(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.
(a) A steam sterilizer (autoclave) shall be provided for sterilizing of all needles and similar instruments before use on any customer, person or patron. (Alternate sterilizing procedures may only be used when specifically approved by the Health Inspection Agency.) Sterilization of equipment will be accomplished by exposure to live steam for at least sixty (60) minutes at a minimum pressure of fifteen (15) pounds per square inch, temperature of two hundred fifty (250) degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred twenty-one (121) degrees Celsius.
(b) All needle bars, grips, tubes and instruments which pierce the skin directly, or come in contact with instruments which pierce the skin, shall be sterilized before use on each customer by autoclaving for at least fifteen (15) minutes at a minimum pressure of fifteen (15) pounds per square inch, temperature of two hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (250) or one hundred twenty-one degrees Celsius (121). (Ord. No. 519, 8/7/01)