[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of
the Town of Stratford 3-11-2002 by Ord. No. 02-01; amended in its entirety 4-13-2015 by Ord. No. 15-01. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Health regulations — See Ch. 120.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A person licensed to perform advanced-level nursing practice
activities pursuant to Subsection (b) of Section 20-87a of the Connecticut
General Statutes.
An employee of the Stratford Health Department designated
by the Director of Health to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Human blood, human blood components and products made from
human blood.
Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood
and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are
not limited to, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
A person who engages in the art of body piercing.
Puncturing or penetration of the skin of a person with presterilized
single-use needles and the insertion of presterilized jewelry or other
adornment thereto in the opening, except that puncturing the outer
perimeter and/or lobe of the ear with a presterilized single-use stud-and-clasp
ear-piercing system shall not be included in this definition.
Any room or space where body piercing is practiced or where
the business of body piercing is conducted or any part thereof.
The presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood
or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface.
Those aspects of a procedure which, if violated, constitute
an imminent hazard to health and safety.
One or more of the following findings:
Temporary tattoo technician not licensed by Connecticut Department
of Public Health.
A person using the term "tattooist," "tattoo artist," or "tattoo
technician" not licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Nondisposable instruments and equipment improperly sanitized
and stored.
Reuse of single-use items.
Improper operator scrub technique before and after a procedure.
Improper glove technique during a procedure.
No hepatitis vaccination program in place.
Piercing or tattooing an unemancipated minor under the age of
18 years of age without the written permission of the parent or guardian
of such minor.
Student tattoo technician not registered with the Connecticut
Department of Public Health.
Plumbing not in working order.
The Stratford Health Department, also referred to as "this
Department" herein.
The Director of Health of the Stratford Health Department.
The destruction of all vegetative forms of pathogenic agents
by chemical and physical means.
The puncturing of the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear
with a presterilized single-use stud-and-clasp ear-piercing system
following manufacturer's instructions. Under no circumstances
shall ear-piercing studs and clasps be used anywhere on the body other
than the outer perimeter and lobe of the ear.
All machinery, including fixtures, containers, vessels, tools,
implements, furniture, display and storage areas, sinks, and other
apparatus used in connection with the operation of the establishment.
A specific eye, mouth or other mucous membrane, nonintact
skin or other parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious
materials.
Water which is at a temperature of not less than 110°
F.
Invasion and colonization of body tissues by pathogenic organisms.
Waste generated in the treatment or service of a human which
falls under one or more of the following categories:
PATHOLOGICAL WASTEHuman pathological wastes, including tissues that are removed during medical procedures.
HUMAN BLOOD AND BODILY FLUID WASTEIncludes liquid waste, human blood, blood products, items saturated, or dripping, with blood or caked with dried human blood.
A surgical steel or other approved component ornament of
good quality, corrosion-resistant, free of scratches or cut and designed
for use in body piercing.
A person licensed to practice osteopathy pursuant to Chapter
371 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such
events as needle sticks, cuts or abrasions.
A person licensed to practice medicine and surgery pursuant
to Chapter 370 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
A person licensed pursuant to Section 20-12b of the Connecticut
General Statutes.
A person licensed to practice nursing pursuant to Subsection
(a) of Section 20-87a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Liquid or semiliquid blood or other potentially infectious
materials; contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially
infectious materials in a liquid or semiliquid state if compressed;
items that are caked with dried blood or other potentially infectious
materials and are capable of releasing these materials during handling;
contaminated sharps; and pathological and microbiological wastes containing
blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Permanent modification to the human skin from the infliction
of a wound by creating designs made up of scars produced by branding
(scarification through burns), cuttings (fine scarification using
a thin blade), and general scarification using various means other
than those body-piercing and tattooing procedures permitted in the
regulations of the Stratford Health Department.
An instrument or glove designated and labeled for one use
only, which must be discarded after use.
The process of destruction of all forms of microbial life
by physical or chemical means.
