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8.1 Preparing for tattoo procedure

8.1.1 The skin and the surrounding area where the tattoo is to be placed shall first be washed with soap and water or an approved surgical skin preparation.

8.1.2 If shaving is necessary, single-use disposable razors or safety razors with single-service blades shall be used. Blades shall be discarded in an appropriate sharps container after each use, and reusable holders shall be autoclaved after use.

8.1.3 Following shaving, the skin and the surrounding area must be gently washed with soap and water using a single-use paper product which shall be disposed of after use.

8.1.4 Substances applied to the client’s skin to transfer designs from a stencil or paper shall be dispensed from containers in a manner to prevent contamination of the unused portion. Use of a spray bottle to apply liquid to the skin is acceptable. All creams and other semi-solid substances shall be removed from containers with a clean, sanitized spatula. Spatulas made of a washable, non-absorbent material and designed for multiple use may be sanitized and used again. Spatulas made of wood or otherwise designed for single-use shall be discarded after a single use. Single-use tubes or containers shall be discarded following the tattoo procedure.

8.1.5 Individual portions of dyes or pigments in clean single-use containers shall be used for each client. Any remaining unused dye or pigment and the single-use container(s) shall be discarded immediately following service.

8.1.6 Large batch containers of dyes or pigments that are used to dispense product into the single-use containers are permitted. No dye or pigment shall be reintroduced for any reason into these batch containers after it has been dispensed for single use, even if it is not actually used. It must still be discarded.

8.2 Single use items-rules and prohibitions

8.2.1 Single-use items shall not be reused for any reason. Tattoo needles are not reusable under any circumstances. After use, all needles, razors and other sharps shall be immediately disposed of in sharps containers, appropriately labeled with the international biohazard symbol.

8.2.2 A single tattooing session that is interrupted for a brief amount of time, such as is required to use the restroom, does not require disposal of all single-use items being used on a single patron. Using the same supplies to complete the tattooing session on a single patron does not constitute a case of reuse.

8.2.3 Keeping items used on a patron in storage for use later in the same day or on another day does constitute reuse, even though only one patron is involved.

8.2.4 Using supplies from one patron to another patron constitutes reuse.

8.3 Linens

8.3.1 Clean linens shall be used for each patron. A common towel is prohibited.

8.3.2 Clean linens, tissues or single-use paper products shall be stored in a clean, enclosed storage area until needed for immediate use.

8.3.3 Used linens shall be stored in a closed or covered container until laundered.

8.3.4 Soiled linens may be laundered in a washing machine with laundry detergent and chlorine bleach or by a regular commercial laundry service.

8.4 Biohazardous events and solid waste disposal

8.4.1 Contaminated waste which may release liquid blood or body fluids when compressed or may release dried blood or body fluids when handled must be contained in an appropriate red or orange bag and labeled with the international biohazard symbol. The bag and its waste must then be disposed of by a waste hauler authorized to dispose of biohazardous waste. Contaminated waste which does not release liquid or dried blood or body fluids when handled may be contained in a covered receptacle and disposed of through normal, approved disposal methods.

8.4.2 Tattoo operators shall maintain a sanitary environment during all procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

8.4.3 In the event of blood flow, all products used to check the flow of blood or to absorb blood shall be single use and disposed of immediately after use in appropriate covered containers, including containers marked to handle biomedical waste.

8.5 After care instructions

Both verbal and written instructions concerning proper care of the newly tattooed skin called “After-Care instructions” shall be provided to each patron following each procedure. “After-Care Instructions” shall specify care following service, possible side effects and activity restrictions. The content of such instructions shall be approved by the Health Authority.

8.6 Infection reporting required

Any infection resulting from the tattoo procedure, which becomes known to the operator or the tattoo establishment, shall be immediately reported verbally to the Health Authority and followed up in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of the receipt of the initial information.

8.7 Prohibited acts

The following acts are expressly prohibited by the Health Authority:

8.7.1 Scarification (branding, cutting, skin peeling).

8.7.2 The implantation of jewelry or objects under the skin,

8.7.3 Dermal punching,

8.7.4 Single point piercing,

8.7.5 Suspension piercing,

8.7.6 Voluntary amputation,

8.7.7 Tongue or penis splitting,

8.7.8 Neck rings,

8.7.9 Foot binding,

8.7.10 Corseting,

8.7.11 Any other form of unregulated invasive or extreme body modification which may emerge in the future,

8.7.12 Tattoo or permanent makeup removal (unless under supervision by a licensed physician) by means of:

8.7.12.1 Surgery,

8.7.12.2 Treatment with a chemical or substance, or

8.7.12.3 Medical device such as infrared coagulator or laser, or

8.7.13 The injection into the human body of:

8.7.13.1 Botulinum toxin,

8.7.13.2 Prescription numbing agents, or

8.7.13.3 Any substance other than dyes or pigments approved for tattooing.