[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of
the City of Paterson 12-19-2000 by Ord. No. 20-046.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also superseded former Ch. 441,
Tattooing, adopted 12-18-1979 by Ord. No. 79-111 as Ch. 13, Art. 22,
of the 1797 Revised General Ordinances of Paterson, as amended.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
One who engages in body piercing.
The piercing of any portion of the human body for placement
of any type of jewelry or any other ornamentation, other than ear
lobe piercing.
Written approval from the Health Officer or his/her authorized
representative that said tattooing or body piercing establishment
has been inspected and meets all of the terms of this chapter.
The premises wherein tattooing or body piercing is performed.
The City of Paterson Health Officer or his/her authorized
representative.
Any individual, firm, company, corporation, or association
that owns or operates an establishment where tattooing or body piercing
is performed, and any individual who performs or practices the art
of tattooing on the person of another.
A document or other written or memorialized instrument setting
forth the presenter's true name, address, correct age, or other
identifying data, examples of which include but are not limited to
driver's license, credit card issued by a national company, birth
certificate, passport, employment identification card, or any instrument
issued by a governmental agency setting forth the pertinent and required
information.
A bacterial treatment of cleaned surfaces by a process which
is effective in reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level.
Products or items that are disposed of after use on each
client, including, but not limited to, cotton swabs or balls, tissues
or paper products, paper or plastic cups, gauze and sanitary covering,
razors, needles scalpel blades, stencils and ink cups.
A bacterial treatment of cleaned surfaces by a process which
is effective in reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level.
Any method of placing designs, letters, scrolls, figures,
symbols or any marks under the skin with ink or any other substance
resulting in the coloration of the skin, by the aid of needles or
any other instruments designed to puncture the skin.
One who engages in tattooing.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any operator to engage in the business of
operating an establishment where tattooing or body piercing is performed
without first obtaining a license from the City of Paterson Health
Division to engage in such business in accordance with the provisions
hereof.
B.
A Division application for an initial license shall be made to the
Health Division of the City of Paterson accompanied by a fee in the
amount of $350.
(1)
Application for licenses under this chapter shall be made to the
City of Paterson Division of Health, in writing, upon such printed
forms as the City of Paterson Division of Health shall prescribe and
prepare which may be obtained from the City of Paterson Health Division
and shall be signed by the applicant under oath and shall contain
the following information:
(a)
If an individual, the full name, age, sex, residence address
at the time of application.
(b)
If a corporation, the full corporate name, the date and the
state of incorporation, address of the place or places of business,
the name and address of the registered agent, and the name, address
and age of any principal owning more than 10% of the stock.
(c)
If a partnership, the information required by Subsection B(1)(a) above for each partner and the name under which the business is being conducted.
(d)
The apprenticeship, training and/or business experience of the
applicant in the business or occupation for which the license is sought.
(e)
The length of time that the applicant has engaged in such business
or occupation.
(f)
Whether the applicant carries public liability insurance, and,
if so, the amount of said coverage and the company providing such
liability insurance.
(g)
Name, address and age of every tattoo artist and/or body piercer
to be initially employed to conduct the service. This shall be a continuing
obligation for licensees to update once a year the list of tattoo
artists and/or body piercers employed by the establishment.
(h)
The date upon which Construction Official has approved the location
for business.
(i)
Evidence that the applicant has satisfied the requirements of,
and is in compliance with, N.J.A.C. 7:26-A.8.
C.
No ownership rights in any license or renewal thereof granted under
the provisions of this chapter shall be assignable or transferable
without the permission of the Health Division whose permission shall
not be unreasonably withheld. Any change of ownership shall require
a new application and license with payment of fees.
D.
The renewal license fee for engaging in the business of operating
an establishment subject to this article with the City of Paterson
shall be $350 per year. All licenses shall expire on the last day
of each calendar year. The first license expiration date for renewal
shall be December 31, 2001. All applications for renewal must be presented
to the Health Division in writing on a form prescribed by the Health
Division not less than 60 days prior to the end of the calendar year.
E.