A student who is registered with the Connecticut Department
of Public Health as a student tattoo technician as defined by the
state code. A student tattoo technician works under the supervision
of a licensed tattoo technician per the state code.
The indelible mark, figure or decorative design introduced
by insertion of nontoxic dyes or pigments into or under the subcutaneous
portion of the skin of a live human being to alter the appearance
of the skin for nonmedical reasons.
Any person applying a tattoo. See definition of "tattoo technician."
Any room or space where tattooing is practiced or where the
business of tattooing is conducted or any part thereof.
The process by which the skin is marked or colored by the
insertion of nontoxic dyes or pigments into or under the subcutaneous
portion of the skin so as to form indelible marks for cosmetic, medical
or figurative purposes.
Any person who performs tattooing or body piercing other
than a physician, an advanced-practice registered nurse rendering
service under the direction of a physician, a registered nurse rendering
service under the supervision, control and responsibility of a physician,
a physician assistant rendering service under the supervision, control
and responsibility of a physician. As of January 1, 2015, a tattoo
technician or tattoo artist must be licensed by the Connecticut Department
of Public Health.
A body-piercing establishment that operates for no more than
72 consecutive hours in conjunction with a festival at an established
locale.
A tattoo establishment that operates at a fixed location
for a period of time of not more than 72 consecutive hours in conjunction
with a single event, celebration or festival at an established locale.
Any tattoo technician licensed in a state other than Connecticut must
have a temporary permit from the Connecticut Department of Public
Health to tattoo at the temporary event.
An approach to infection control in which all human blood
and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infected
with Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) and other bloodborne pathogens.
A.
The Director of Health or authorized agent shall inspect each body-piercing
or tattoo establishment at least once annually, and shall make as
many inspections or reinspections as deemed necessary for the enforcement
of this chapter. Failure to pass an inspection or reinspection may
result in suspension or revocation of the license.
B.
The Director of Health or authorized agent, after proper identification,
shall be permitted to enter, during normal business hours, any body
piercing or tattoo establishment for the purpose of making an inspection
to determine compliance with this chapter.
C.
The Director of Health or authorized agent shall be permitted to
examine records of the body-piercing or tattoo establishment to obtain
information pertaining to persons pierced or tattooed and equipment,
but not including financial records. There shall be a person knowledgeable
of these records in the body-piercing or tattoo establishment during
all hours of operation.
D.
Whenever the Director of Health or authorized agent conducts an inspection
of a body-piercing or tattoo establishment, the Department's
findings shall be recorded on an inspection report form provided for
this purpose, and a copy of such inspection report form shall be furnished
to the license holder or person in charge at the time of the inspection.
E.
Whenever the Director of Health or authorized agent conducts an inspection
and observes that any of the requirements of this chapter have been
violated, the Director of Health or authorized agent shall notify
the license holder or person in charge of such violations by means
of the inspection report form or other written notice. Such notification
shall include the specific violation(s) observed and a reasonable
period of time for the correction of the observed violation(s).
F.
The Director of Health or authorized agent may, upon written notice
to the license holder or person in charge, place an embargo on any
item, substance or equipment that is determined to be or is believed
associated with the cause of illness or infection. It shall be considered
unlawful to remove or alter such an embargo without the permission
of the Director of Health, except by order of a court of competent
jurisdiction.
G.
There will be a fee assessed to the establishment for a failed inspection
and reinspection. All fees will be in accordance with the Health Department
annual fee schedule which is approved by Town Council on an annual
basis.
A.
Plan review and submission.
(1)
When a body-piercing or tattoo establishment is constructed or remodeled,
plans drawn in a minimum one-quarter-inch scale and specifications
for construction must be submitted along with a body-piercing or tattoo
establishment license application to the Department for approval.
(2)
The plans must include but are not limited to: description and location
of work areas and equipment, sinks, counters, storage areas, toilet
facilities, fixtures, waiting and viewing areas.
