(a) Each person who operates a tattoo establishment shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) The premises in which tattooing is conducted shall have an area of at least 100 square feet. The floor space for each individual performing tattoo services shall have an area of at least 36 square feet. These areas shall be separated from each other and from waiting patrons or observers by a panel or by a door. Complete privacy should be available upon a patron’s request.
(2) The entire procedure room and equipment shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition and in good repair.
(3) The tattoo business shall be equipped with artificial light sources equivalent to at least 20 foot-candles at a distance of 30 inches above the floor throughout the establishment. A minimum of 40 foot-candles of light shall be provided at the level where the tattooing is being performed. Spot-lighting may be used to achieve this required degree of illumination.
(4) All floors directly under equipment used for tattooing activities shall be an impervious, smooth, washable surface; have a minimum dimension of 6 feet by 6 feet and shall be maintained in a sanitary manner at all times. All walls shall be maintained in a sanitary manner.
(5) All tables and other equipment shall be constructed or easily cleanable material, with a smooth, washable finish.
(6) Restroom facilities shall be made available to the employees and customers of the business and must be located within the establishment. The restroom shall be accessible at all times when the business is open for operation. The restroom shall comply with the requirements of the Ohio Building Code and shall be equipped with a toilet, toilet paper installed in a holder, lavatory supplied with hot and cold running water, liquid or granulated soap and single-use towels. Equipment and supplies used in the course of tattoo services or disinfection and sterilization procedures shall not be stored or utilized within the restroom area.
(7) A lavatory or hand washing sink, with hot and cold running water, liquid or granular soap, and single-use towels shall be located in close proximity to each individual performing tattoo procedures.
(8) There shall be no overhead or otherwise exposed sewerage lines so as to create a potential hazard to the sanitary environment of the business.
(9) Sufficient and appropriate receptacles shall be provided for the disposal of used gloves, dressings, and other waste. Each receptacle shall have a lid and be kept closed at all times while not in use.
(10) The operator shall not allow live animals to enter area(s) used for tattoo procedures. This requirement does not apply to patrol dogs accompanying security or police officers, guide dogs, or other support animals accompanying handicapped persons.
(11) At no time shall food or drink be consumed by the operator in rooms used specifically for tattoo services.
(12) Smoking or use of any other tobacco product by the operator or patron shall not be permitted in rooms used specifically for tattoo purposes.
(13) All water supplies, wastewater disposal systems, solid waste disposal, and infectious waste disposal shall meet the requirements of the Ohio Building Code, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and/or the Ohio Department of Health, as appropriate.
(b) Persons approved to operate a business offering tattoo services and persons providing tattooing services shall not perform such services if:
(1) He/she is under the influence of any drugs or alcohol;
(2) He/she knowingly has, in a communicable stage, an infectious or contagious disease, parasitic infestation, exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis.
(c) No person shall perform a tattooing procedure on an individual who is under eighteen years of age, unless prior consent has been given by the individual’s parent, guardian, or custodian in accordance with the following:
(1) A parent, guardian, or custodian of the individual under eighteen years of age signs a document provided by the business that explains the manner in which the procedure will be performed, the specific part of the body upon which the procedure will be performed, and the methods for proper care of the affected body part following the procedure; and
(2) A parent, guardian, or custodian of an individual under eighteen years of age appears in person at the business at the time the procedure is performed and provides proof of such parenthood, guardianship or custodial care. A photostat of the documentation depicting proof of such parenthood, guardianship or custodial care shall be kept in the permanent records of the licensee or operator of the tatoo establishment.
(d) Prior to tattooing, the operator who will be performing the procedure shall inquire of a patron for conditions which could affect the healing process. The operator shall not perform a tattoo procedure on patrons indicating the presence of such a condition without documentation from a licensed physician indicating acceptance of the patient for appropriate care following the procedure.
(Ord. 2002-53. Passed 5-6-02.)