PHS.7.1.310 Sterilization

(a) Equipment requiring sterilization shall be pressure-sterilized at the establishment in an autoclave and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The equipment may be wrapped with an approved paper or plastic or placed in glass or plastic tubes. All packages or containers shall be marked with temperature recording tape or labels and dated with the date of sterilization.

(b) Each batch of sterilized equipment shall be monitored for sterilization by use of heat-sensitive indicators capable of indicating approximate time and temperature achieved.

(c) Autoclaves shall be spore-tested at least monthly. Spore kill test effectiveness shall be conducted by an independent laboratory.

(d) Sterilized equipment shall be wrapped or covered and stored in a manner which will ensure that it will remain sterile until used. All sterilized needles and other equipment not individually wrapped shall be stored in a sterilized and covered glass container or in a stainless steel tray and submerged in an approved sterilizing and disinfecting solution. The Division shall supply all establishments licensed under this ordinance with a list of approved sterilizing and disinfecting solutions.

(e) Each tattoo or body piercing establishment shall maintain sterilization records including spore tests for at least one (1) year from the date of the last entry, which shall include the following information:

(1) Date of sterilization.

(2) Name of the person operating the equipment.

(3) Result of heat-sensitive indicator.

(f) Sterilized equipment shall be re-sterilized if the package is opened, damaged or becomes wet.

(g) Autoclaving is the only allowable method of sterilization.