(3)
Manufacturers' specification sheets shall be included in the
plan submission for all equipment, floors, walls and ceilings.
(4)
All plans must be approved by this Department prior to construction
of the body-piercing or tattoo establishment.
(5)
There will be a fee for the plan review application and the annual
license. Fees will be in accordance with the Health Department annual
fee schedule.
C.
Floors, walls and ceilings.
(1)
Floors shall be constructed of approved materials so as to be durable,
easily cleanable, nonabsorbent and free of holes. Floors shall be
kept clean and in good repair.
(2)
The juncture between the floor and wall shall be closed or covered
to permit effective cleaning.
(3)
Walls, ceilings and attached equipment shall be constructed of approved
materials so as to be durable, easily cleanable, nonabsorbent and
free of holes. Walls, ceilings and attached equipment shall be kept
clean and in good repair and finished in a light color that will not
conceal the presence of soil and debris.
D.
Equipment.
(1)
The chair, seat or table to be utilized by the person receiving the
body piercing or tattoo shall be smooth, easily cleanable and nonabsorbent.
(2)
All chairs, seats or tables must be cleaned and disinfected, with
methods approved by the Department, prior to use by the next client.
(3)
In addition to Subsection D(2), in the case of tattooing, all walls with chairs, seats and tables placed against them must be sanitized prior to the use of chairs, seats and tables by the next client.
(4)
All equipment shall be maintained in good repair.
E.
Lighting. Body-piercing or tattoo establishments shall have adequate
lighting of at least 50 footcandles of illumination. Such illumination
shall be reasonably free from glare and distributed so as to avoid
shadows.
F.
Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided so as to prevent condensate
and/or excess moisture and to remove objectionable odors in such a
manner that will not cause a public health nuisance.
G.
Water supply. The water supply shall be adequate, of a safe, sanitary
quality and from a source approved by the Department. Hot and cold
water under pressure shall be provided at all sinks.
H.
Toilet facilities.
(1)
All body-piercing or tattoo establishments shall provide an adequate
toilet facility for the employees and comply with all applicable statutes,
ordinances and regulations. Sewage shall be disposed of in a public
sewer system or, in the absence thereof, in a manner approved by the
Director of Health.
(2)
Toilet facilities shall be sanitary and easily cleanable.
(3)
Toilet facilities, including rooms and fixtures, shall be kept in
a clean condition and in good repair.
(4)
Antibacterial liquid pump soap, toilet paper and single-use, disposable
towels shall be provided at each hand wash sink in each toilet room.
(5)
The doors for all toilet rooms shall be self-closing.
(6)
Equipment or supplies used for body-piercing or tattoo procedures
shall be neither used nor stored in the toilet facilities.
I.
Hand washing.
(1)
Each work station in the body-piercing or tattoo establishment shall
have a hand-washing sink in close proximity with hot and cold potable
running water for the exclusive use of the tattoo artist or body piercer
for the purpose of washing his or her hands and prepping clients.
When work stations are in separate rooms, a hand sink will be required
in each room.
(2)
At each hand-washing sink, liquid antibacterial pump soap and single-use,
disposable towels shall be provided at all times. Common towels are
prohibited.
J.
Refuse and refuse containers.
(1)
All garbage and rubbish shall be kept in leakproof, nonabsorbent,
easily cleanable, covered containers, which must be kept clean.
(2)
Refuse containers inside the establishment shall be operated by a
foot pedal.
(3)
All garbage and rubbish shall be disposed of with sufficient frequency
and in such manner as to prevent a public health nuisance.
(4)
Infectious wastes shall be disposed of in compliance with the regulated
and infectious waste requirements of these regulations.
(5)
Used sharps containers will be locked in a specified area away from
clean supplies unless locked to a wall-mount unit.
K.
Regulated and infectious waste.
(1)
All infectious and regulated waste must be disposed of by means of
medical regulated waste containers and licensed medical waste disposal
methods.
(2)
All tattooing needles and attached equipment, or body-piercing needles,
shall be disposed of in sharps containers. The needles shall not be
broken prior to disposing in the sharps container.
