Ear Piercing Infection Prevention and Control

Before Providing Ear Piercing

• Record the client’s name, address, telephone number, the date and type of procedure and the name of person giving the piercing.
• Record manufacturer, lot number and expiry date for pre-packaged sterile items including jewellery.
• Keep client records, accidental exposure and pre-packages sterile items records for at least three years with a minimum of one year (365 days) on site.
• Provide the client with information about the procedure and any associated risks.
• Clean and disinfect headrests, worktables and chairs. Use a low-level disinfectant between clients.
• Clean your hands before putting on single-use disposable gloves and after removing the gloves.
• Put on a new pair of single-use disposable gloves for each client.
• Before marking the skin, clean the area with an approved antiseptic such as 70% isopropyl alcohol. Use a disposable swab or single use marker. One minute after the ink has dried, but before piercing, clean the site again with an approved antiseptic.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Piercing (Push Style) Devices That Come with Sterile Disposable Parts/Cartridges

• After each client the hand held piercing device is to be cleaned and then disinfected.
• Disposable parts/cartridges must be discarded into the garbage after each client.
• Piercing devices cannot be stored with used parts left on them.
• After disinfection, store the piercing device in a sanitary manner to prevent contamination

 Cleaning and Disinfecting Ear Piercing Devices That Do Not Have Sterile Disposable Parts

• Piercing devices that do not come with sterile, single-use disposable parts must be cleaned  and then sterilized between each client. If the ear piercing instrument cannot be sterilized in a sterilizer, it cannot be used.

Only One Earring was used for Piercing the client

• Opened packages of jewelry are no longer sterile. These items cannot be used to pierce the skin of the next client.
• Pre-packaged, sterile jewelry or parts must not be cleaned or disinfected before piercing.
• Only pre-packaged, sterile jewelry can be used for piercing.
• Jewelry used for piercing cannot be sampled or returned.

Aftercare Instructions

• Every client should be told and receive written information on how to care for their piercing and what they should do if it becomes red, swollen or uncomfortable.

Print Versions Available Upon Request in the Following Languages

For a copy of this document in the following languages, please email us at BodySafe@toronto.ca