§ 22-06 Disposable Equipment.

No tattoo shall be applied using other than sterile, disposable, single use, shaving razors, needles, and ink cups. Only single use paper stencils may be used. Such disposable equipment and tattoo dyes or pigments shall be discarded after each use.

§ 22-07 Application to Clean Skin.

No tattoo shall be applied to skin that is not clean and free from infection, rashes, sores, wounds, boils or other abnormalities of the skin tissue.

§ 22-08 Equipment Cleaning.

All non-disposable and reusable instruments and equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned with a detergent prior to sterilization by autoclaving after each use.

§ 22-09 Facilities.

The premises where tattoos are applied, and all work areas and work surfaces therein shall be kept clean and sanitary and shall have adequate facilities for hand washing and separate facilities for washing equipment and instruments.

§ 22-10 Tattooist Hygiene.

Before applying a tattoo, the tattooist shall wash his or her hands and forearms thoroughly with soap or detergent and warm water and shall wear a new pair of disposable, single-use latex examination gloves.

§ 22-11 Written Consent.

A signed written consent shall be obtained for each tattoo customer listing such customer's name, age, date of birth, address, telephone number, the date tattooed and body site tattooed. Consents shall be maintained by the licensee for a period of two years after the date of tattoo application and be available for inspection by the Department upon request.

§ 22-12 Tattoo Care Instructions.

The licensee shall provide the customer with written instructions regarding care of the tattooed area to prevent infection. Sample instructions shall be included in the licensees' informational publication issued by the Department pursuant to Subchapter 7 of Chapter 3 of Title 17 of the New York City Administrative Code.

§ 22-13 Complaint Information.

A sign indicating that customers may register complaints at the New York City Department of Health, 125 Worth Street, New York, New York 10013, shall be conspicuously posted by the licensee at any place where the licensee is applying a tattoo.

§ 22-14 Disposal of Equipment.

Used tattoo needles and other sharp objects shall be disposed of in sharps containers approved for disposal of medical waste sharps. Dyes or pigments shall be disposed of in a manner that complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding disposal of such materials.