Tattoo Oregon Final Test Oregon Health
Authority (Oha), Public Health Division
Statutes: Oar 333-008-0000 Through 333-008-
2080; Ors 676.600 To 676.625
Section 1: Infection Control & Bloodborne Pathogens (20 Questions)
1. According to Oregon OSHA and OHA standards, what is the single most important step to prevent
the transmission of bloodborne pathogens?
a) Wearing gloves
b) Hand washing
c) Using an autoclave
d) Surface disinfection
Answer: b) Hand washing
Rationale: Hand washing is the primary measure for reducing the spread of microorganisms. Gloves are
a barrier, but proper hand hygiene before and after glove use is the foundation of infection control.
2. What type of disinfectant must be used on surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids in an
Oregon tattoo studio?
a) An intermediate-level disinfectant (EPA-registered hospital grade)
b) A low-level disinfectant
c) Boiling water
d) Bleach diluted 1:100
Answer: a) An intermediate-level disinfectant (EPA-registered hospital grade)
*Rationale: OAR 333-008-1010 requires the use of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants with a
tuberculocidal claim (intermediate-level) for environmental surfaces. While bleach can be used if mixed
fresh, the standard is an approved commercial product.*
3. What is the minimum contact time for a hospital-grade disinfectant to be effective according to
manufacturer instructions?
a) Immediate (wipe on/wipe off)
b) 1 minute
c) As per the manufacturer’s label
,d) 30 minutes
Answer: c) As per the manufacturer’s label
Rationale: "Dwell time" or "contact time" varies by product. It is a violation of OHA rules to ignore the
label instructions. The label is the law for that chemical.
4. You accidentally stick yourself with a used needle after tattooing a client. What is the first step you
must take?
a) Finish tattooing the current client
b) Wash the area with soap and water, report the incident to the supervisor/operator
c) Squeeze the wound to force bleeding
d) Ignore it if the client looks healthy
Answer: b) Wash the area with soap and water, report the incident to the supervisor/operator
Rationale: Immediate first aid is washing with soap and water (flushing mucous membranes with water).
Oregon rules require an Exposure Control Plan that mandates immediate reporting and follow-up
medical evaluation.
5. Which of the following is a sterilant used for critical instruments?
a) Cavicide
b) Ethyl alcohol
c) Steam autoclave
d) Bleach
Answer: c) Steam autoclave
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores. Chemical sterilants exist, but for
tattoo instruments, steam autoclave is the industry standard and recognized by OHA. Disinfectants (a, b,
d) are for surfaces, not critical instruments.
6. How often must biological spore tests (spore strips) be performed on an autoclave in an Oregon
tattoo facility?
a) Daily
b) Weekly
c) Monthly
d) Annually
Answer: b) Weekly
*Rationale: OAR 333-008-1040 mandates that biological indicators (spore tests) must be run at least
weekly to verify that the sterilizer is functioning correctly.*
7. What is the correct order for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE) for a tattoo
procedure?
a) Gloves, mask, gown
b) Gown, mask, gloves
c) Mask, gloves, gown
, d) Gown, gloves, mask
Answer: b) Gown, mask, gloves
Rationale: The general sequence is to cover the body first (gown), then respiratory protection (mask),
then gloves last to ensure the gloves are not contaminated during the process of donning other items.
8. A client discloses they have Hepatitis C. Under Oregon law, can you tattoo them?
a) No, it is prohibited to tattoo anyone with a bloodborne disease
b) Yes, if you use universal precautions and there is no increased risk of transmission via the procedure
c) Only if they bring a doctor’s note
d) No, unless it is a cover-up tattoo
Answer: b) Yes, if you use universal precautions and there is no increased risk of transmission via
the procedure
Rationale: Oregon law (ORS 676.615) and universal precautions dictate that you cannot discriminate
based on medical conditions unless the condition presents a direct threat to the health of others.
Standard Precautions protect the artist and client equally.
9. What is the proper disposal container for used tattoo needles?
a) A regular trash bag tied tightly
b) A rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container labeled "Biohazard"
c) A glass jar with a screw lid
d) A cardboard box taped shut
Answer: b) A rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container labeled "Biohazard"
Rationale: OSHA and OHA require sharps containers that meet FDA standards (puncture resistant, leak-
proof, labeled) to prevent needlestick injuries and exposure.
10. What does the acronym "SDS" stand for, and where must it be located?
a) Safety Data Sheet; available on-site for all chemicals used
b) Sanitary Disposal System; in the bathroom
c) Sterilization Data Sheet; near the autoclave
d) Soap Dispensing System; at the hand sink
Answer: a) Safety Data Sheet; available on-site for all chemicals used
Rationale: SDS (formerly MSDS) are required by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. They must be
readily accessible to employees for every hazardous chemical in the facility.
