What Are the Regulations on Tattoo Parlors?
There are no federal regulations governing tattoo parlors. Each state makes its own rules and laws concerning tattoo parlors. Places like New Mexico, North Dakota and Washington D.C. have no regulations concerning tattoo parlors and are considered unregulated states. Minnesota has no state regulations for tattoo parlors, but each city district in the state makes up its own laws for parlors to follow. However, the states with regulations concerning tattoo parlors follow the same basic rules concerning cleanliness, permits and minors.
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Age Restrictions
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Regulated states forbid any tattoo parlor or artist from tattooing or piercing a body part of a minor. This means that no one under the age of 18 will be allowed to get a tattoo at any location in the state. However, minors living in Colorado, Florida, Idaho and Louisiana can be tattooed if they have signed parental permission. Minors living in Florida can be tattooed if they are older than 16 years old. If unsure about tattoo restrictions of minors in a particular state, it is best to check state laws online before going to a parlor for a tattoo.
Health Requirements
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Most regulated stats also restrict a tattoo parlor or artist from tattooing any person who has jaundice. The artist is also not allowed to tattoo any part of the skin that appears inflamed or has a rash, pimples, boils or infections. Tattoo patrons must be sober during the tattooing procedure and should be in general good health when visiting the parlor.
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Construction
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In each tattoo parlor, most state laws require that there be a separate area for tattooing. In this separate area, there must be a different station for each artist and that artist's patron. The individual artist must use easily cleanable furniture that is in good condition. The tattoo parlor also must have a bathroom available to the artists. The bathroom should be kept clean at all times. The law also requires that the floor of each parlor be kept clean as well. In addition to cleanliness, the parlor should keep labels on all poisonous materials kept in the parlor.
Operation and Maintenance
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Regulated states generally also require that each tattoo artist in the tattoo parlor wash her hands and arms before tattooing each patron. The artists must also wear latex gloves while tattooing and change them between patrons. A different needle should be used for each new patron and then sterilized in an autoclave after using it for tattooing. All equipment should be sterilized for each new patron as well. When not in use, all equipment should be stored in a closed container that is kept clean and in order. The tattoo artist should also not eat or drink anything in the tattoo room of the parlor.
Procedures
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Regulated states also require that when tattooing, the area of the skin destined for the tattoo be cleaned before tattooing. For each new patron, new sterilized equipment should be used. Leftover dye from the tattooing procedure should be thrown away. The tattoo should be cleaned after the procedure is finished. Using any kind of styptic pencils, alum blocks or other solid styptics is not allowed to stop any bleeding from the tattooed area during the procedure.
Infections
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Infections are serious business, so regulated states require that if the tattoo artist is aware of an infection from a tattoo he gave a patron, then the artist must report the infection to the local health department within 48 hours.
Permits
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Regulated states also require that tattoo parlors obtain permits before opening. Permits differ based on each state, but basically, permits should display the tattoo artist's name, tattoo parlor's name, address and hours of operation. Each permit requires an official inspection by the health department. Sometimes the state health department conducts the inspection and sometimes the local health department conducts the official inspection. Unregulated states do not have to obtain a permit or undergo an official inspection. If unsure whether a parlor has to be inspected and obtain a permit or not, it is best to check the states official regulations concerning tattoo parlors.
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Comments
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thank you for this very usefull information ive been trying to figure out how to be more secure about opening my own shop.
