(A) A steam sterilizer (autoclave) shall be provided for sterilizing all needles and similar instruments before use on any customer, person or patron. (Alternate sterilizing procedures may only be used when specifically approve by the health inspection agency.) Sterilization of equipment will be accomplished by exposure to live steam for at least 60 minutes at a minimum pressure of 15 pounds per square inch, temperature of 250°F or 121°C.
(B) (1) Preparation of instruments for sterilization. After each tattoo job, the tattoo machine shall be placed in an ultrasonic type machine to remove the excess dye from the tubes and needle bars. When this process is completed, the tubes and needle bars shall be removed from the tattoo machines. They shall then be placed into a covered container for sterilization by autoclaving.
(2) Sterilizing of instruments. Steam sterilizers, approved by the health inspection agency, shall be provided for each establishment. All needle bars, grips, tubes and instruments which pierce the skin, directly and in piercing the skin or come in contract with instruments which pierce the skin shall be sterilized before using on each customer by autoclaving under 15 pounds pressure for 15 minutes. The temperature maintained in autoclaving shall not be less than 250°F or 121°C.
(3) Storing of instruments. All tubes, grips and needle bars shall be left in the wrappers used during the autoclaving process. These wrapped articles shall be stored in a closed glass case or storage cabinet and shall be maintained in a sanitary manner at all times. The wrappers shall not be removed from the tubes, grips or needle bars until a tattoo and/or body piercing job is begun.