THE TATTOO MACHINE

Inspection summary

THE TATTOO MACHINE has been inspected 5 times by Ottawa Public Health since January 24, 2024. The most recent inspection, on February 12, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

2 of 5 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Protecting food from contamination and Hand hygiene and infection control.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their findings differently, so we group them by what they mean for clients. In personal service settings like salons, spas and tattoo studios, higher-risk findings are the ones that could spread infection from one client to the next, through broken skin, blood or instruments that were not properly cleaned and sterilized.

• PestsHigher risk

  Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food, supplies and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

  Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 24, 2025. For example: The personal service setting is kept free from animals.

• Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

  Clean and used instruments, towels and supplies must be kept apart, and products such as wax, creams and inks must be dispensed so they cannot be contaminated between clients (no double-dipping). Mixing clean and dirty items is a direct route for infection.

  Recorded once on January 24, 2025. For example: Products used are stored and dispensed in a manner that prevents contamination.

• Hand hygiene and infection controlHigher risk

  Infection control is the core of a personal service inspection. Inspectors check that operators clean their hands and change gloves between clients, that a stocked hand sink is available, and that anything that breaks the skin is handled so blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV cannot pass from one client to the next.

  Recorded once on January 24, 2024. For example: Every operator of a personal service setting in which reusable equipment is used shall ensure that the personal service setting has at least one sink, that is not the hand wash sink, for reprocessing.

• Permits, records and postingLower risk

  Operating permits, client records, sterilization logs and required signage. Client records matter because they let health officials contact people if an infection is linked to the business.

  Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 24, 2025. For example: Records are kept of invasive procedures.

• Equipment and utensilsLower risk

  Instruments, chairs, tables and footbaths must be made of materials that can be cleaned, kept in good repair and stored so they stay clean. Single-use items such as nail files, buffers, razors and needles must be thrown away after each client.

  Recorded once on January 24, 2025. For example: Equipment is maintained in good sanitary condition and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

About this data

These results come from Ottawa Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

• View the official Ottawa Public Health disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Ottawa
• How salon, spa and tattoo inspections work