(3)
A written plan of disposal for regulated and infectious waste must
be submitted to the Department for approval prior to issuance of the
body-piercing or tattoo establishment license.
M.
Toxic items.
(1)
Only poisonous and toxic materials that are required to maintain
sanitary conditions and utilized in sterilization may be stored in
the body-piercing or tattoo establishment. These materials shall be
labeled and stored in such a manner as to not constitute a hazard
to clients, employees or equipment.
(2)
All toxic items will have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) sheet
available, including soap products.
N.
Miscellaneous items.
(1)
Only articles deemed necessary for the routine operation and maintenance
of the body-piercing or tattoo establishment shall be permitted in
the body-piercing or tattoo establishment.
(2)
No live animals shall be kept or allowed in the body-piercing or
tattoo establishment, except guide dogs that accompany physically
disabled person(s) may be permitted.
(3)
Adequate facilities shall be provided for the storage of employees'
clothing and personal belongings. This storage shall not be located
in the work areas.
(4)
There shall be no human habitation, food service and/or preparation
or other such activity which may cause potential contamination of
work surfaces inside the body-piercing or tattoo establishment.
A.
All tattoo technicians are to be licensed in accordance with the
Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 387a, Section 20-266o to 20-266s.
(1)
Physicians and osteopathic physicians licensed by the State of Connecticut,
who perform body piercing in a medical care setting as part of patient
treatment, are exempt from local body-piercing regulations.
(2)
Body-piercing technicians are not subject to any state regulations
with the exception of being prohibited in performing body piercings
on individuals less than 18 years old per Connecticut State Public
Health Code, Connecticut General Statutes, § 19a-92a. Individuals
who pierce only the lobe and/or the outer perimeter of the ear, excluding
the tragus, with a presterilized single-use stud-and-clasp ear-piercing
system are exempt from Connecticut General Statutes, § 19a-92g.
Individuals who use ear-piercing systems must conform to the manufacturer's
directions on use and applicable U.S. Food and Drug Administration
requirements. The Department retains authority to investigate consumer
complaints relating to alleged misuse or improper disinfection of
car-piercing systems.
B.
Tattoo artist license.
(1)
The tattoo technician license shall be posted in a prominent location
where it can be observed by patrons.
(2)
The body piercer or tattoo artist bloodborne pathogen certificate
shall be posted in a prominent location where it can be observed by
patrons.
(3)
Each body piercer or tattoo artist shall provide the Department with
documentation regarding the establishment's exposure control
plan as recommended by the Association of Professional Tattooists.
C.
Body piercer certification.
(1)
A body piercer shall obtain a bloodborne pathogen certification whereupon
each individual performing body piercing successfully completes a
bloodborne pathogen and universal precaution training course annually
that has been approved by the Department.
D.
Body-piercing or tattoo establishment licensure.
(2)
The body-piercing or tattoo establishment license shall be issued
by the Department prior to opening and shall expire on June 1 of each
year.
(3)
The fee for the body-piercing or tattoo establishment license shall
be set by the Director of Health in accordance with the annual fee
schedule that will be reviewed and approved annually by Town Council.
In order to receive a body piercing or tattoo establishment license,
the establishment shall meet the body-piercing or tattoo establishment
requirements of this chapter.
(4)
Each applicant shall provide the Department with the following information:
full name(s) and address(es) of the applicants, and whether such applicant
is an individual, firm or association, including, but not limited
to, any partnership, limited partnership, limited-liability partnership,
company, limited-liability company, corporation, trust or estate,
and if not an individual, the name(s) of the partners, members, officers,
or, if applicable, the duly authorized representative thereof, including,
but not limited to, a fiduciary, trustee or receiver, together with
their addresses; establishment name, proposed hours of operation,
names of all employees and their exact duties, complete description
of services provided, exact inventory of equipment to be utilized
in the body-piercing or tattoo procedure, name of manufacturers and
names and addresses of all suppliers of all body-piercing or tattoo
equipment and supplies, a copy of the written aftercare instructions
given to each client and a copy of the informed consent that each
client must sign.
