Sharps & bloodborne pathogens (e.g., microblading) Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Client movement or startle with exposed sharps — Pre-brief still points and signals, give countdowns before critical passes, and pause for coughs or sneezes. Anchor hands, avoid chasing moving targets, and note individual triggers to adapt sequencing and breaks next visit.
• Dull blades increasing force and slips — Open a fresh blade per client; test edge on a safe medium; retire at the first drag; maintain correct angles and light pressure; stock ample blades so no one feels pressured to reuse or overstretch a tool to finish a service.
• Staff competency and scope creep — Maintain a competency matrix for dermaplaning, microblading, microneedling and injectables; require supervised sign-off and CPD refresh; restrict unsupervised work outside scope; review incidents for targeted training.
• Percutaneous injury with razors or scalpels — Use sterile single-use blades, stabilise skin, cut away from fingers, and stop at any breach. Don gloves, dress the wound, quarantine tools for reprocessing, record the incident, and review root cause before resuming services.
• Hepatitis B and immunisation gaps in staff — Offer Hep B vaccination with titre follow-up; document status confidentially, advise non-responders, and reinforce standard precautions regardless. Include checks at onboarding and annual reviews, with access to occupational advice.