All establishments existing at the time of the enactment of this chapter will be considered renewal applications provided that they apply for renewal of said license within one month after the effective date of this chapter. Establishments failing to apply within the specified time period will be considered new applicants and will be subject to the provision of Subsection B of this section.
F.
If renovations of the tattoo or body piercing establishment occur, plans must be submitted to the City of Paterson's Health Division and the applicant will be required to comply with § 441-4 herein, as well as all other applicable codes, regulations or laws.
G.
In the event that an applicant fails to qualify for a license under
this chapter, the fee herein shall not be refunded.
H.
The license issued pursuant to this section shall be posted conspicuously
in the place of business or location named therein.
I.
All establishments shall manage contaminated contact waste materials
(body fluids) as medical waste pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:26-A.8. All
establishments shall be licensed with the State of New Jersey as a
medical waste generator, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:26-A.8, prior to approval
from the City of Paterson's Health Division.
A.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for anyone or any tattoo
or body piercing business to tattoo or pierce any part of the body
of any individual under 18 years of age without authorization signed
by the parent or legal guardian, witnessed and attested to by a notary
public. The operator shall be responsible for maintaining the original
consent form and copies of all consent information for a period of
two years beyond the recipient's 18th birthday. The operator
shall obtain a copy of two forms of personal identification of such
individual being tattooed and/or pierced.
B.
Each person wishing to receive a tattoo or body piercing must first
sign a consent form presented by the operator, the content of which
has been approved by the City of Paterson Health Division. This form
shall commence with the following statement: "I swear, certify or
affirm under the penalties of false swearing or perjury the following
information." The consent form shall contain language above the applicant's
signature which shall read, "I have read and understand the contents
of this form, and acknowledge that an operator of the above-named
tattoo and/or body piercing establishment has reviewed the same with
me. I have presented to the operator the following forms of identification
which I represent, warrant and guarantee are truthful and correct
and are identification that relates to me. I further represent that
I am an adult over the age of 18, and am not currently intoxicated
or under the influence of any narcotic substance, and make this statement
entirely of my own free will and sound mind." The form shall also
include a signature line for the operator above which the following
language shall appear: "I have reviewed the language of this form
with the applicant who has represented to me that he/she fully understands
the contents of same, and that the information provided is truthful,
in addition, I have reviewed the documentation presented by the applicant
with respect to his/her age." If the applicant appears to be intoxicated
or disoriented, the operator must refuse the applicant.
C.
All records regarding tattoos or body piercing are to be maintained for a minimum of two years. Information required for each applicant referred to in § 441-3B is to include the name, age, date of birth, health history including allergies and medical conditions, home address and telephone numbers of the applicant as well as the name of the person who did the tattoo or body piercing, the design, location and the date of the tattoo or type of body piercing done.
A.
Each tattoo or body piercing facility shall have a bathroom accessible
to the public and staff, and a stainless steel sink in a separately
designated sterilization room which is to be used by staff only as
required by this chapter. The sink in the sterilization room shall
be connected to hot and cold running water. Each bathroom shall be
equipped with commode and sink, with the sink being connected to hot
and cold running water. Soap and sanitary towels, or other approved
hand drying devices, shall be available at the sink in the bathroom(s)
and sterilization room at all times. Common towels are prohibited.
Employee handwashing signs shall be posted in each bathroom and sterilization
room. There shall be no door requiring the use of a tattoo artist/body
piercer's hand in going from a hand-washing area to a work area.
B.
The chair or seat reserved for the person receiving the tattoo or
body piercing shall be a material that is smooth and easily cleanable
and constructed of material that is nonabsorbent. Any surface on the
chair that becomes exposed to blood or body fluids must be cleaned
and sanitized prior to use by the next customer.
C.
The work table or counter used by the tattoo artist or body piercer
shall be smooth and easily cleanable and constructed of material that
is non-absorbent. There shall be a nonpermeable juncture between a
table/counter and a wall if the table/counter is to be placed against
a wall. This table/counter must be cleaned and sanitized utilizing
a method approved by the City of Paterson's Health Division between
each customer.
D.
The walls in the tattooing or body piercing area shall be of durable
material that is non-absorbent and is smooth and easily cleanable.
Walls shall be kept clean.
E.