(5)
The body-piercing or tattoo establishment license shall not be transferable
between persons, places or other establishments. Any planned change
in ownership or renovation of a facility must be reported promptly
to the Department, and such changes must be approved by the Department
prior to the issuance of an operating license.
(6)
No person shall build a new facility, or extensively alter an existing
facility, without first submitting plans to the Department for approval
prior to the commencement of a project.
(7)
The body-piercing or tattoo establishment license shall be displayed
in a prominent location within the establishment where it can be observed
by patrons.
(8)
The tattoo establishment shall provide the Department with the proper
documentation as may be required pursuant to C.G.S. Chapter 387a,
Section 20-266o to 20-266s.
(9)
The body-picrcing or tattoo establishment license may be immediately revoked when, in the opinion of the Director of Health or authorized agent, unsanitary or other conditions, including but not limited to critical violations as described in the definition of "critical violations" in § 59-1 of this chapter, that constitute an immediate hazard to the public health exist.
E.
Temporary licenses.
(1)
Applicants applying for a temporary body-piercing or tattoo establishment
license shall submit an application approved by the Department, which
provides all necessary documentation to attest to the ability of the
proposed operation to substantially comply with the provisions of
this document. The application must be received no later than 15 business
days prior to the event and must be accompanied by all applicable
fees. If the temporary event application is submitted less that 15
business days prior to the event an additional application fee will
be assessed in accordance with the Health Department annual fee schedule.
No license shall be issued without satisfactory inspection of the
temporary facility by the Department in advance of the event.
(2)
Temporary tattoo establishments shall provide the Department with
the proper documentation as may be required pursuant to Connecticut
General Statutes Chapter 387a, Section 20-266o to 20-266s.
(3)
Body piercers working at a temporary establishment shall meet the requirements of the bloodborne pathogens certification per § 59-4B of this chapter.
(4)
The temporary body-piercing or tattoo establishment shall meet the
requirements of this chapter.
(5)
One person, business or corporation may not receive more than four
temporary body piercing event or tattoo establishment licenses each
calendar year. Each temporary establishment license shall last no
more than 14 days.
A.
Each body piercer shall keep records for each client for a minimum
of seven years, which shall consist of the following: name, address
and telephone number of the client, the date of the body piercing,
a photocopy of the legal document that certifies the client is at
least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, the area of the body
that was pierced, description of the jewelry inserted, a photocopy
of the written aftercare instructions of the body piercing and a release
form signed by the client that these records are accurate. Permanent
records for each emancipated minor must contain photographic identification
and a photocopy of the legal document declaring the client an emancipated
minor.
B.
Each tattoo artist shall keep permanent records for each client for
a minimum of seven years, which shall consist of the following: the
name, address and telephone number of the client, the date the tattoo
was applied, a photocopy of the legal document that certifies the
client is at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, a description
of the tattoo, the area of the body tattooed, a photocopy of the written
aftercare instructions of the tattoo and a release form signed by
the client that these records are accurate. Permanent records for
each emancipated minor must contain photographic identification and
a photocopy of the legal document declaring the client an emancipated
minor.
C.
No person shall body pierce or tattoo an unemancipated minor under
18 years of age without the permission of the parent or guardian of
such minor. This permission shall be signed by either parent or guardian.
Photographic identification of the parent or guardian must be obtained
by the body piercer or tattoo artist. A photocopy of the photographic
identification shall be included in the client's permanent records.
D.
The tattoo client shall sign an informed consent waiver. A photocopy
of this waiver must remain as part of the client's permanent
record. The informed consent waiver shall be approved by the Department
prior to the issuance of a tattoo establishment license. The informed
consent waiver shall include, but is not limited to, the following
information: nature of the procedure, reasonably foreseeable risks
of the procedure, description of the equipment utilized in the procedure
and sterilization techniques, and explanation of the tattoo removal
procedure. The client shall have the opportunity to ask questions
and understand the contents of the informed consent to his/her satisfaction.
