§ 122.084 TATTOO APPLICATION.

   Before placing the tattoo design on the patron’s skin, the tattooist must apply a thin coating of a petroleum jelly or antibacterial ointment over the area to be tattooed. This must be applied with cotton swabs, gauze or wooden tongue depressors which must immediately be discarded. This application may not be directly spread with an ungloved hand.

(1992 Code, § 38.5-49) (Ord. 54-93, passed 7-6-1993)

§ 122.085 CHANGING PIGMENTS.

   When changing pigments, a tattoo artist may use a solution of germicidal soap and water or an ultrasonic cleaner to rinse the needle and tube, if the needle and tube are used on the same patron. Ultrasonic cleaner solutions and solution containers and covers must be discarded between patrons.

(1992 Code, § 38.5-50) (Ord. 54-93, passed 7-6-1993)

§ 122.086 WASHING OF EXCESS PIGMENT.

   Washing of excess pigment from the skin during the tattoo process must be done with single-use gauze pads or tissue with a solution of germicidal soap and distilled water.

(1992 Code, § 38.5-51) (Ord. 54-93, passed 7-6-1993)

§ 122.087 USE OF STYPTICS.

   Styptics, if used to arrest bleeding, may be used only in liquid or powder form and must be applied with cotton swabs or gauze which is immediately discarded.

(1992 Code, § 38.5-52) (Ord. 54-93, passed 7-6-1993)

§ 122.088 USE OF ANTIBACTERIAL OINTMENT REQUIRED; CARE INSTRUCTIONS.

   (a)   Upon completion of the tattoo, a tattoo artist must apply an antibacterial ointment to the tattoo with a single-use cotton swab, gauze pad or wooden tongue depressor which is immediately discarded. After application of the antibacterial ointment, the tattoo artist must apply a sterile bandage. The tattoo artist must provide written instructions regarding the proper care and precautions for a new tattoo to each patron.

   (b)   Care instructions must include the following minimum recommendations:

      (1)   Remove the bandage after 24 hours;

      (2)   Wash tattoo gently with mild soap and water and pat dry;

      (3)   Apply an antibacterial ointment at least twice daily;

      (4)   Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight for two weeks;

      (5)   Avoid swimming or soaking of the tattoo until healed;

      (6)   Avoid scratching or picking of the tattoo; and

      (7)   If redness or swelling develops, contact your doctor.

(1992 Code, § 38.5-53) (Ord. 54-93, passed 7-6-1993)

§ 122.089 STORAGE OF SOILED EQUIPMENT.

   Upon completion of a tattoo, a tattoo artist must immerse needles and tubes used for the tattoo in an effective sanitizing solution (see section § 122.091) until they can be cleaned and sterilized.

(1992 Code, § 38.5-54) (Ord. 54-93, passed 7-6-1993)

§ 122.090 DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED PRODUCTS.

   Gauze, cotton swabs or other single-use products which are contaminated with body fluids must be disposed of in impervious double plastic bags which are securely sealed. When needles, tubes or other multiple-use products used in conjunction with the practice of tattooing are disposed of, they must be sterilized and placed in an impervious rigid container which is securely sealed.

(1992 Code, § 38.5-55) (Ord. 54-93, passed 7-6-1993)