The floor in the tattooing or body piercing area shall be of durable
material that is non-absorbent and is smooth and easily cleanable.
Floors shall be kept clean.
F.
Lighting within the tattoo or body piercing area shall be adequate
so as to provide a minimum of 100 footcandles in all areas. Such illumination
shall be free from glare and distributed to avoid shadows.
G.
Each establishment must contain at least one enclosed "privacy room"
so as to protect the confidentiality of the applicant, and revelation
of the service provided. The privacy room must be used when tattooing
or body piercing is to be performed on either female breasts, or the
buttocks or groin areas of males or females. The privacy room shall
have a swinging type door for ingress and egress, and be separated
from other areas of the establishment by either walls or durable partitions,
or other materials able to be sanitized, extending at least six feet
in height and so designed as to prevent visual observation of the
customer and the tattoo artist or body piercer from any other area
by any persons other than the customer and the tattoo artist or body
piercer.
H.
Any surfaces in the establishment that become exposed to blood or
bodily fluids must be cleaned and sanitized, utilizing a method approved
by the City of Paterson Health Division.
I.
Cleaning, disinfection and sterilization activities must be conducted
in a physically separate work area. This area should have a clearly
defined work pattern from soiled to clean in order to prevent cross-contamination.
All sterile equipment must be stored in enclosed cabinets outside
of the processing room. All containers, regardless of size, must be
clearly marked with the name of the product.
J.
Proper waste receptacles shall be provided and waste shall be disposed
of at appropriate intervals.
K.
The use of tobacco in any form in the establishment is prohibited.
L.
The consumption of food or drink shall be prohibited in the tattoo/body
piercing work areas of the parlor.
M.
Only articles considered necessary for the routine and customary
operation and maintenance of the tattoo/body piercing business shall
be permitted in the tattoo or body piercing establishment.
N.
No live bird, turtle, snake, dog, cat or other animal or reptile
shall be permitted in any area used for the conduct of tattooing and/or
body piercing operations or in the immediate open, adjacent areas
including the main waiting area and the public access to the toilet
room, with the exception of animals utilized for the assistance of
the blind and/or deaf.
O.
Effective measures shall be taken to protect the establishment from
the breeding or presence of insects and rodents.
(1)
Anyone using pesticides in the licensed premises must be certified
by the State of New Jersey for application of same.
(2)
The use of pesticides shall not result in the contamination of dyes,
inks, ink reservoirs, needles, jewelry or gloves or any equipment
used in connection with the operation.
P.
Proper ventilation and exhaust is to be provided.
A.
Tattoo artist or body piercer operator's certificate:
(1)
No person shall practice the art of tattooing or body piercing within
the City of Paterson without first obtaining an operator's certificate
from the Department.
(2)
All certificates shall automatically expire on December 31 annually.
(3)
No certificate to practice the art of tattooing or body piercing
shall be issued unless:
(a)
The applicant furnishes proof of having previously held such
a certificate; or
(b)
The applicant furnishes proof of having practiced the art of
tattooing or body piercing as a full-time occupation, which may take
the form of a letter from a tattoo and/or body piercing establishment
representing that the applicant is/was employed by said establishment
as a tattoo artist or body piercer, or that the applicant presently
operates or had in the past operated a tattoo or body piercing establishment,
or had in the past or presently maintains an ownership interest in
a business, partnership or corporation which operates or operated
a tattoo or body piercing establishment; and
(c)
The applicant furnishes proof of having attended bloodborne
pathogen training which includes principles of disinfection and sterilization.
Compliance with this subsection will be waived for guest tattoo artists
retained by the establishment so long as the customer upon whom the
guest tattoo artist is to provide the service is provided with prior
written notice that the guest tattoo artist has not attended bloodborne
pathogen training including principles of disinfection and sterilization;
and
(d)
Proof of Hepatitis B pre-exposure vaccination or proof of immunity
is recommended for all tattoo artists or body piercers. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, all tattoo artists or body piercers shall provide the
Paterson Health Division with one of the following:
[1]
Proof of Hepatitis B pre-exposure vaccination of proof of immunity;
or
[2]
A letter or statement from a physician certifying that the individual
does not have Hepatitis B and the vaccination is contraindicated;
or
[3]
A written statement or letter signed by the tattoo artist or body piercer declining to provide the information sought in the immediately preceding Subsection A(3)(d)[1] and [2].