E.
The body piercing client shall sign an informed consent waiver. A
photocopy of this waiver must remain as part of the client's
permanent record. The informed consent waiver shall be approved by
the Department prior to the issuance of a body-piercing establishment
license. The informed consent waiver must include, but is not limited
to, the following information: nature of the procedure, reasonably
foreseeable risks of the procedure, description of the equipment utilized
in the procedure and sterilization techniques, sizing of the jewelry,
and an explanation of the jewelry removal procedure. The client shall
have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the contents
of the informed consent to his/her satisfaction.
F.
The body piercing or tattoo establishment shall maintain written
records of hepatitis B vaccination for each employed tattoo artist
or other employee who may come in contact with bloodborne pathogens.
An employee may refuse vaccination for hepatitis B, but a signed statement
attesting to his or her refusal must be part of his/her record.
G.
Employee vaccination records must be maintained for seven years per
Connecticut Department of Public Health Code, Connecticut General
Statutes, § 19a-14-40, regarding retention of medical records.
Such records are to be made available to the Department upon request.
All records and signatures shall be written in ink. Such records are
to be maintained separately from client records and safeguarded. Failure
to maintain proper records shall result in suspension or revocation
of the operating license.
H.
The technician shall collect the following information so that the
technician can properly evaluate the client's medical condition
before receiving a body art procedure.
(1)
Information from the client on a history of diabetes, hemophilia,
skin diseases, skin lesions, skin sensitivity to soaps or disinfectants,
epilepsy, seizure, fainting or narcolepsy.
(2)
Information from the client on a history of allergies or adverse
reactions to pigments, dyes, and/or latex.
(3)
Use of medication by the client such as anticoagulants, which thin
the blood or interfere with blood clotting.
(4)
The above collected information should be safeguarded in accordance
with HIPAA regulations.
A.
Skin preparation.
(1)
Only healthy, intact body parts may be body pierced.
(2)
If shaving of the skin where the piercing is to occur is required,
only single-use razors shall be used. New razors for each client shall
be used and disposed of after each use.
(3)
The area of skin to be pierced shall first be washed with an antibacterial
soap and hot water. The skin must be prepared for not less than 45
seconds with a povodine-iodine solution prior to all piercings. A
seventy-percent alcohol solution, applied for 90 seconds, may be used
as an alternative for clients sensitive to povodine-iodine.
(4)
No person other than a licensed physician, dentist, or doctor of
osteopathy shall employ the use of federally controlled substances,
including topical, oral, parenteral or inhaled anesthetics, while
providing body-piercing procedures.
(5)
All solutions applied to the skin shall be allowed to air dry.
(6)
Prior to all oral piercing, the client must rinse with an antibacterial
mouthwash for at least 60 seconds.
(7)
All preparation solutions shall be applied in a sanitary manner.
All cotton balls, swabs or other applicators shall be single use.
(8)
Only single-use toothpicks may be used for marking in oral piercings.
(9)
The use of styptic pencils and alum blockers is prohibited.
(10)
Medical-grade anticoagulants may be used but must first be approved
by the Department.
(11)
Scarification, including, but not limited to, branding, cuttings
and general scarification, other than those procedures described in
the body-piercing and tattooing codes of the Stratford Health Department,
is prohibited.
B.
Jewelry requirements.
(1)
Jewelry to be placed in the client must be of good quality, corrosion-resistant,
free of scratches or cuts and designed for use in body piercing. White
or yellow gold, other than solid 14K or 18K, silver or other corrosive
metal-plated jewelry is prohibited.
(2)
All jewelry shall be single-use only, and come presterilized by the
manufacturer.
(3)
Jewelry worn by a person other than the client shall not be permitted
to be used.
C.
Body-piercing needles and equipment.
