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Environmental
Health Division
Tattooing
and Body Piercing Program
Regulations for tattoo and body
piercing businesses were established in 1998 to protect the public from health
and safety issues that may result from these activities if performed improperly.
Diseases that may occur from
contaminated needles include HIV and hepatitis, which are caused by viruses. There
is also a risk of bacterial infection involved with these activities, especially
if proper aftercare procedures are not done.
Program Services:
All businesses must obtain a
license from the local health department before they are permitted to open. The
health department does not license a business that does only ear piercing; the
Ohio Board of Cosmetology regulates these facilities.
All businesses are inspected at
least once per year to ensure that the facility is operated in a safe and
sanitary manner.
Some rules which apply to Tattoo
and Body Piercing establishments include:
·
All people performing tattoos and body piercing must have training
in first aid and precautions against blood borne pathogens, such as HIV and
hepatitis. All infectious waste
must be disposed of properly
·
The facility must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
·
All equipment used must be either be disposable or be able to be
properly sterilized using acceptable sterilization methods.
Tests must be done weekly on sterilization equipment to ensure that it is
working properly. Records of these tests must be kept for 2 years
·
Anyone wanting a tattoo or piecing must be over the age of 18, or
be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must sign a consent form
·
Records must be kept by the business for at least 2 years for
every procedure preformed. These
records must include the name and address of the customer, as well as the date
of the procedure, the location on the body of the tattoo or piercing, and the
color(s) of dye used, or the type of jewelry used.
These records are turned over to the health department in the event that
a business closes
·
Disposable gloves must be worn during the procedure, and must be
changed before a new procedure is begun. Proper hand washing facilities must be available and used
between procedures as well
·
Both written and oral instructions on how to properly care for a
new tattoo or piercing must be given after the procedure is completed
If you are considering a
tattoo or piercing, please contact the Logan County Health District with any
questions you may have, and ask questions at the business before the
procedure is started.
If you feel uncomfortable with
anything that you see, do not continue the procedure. Remember, it is very important to follow aftercare
instructions exactly as they are given to you, as this will help prevent the
risk of a bacterial infection.
For similar information see our
Tattooing
News Article.
Codes
and Regulations:
Tattooing
Establishments; Body Piercing Chapter 3701-9 Ohio Administrative Code
Resources:
Tattooing
& Body Piercing Information from the Immunization Action Coalition
Ohio
Department of Health
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