(e)
The operator shall develop operating guidelines, in accordance
with the CDC and OSHA, that will reduce the likelihood of accidental
needle sticks and establish a monitoring system for those person(s)
accidentally stuck by a needle. The guidelines shall be submitted
to the Paterson Health Division for approval prior to the issuance
of a license and subsequent renewals of license; and
(f)
The applicant pays the initial and annual certificate fee of
$350. Each application for a certificate shall set forth:
(4)
Operator's certificates shall be issued unless the Paterson
Health Division demonstrates that the tattoo/body piercing operator
has failed to comply with the provisions of this section after being
afforded reasonable opportunity to cure any deficiencies found in
its application.
(5)
All certificates shall be conditioned upon continued compliance with
the provisions of this section as well as other applicable provisions.
(6)
The certificate shall be posted in a prominent and conspicuous area
where it may be readily observed by patrons.
(7)
The operator of a tattoo/body piercing establishment shall submit
a written aftercare plan to the Paterson Division of Health. Body
piercing establishments will submit an aftercare plan specific to
each body site intended to pierce.
B.
Before working on each patron, each tattoo artist or body piercer
shall scrub and wash his/her hands thoroughly with hot water and antiseptic
soap. Fingernails shall be kept clean and short.
C.
Disposable vinyl or latex gloves shall be worn by the tattoo artist or body piercer during tattoo preparation and application to prevent contact with blood or body fluids. Universal precautions described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall be followed. All materials shall be disposed of in accordance with § 441-5A(5) of this chapter after contact with each patron. Hands shall be washed immediately after removal of gloves. Any skin surface that has contact with blood shall be washed immediately.
D.
Immediately after tattooing or body piercing a patron, the tattooist
or body piercer shall advise the patron on the care of the tattoo
or body piercing in a written form and shall instruct the patron to
consult a physician at the first sign of infection of the tattoo or
body piercing. Printed instructions regarding these points shall be
given to each patron.
E.
All medically diagnosed infections resulting from the practice of
tattooing or body piercing which become known to the operator shall
be promptly reported to the Health Officer by the person owning or
operating the tattoo or body piercing establishment or by the tattoo
artist or body piercer within 24 hours.
F.
Employee health.
(1)
The establishment shall comply with all current OSHA requirements
applicable to its operation.
(2)
No person affected with infected wounds, open and infected sores,
and acute respiratory infection shall work in any area of a tattoo
or body piercing establishment in any capacity in which there is a
likelihood of contaminating tattoo or body piercing equipment, supplies
or work surfaces.
G.
Skin preparation.
(1)
Tattooing or body piercing shall be done only on normal, healthy
skin surface that is free of moles or infection.
(2)
Only safety razors with disposable blades shall be used for the skin preparation. Blades shall be disposed of according to § 441-5A(5) of this chapter after each use and new blades shall be used for each patron.
(3)
Following shaving, the area shall be thoroughly cleansed and scrubbed
with tincture of green soap or its equivalent and warm water. Before
placing the design or body piercing on the patron's skin, the
area shall be treated with 70% alcohol and allowed to air dry.
(a)
Piercing of mucous membranes (i.e., oral, nasal, vaginal, etc.)
shall be treated with an industry-appropriate and medically indicated
antiseptic solution prior to the procedure.
(4)
Only petroleum jelly (U.S.A. or National Formulary) or antiseptic
ointment shall be applied to the tattoo area prior to tattooing or
body piercing. The ointment shall be applied in a sanitary manner,
disposing of the utensil after spreading. Collapsible tubes of ointment
or jelly may also be used.
H.
Tattooing or body piercing.
(1)
The use of single-service hectographic stencils shall be required
for applying a tattoo outline to the skin. Multi-use stencils shall
be prohibited.