11. Which of the following is considered a "critical" item (requiring sterilization)?
a) Tattoo machine grip
b) Armrest
c) Ink caps
d) Chair vinyl
Answer: a) Tattoo machine grip
Rationale: Critical items penetrate skin or contact mucous membranes. Reusable grips (non-disposable)
Authority (Oha), Public Health Division
Statutes: Oar 333-008-0000 Through 333-008-
2080; Ors 676.600 To 676.625
Section 1: Infection Control & Bloodborne Pathogens (20 Questions)
1. According to Oregon OSHA and OHA standards, what is the single most important step to prevent
the transmission of bloodborne pathogens?
a) Wearing gloves
b) Hand washing
c) Using an autoclave
d) Surface disinfection
Answer: b) Hand washing
Rationale: Hand washing is the primary measure for reducing the spread of microorganisms. Gloves are
a barrier, but proper hand hygiene before and after glove use is the foundation of infection control.
2. What type of disinfectant must be used on surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids in an
Oregon tattoo studio?
a) An intermediate-level disinfectant (EPA-registered hospital grade)
b) A low-level disinfectant
c) Boiling water
d) Bleach diluted 1:100
Answer: a) An intermediate-level disinfectant (EPA-registered hospital grade)
*Rationale: OAR 333-008-1010 requires the use of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants with a
tuberculocidal claim (intermediate-level) for environmental surfaces. While bleach can be used if mixed
fresh, the standard is an approved commercial product.*
3. What is the minimum contact time for a hospital-grade disinfectant to be effective according to
manufacturer instructions?
a) Immediate (wipe on/wipe off)
b) 1 minute
c) As per the manufacturer’s label
,d) 30 minutes
Answer: c) As per the manufacturer’s label
Rationale: "Dwell time" or "contact time" varies by product. It is a violation of OHA rules to ignore the
label instructions. The label is the law for that chemical.
4. You accidentally stick yourself with a used needle after tattooing a client. What is the first step you
must take?
a) Finish tattooing the current client
b) Wash the area with soap and water, report the incident to the supervisor/operator
c) Squeeze the wound to force bleeding
d) Ignore it if the client looks healthy
Answer: b) Wash the area with soap and water, report the incident to the supervisor/operator
Rationale: Immediate first aid is washing with soap and water (flushing mucous membranes with water).
Oregon rules require an Exposure Control Plan that mandates immediate reporting and follow-up
medical evaluation.
5. Which of the following is a sterilant used for critical instruments?
a) Cavicide
b) Ethyl alcohol
c) Steam autoclave
d) Bleach
Answer: c) Steam autoclave
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores. Chemical sterilants exist, but for
tattoo instruments, steam autoclave is the industry standard and recognized by OHA. Disinfectants (a, b,
d) are for surfaces, not critical instruments.
6. How often must biological spore tests (spore strips) be performed on an autoclave in an Oregon
tattoo facility?
a) Daily
b) Weekly
c) Monthly
d) Annually
Answer: b) Weekly
*Rationale: OAR 333-008-1040 mandates that biological indicators (spore tests) must be run at least
weekly to verify that the sterilizer is functioning correctly.*
7. What is the correct order for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE) for a tattoo
procedure?
a) Gloves, mask, gown
b) Gown, mask, gloves
c) Mask, gloves, gown
, d) Gown, gloves, mask
Answer: b) Gown, mask, gloves
Rationale: The general sequence is to cover the body first (gown), then respiratory protection (mask),
then gloves last to ensure the gloves are not contaminated during the process of donning other items.
8. A client discloses they have Hepatitis C. Under Oregon law, can you tattoo them?
a) No, it is prohibited to tattoo anyone with a bloodborne disease
b) Yes, if you use universal precautions and there is no increased risk of transmission via the procedure
c) Only if they bring a doctor’s note
d) No, unless it is a cover-up tattoo
Answer: b) Yes, if you use universal precautions and there is no increased risk of transmission via
the procedure
Rationale: Oregon law (ORS 676.615) and universal precautions dictate that you cannot discriminate
based on medical conditions unless the condition presents a direct threat to the health of others.
Standard Precautions protect the artist and client equally.
9. What is the proper disposal container for used tattoo needles?
a) A regular trash bag tied tightly
b) A rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container labeled "Biohazard"
c) A glass jar with a screw lid
d) A cardboard box taped shut
Answer: b) A rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container labeled "Biohazard"
Rationale: OSHA and OHA require sharps containers that meet FDA standards (puncture resistant, leak-
proof, labeled) to prevent needlestick injuries and exposure.
10. What does the acronym "SDS" stand for, and where must it be located?
a) Safety Data Sheet; available on-site for all chemicals used
b) Sanitary Disposal System; in the bathroom
c) Sterilization Data Sheet; near the autoclave
d) Soap Dispensing System; at the hand sink
Answer: a) Safety Data Sheet; available on-site for all chemicals used
Rationale: SDS (formerly MSDS) are required by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. They must be
readily accessible to employees for every hazardous chemical in the facility.
11. Which of the following is considered a "critical" item (requiring sterilization)?
a) Tattoo machine grip
b) Armrest
c) Ink caps
d) Chair vinyl
Answer: a) Tattoo machine grip
Rationale: Critical items penetrate skin or contact mucous membranes. Reusable grips (non-disposable)
