential penalties for non-compliance mean that infection control knowledge isn't optional, it’s essential for your business's existence.

The body art industry also faces unique challenges. Unlike many healthcare settings where procedures happen in sterile environments, body artists work in retail spaces where clients come and go, cross-contamination risks are high and the procedures themselves create exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This makes your infection control practices even more critical.

 

Level Up Your Skills

Here's the beautiful truth, no matter how you scored on our challenge, there's always an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and sharpen your skills. Infection control isn't a destination, it's an ongoing commitment to quality.

That's where proper, accredited training comes in. Not YouTube videos, not "what I learned from my mentor," but comprehensive, up-to-date education that covers the Australian standards and regulations specific to the body art industry.

Whether you're:

• A seasoned professional looking to refresh your knowledge
• A new practitioner building your foundation
• A studio owner ensuring your entire team operates at the highest standard
• Someone preparing for licensing or inspection

Investing in quality infection control training is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your career and your business.

 

Infection control might not be the most glamorous aspect of body art but it's absolutely the most important. It's the difference between a thriving, reputable business and a cautionary tale. It's what allows you to do the creative work you love while keeping everyone safe.

So whether you aced our challenge or discovered you've got some learning to do, remember this:

Every expert was once a beginner, and every master keeps learning.

The body art industry needs professionals who take infection control seriously, be one of them.

Here's to a safe, successful, and infection-free 2026!

Enrol into one of our infection control courses now and be one step ahead. Follow the link below:

INFECTION CONTROL COURSES

- Jaz Anna