(2)
Only nontoxic dyes or pigments may be used. Premixed sterile materials
are preferred. Premixed dyes shall be used without adulteration of
the manufacturer's original formula. The operator shall represent
to the Paterson Health Division, at the time of license application
and renewal, that to the best of his/her knowledge the dyes and pigments
used in tattoo applications are of nontoxic origins and shall submit
supporting documentation on same. The operator shall also present
to the Paterson Health Division labels or manufacturer's data
sheets relating to dyes and pigments or such other written documentation
as is applicable to the dyes and pigments that they are nontoxic or
nonhazardous to human health.
(3)
Single-service or individual containers of dye or ink shall be used
for each patron and the container disposed of immediately after completing
work on each patron.
(4)
The completed tattoo shall be washed with sterile gauze or single-use
paper tissue and a solution of tincture of green soap or its equivalent,
then disinfected with 70% alcohol. The area shall be allowed to air
dry and antiseptic ointment shall be applied and spread with sterile
gauze and sterile dressing attached.
(5)
Upon completion of piercing of the mucous membranes, the area shall
be disinfected with the industry-appropriate and medically indicated
solutions.
I.
Needles, instruments and dyes.
(1)
Only single-service sterilized needles and needle bars shall be used
for each patron.
(2)
If solder is used in manufacturing needles, needle bars or needle
tubes, it must be free of lead.
(3)
Any needle that penetrates the skin of the tattoo artist or body piercer shall be immediately disposed of in accordance with § 441-5A(5) of this chapter.
(4)
Needle tubes shall be ultrasonically cleaned in a solution which is alconox or its equivalent, then scrubbed with a clean brush, then rinsed clean. Needle tubes shall be sterilized in accordance with § 441-5, stored in sterile bags and maintained in a dry, closed area.
(5)
Each item to be sterilized shall be individually wrapped using chemical
indicator bags or chemical indicator strips. Sterilization shall be
by steam sterilization/autoclave. The autoclave shall be well maintained
with a tight fitting gasket and clean interior. The manufacturer's
operating instructions and sterilization specifications shall be at
hand. The sterilizer shall conform to the manufacturer's specifications
with regard to temperature, pressure and time of sterilization cycle.
Proper functioning of sterilization cycles shall be verified by the
monthly use of biologic indicators (i.e., spore tests). A record of
these monthly test results shall be available, and a test may be required
to be done during any inspections. Establishments are required to
maintain an autoclave on site, with a minimum interior chamber that
is no less than seven inches in diameter and 15 inches in depth.
(6)
If the primary source of sterilization malfunctions, the Paterson
Health Division shall be notified no later than four hours after the
deficiency. In an emergent situation, the Paterson Health Division
may approve alternate sterilization techniques.
(7)
Needles and bars shall not be bent or broken prior to disposal. Tattoo
artists or body piercers shall take precautions to prevent injuries
from contaminated needles or tubes.
(8)
All dyes and inks shall be from a source of supply which complies
with applicable U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations when
available. Dyes and inks are to be used in accordance with the manufacturer's
directions and are not to be adulterated with any substance not recommended
by the manufacturer.
(a)
Immediately before applying a tattoo, the quantity of dye to
be used for the tattoo shall be transferred from the dye bottles and
placed into sterile, single-use paper cups or plastic caps. Upon completion
of the tattoo, these single use cups or caps and their contents shall
be discarded.
(b)
Excess dye or ink shall be removed from the skin with a single
service wiping tissue or sterile gauze which shall be discarded after
each use.
J.
Disposal of waste. All used needles, needle bars or other disposable
tools used in the tattooing process, as well as gloves, gauze and
other materials saturated with blood or body fluids, shall be removed
through the use of a licensed medical waste hauler.
Temporary tattoo/body piercing establishments are prohibited.
Temporary establishments shall be defined as any establishment not
intended to operate at a particular location for at least one year.
A.
Any person or entity who or which violates any section of this chapter
shall be subject to the following penalty: A fine not to exceed $1,000;
imprisonment not to exceed 90 days in the county jail; community service
not to exceed 90 days or any combination thereof in the discretion
of the Municipal Court Judge. Each day that the violation exists is
considered to be a separate offense.
B.
After due notice and hearing, the Paterson Health Division may suspend
or revoke any license issued under this chapter for violation of the
provisions of this chapter.