(1)
No person shall perform an ear-piercing procedure with an ear-piercing
instrument unless the ear-piercing instrument utilizes a single-use
stud-and-clasp ear-piercing system. Under no circumstances may an
ear-piercing instrument be used on any body part other than the lobe
and/or outer perimeter of the ear, excluding the tragus. Ear-piercing
guns are prohibited for use.
(2)
All body-piercing needles are for single use only and shall be marked
as sterile by the manufacturer.
(3)
A minimum of 25 ready-to-use sterilized and dated needles shall be
provided at the body-piercing establishment at all times.
(4)
After each use, the piercing needle shall be disposed of in accordance
with the regulated and infectious waste requirements of these regulations.
(5)
Corks, rubber bands and other items that cannot be sterilized must
be kept in a sanitary manner prior to use and be single use only.
D.
Body piercers' responsibilities.
(1)
Prior to the body-piercing procedure, the body piercer shall wash
his or her hands and any exposed areas of the arms by lathering with
an antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds, rinsing under hot water
and then drying with a single-use disposable towel.
(2)
Sterile technique shall be practiced throughout the body piercing
procedure.
(3)
Disposable, single-use, sterile examination gloves shall be worn
throughout the body-piercing procedure.
(4)
Gloves shall be changed if they become contaminated during the piercing.
(5)
Outer garments worn by the body piercer shall be kept clean.
(6)
The use of tobacco in the establishment, by either the body piercer
or client, is prohibited.
(7)
The consumption of food or drink, by either the body piercer or client,
while in the work area is prohibited. The consumption of food or drink
shall be limited to areas physically removed from the work area.
(8)
The body piercer shall discuss with the clients the options regarding
the sizing of jewelry based on body parts and types.
E.
Aftercare of the piercing.
A.
Skin preparation.
(1)
Only intact and healthy skin shall be tattooed.
(2)
The area of the skin to be tattooed shall first be washed with an
antibacterial soap and hot water.
(3)
If the area where the tattoo is to be placed needs to be shaved,
only safety razors with single-use blades shall be used.
(4)
The area that has been shaved shall be prepared with an antibacterial
soap and hot water. The area then shall be scrubbed with a sterile
gauze pad treated with seventy-percent alcohol and allowed to air
dry.
(5)
The use of styptic pencils and alum blockers is prohibited.
(6)
Any Vitamin A and Vitamin D ointment (A & D ointment) or antiseptic
ointment applied to the area shaved shall be applied in a sanitary
manner. A sanitary manner consists of either sterile A & D or
antiseptic ointment removed from the container and applied to skin
with a sterilized single-use, collapsible metal or plastic tubes.
(7)
No person other than a licensed physician, dentist, or doctor of
osteopathy shall employ the use of federally controlled substances,
including topical, oral, parenteral or inhaled anesthetics, while
providing tattooing procedures.
(8)
Scarification, including, but not limited to, branding, cuttings
and general scarification, other than those procedures described in
the body piercing and tattooing codes of the Department, is prohibited.
B.
Tattoo artist's responsibilities.
(1)
Prior to starting the tattoo, and as often thereafter as may be necessary,
the tattoo artist shall wash his or her hands and any exposed areas
of the arms by lathering with an antibacterial soap for at least 20
seconds, rinsing under hot water and then drying with a single-use
disposable towel.
(2)
Disposable, single-use examination gloves shall be worn for any procedure
involving contact with the client's skin, hair and other body
tissue. The gloves shall be changed whenever necessary to prevent
contamination.
(3)
The tattoo artist shall keep his or her fingernails clean.
(4)
Excessive jewelry or cosmetics that may interfere with hand washing
shall not be worn by the tattoo artist.
(5)
Outer garments worn by the tattoo artist shall be clean.
(6)
The use of tobacco, by either the client or tattoo artist, while
engaged in the act of tattooing is prohibited.
(7)
The consumption of food or drink, by either the client or tattoo
artist, while engaged in the act of tattooing is prohibited. The consumption
of food or drink shall be limited to areas physically removed from
the tattoo work areas.
