PHS.7.1.290 Equipment

(a) All surfaces, counters and general-use equipment in the tattoo or body piercing area shall be cleaned and disinfected before a patron is seated. The operating table, chair and supply tables shall be constructed of a material capable of being easily and thoroughly cleaned.

(b) All tattoo establishments shall have clean towels, washcloths and disposable paper towels.

(c) A clean towel and washcloth shall be used for each patron.

(d) Clean towels and washcloths shall be stored in a closed, dust-proof container. Soiled towels and washcloths shall be stored in an approved covered container.

(e) All inks and pigments shall be obtained from sources generally recognized as safe and shall be sterilized before use. Information indicating the sources of all inks and pigments shall be available to the Division upon request. Sterile single-use or sterile individual containers of pigment or ink shall be used for each patron. No pigment or ink in which needles were dipped may be used on another patron. Pigment and ink cups shall be for single-patron use. All bulk materials used for the procedure shall be dispensed with single-use utensils. The remainder of dispensed portions and the cups shall be disposed of after application.

(f) All tattoo establishments shall be equipped with an autoclave which is in good working order and which is manufactured with temperature and pressure gauges marked and visible on the outside of the unit.

(g) Acetate tattoo stencils shall be single-use. The substance used for applying stencils shall be dispensed from a single-use disposable container or with a sterile tongue blade or sterile applicator stick which shall be discarded after each use.