C.
Dyes and stencils.
(1)
Only single-use and sterile stencils shall be used. Multiuse stencils
are prohibited.
(2)
Only nontoxic, sterile dyes shall be used. Dyes and inks shall not
be adulterated and shall only be used in accordance with the manufacturer's
guidelines.
(3)
For each client, dyes shall be transferred to a clean, single-service
container.
(4)
If excessive dye must be removed from the skin, then only single-use
tissues or sterile gauze shall be used.
(5)
Any unused dye shall be discarded after each client.
(6)
A list of dyes, by manufacturer, shall be submitted to the Department.
An MSDS for each dye manufacturer will be provided to the Department.
If a new manufacturer is to be used, the tattoo establishment shall
notify the Department, in writing, with an updated list of manufacturers.
D.
Needles and attachments.
(1)
All needles and needle bars shall be single-use only.
(2)
A minimum of 25 ready-to-use, sterilized needles shall be provided
at all times on site.
(3)
Only lead-free solder shall be used in conjunction with needles and
needle bars.
(4)
Needle tubes shall be single use only.
(5)
After use on each client, the needle shall be disposed of in accordance
with these regulations.
(6)
All equipment used in the tattoo process shall be designed to be
nontoxic, easy-to-clean, nonabsorbent and corrosion-resistant. Additionally,
all equipment that comes into contact with skin shall be sterilized
and stored in accordance with these regulations.
E.
Aftercare of tattoo.
(1)
After completion of the tattoo, the area of skin tattooed shall be
washed with a hospital-grade germicidal solution or a seventy-percent
alcohol solution from a single-service container or applied with single-use
applicators.
(2)
After air drying, the tattooed area shall have A&D ointment or
antibacterial ointment applied using a sterile gauze. A sterile gauze
shall be applied to the tattooed area and affixed with adhesive tape.
Application of plastic wrap to the tattooed area is strictly prohibited.
A.
Each body-piercing or tattoo establishment shall have a written protocol
for needle stick accidents. This protocol shall include, but is not
limited to, treatment of the area and reporting the needle stick in
accordance to the establishment exposure control plan.
B.
This written protocol shall be submitted to the Department at the
time of application for the body-piercing or tattoo establishment
license for approval.
A.
Suspension or revocation of the Health Department license. The Director
of Health may immediately suspend or revoke the body-piercing or tattoo
establishment license, or temporary establishment license, of any
person or business if the business or body piercer/tattoo artist has
made any material misrepresentation to the Department, does not meet
or no longer meets, or has a history of noncompliance with, the requirements
of the applicable sections of this document or of the Connecticut
Public Health Code. The license holder or operator shall be immediately
closed and notified, in writing, that the license is immediately suspended
and that an opportunity for a hearing will be provided if a written
request for a hearing is filed with the Director of Health by the
license holder within 72 hours following the service of such notice.
B.
Hearings provided for by this chapter shall be conducted by the Director
of Health at a time and place designated by the Director. Hearings
will be conducted within five days of receipt of a request for same.
A written report of the hearing decision shall be furnished to the
license holder by the Director of Health.
C.
At the discretion of the Director of Health, a suspended license
may be reinstated when an inspection made by the Department reveals
that the conditions causing suspension of the license have been corrected.
The inspection will be conducted within 10 days of a written request
for license reinstatement, indicating how each of the conditions which
caused the suspension have been corrected and shall be signed by the
license holder.
D.
The Director of Health may, upon review of the body piercing or tattoo
establishment's history of noncompliance, permanently revoke
the establishment's license. The establishment owner will be
informed, in writing, of the revocation. The establishment owner may
request a hearing in writing. The Director of Health will conduct
the hearing within three business days of the request.
In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be
in conflict with a regulation of the Connecticut Department of Public
Health or any other state law or regulation, on the effective date
of this chapter, the provision which establishes the higher standard
for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the people
shall prevail.
