Sec. 15-111. - Application of general provisions.

Unless the provisions of this article otherwise provide, all of the provisions of Article I of Chapter 15 are applicable to the licenses referred to in this article.

(Ord. No. 584, § 2, 4-11-00)

Sec. 15-112. - Purpose of regulations.

It is in the public interest and welfare that any person engaging in the business of tattooing should be required to meet certain minimal standards and that the business itself should be regulated for the health and safety of the general public.

(Ord. No. 584, § 2, 4-11-00)

Sec. 15-113. - Regulations.

In addition to any regulations required under Health and Safety Code Sections 119300 et seq., the owners and managers of tattooing establishments and personnel employed therein are subject to the following regulations:

(1)

Storing of instruments: All needles and instruments shall be kept in a closed glass case while not in use.

(2)

Sterilization of all instruments: All instruments, including the needles used in tattooing human beings shall be wrapped, and sterilized by steam in an autoclave with at least 15 pounds of pressure per square inch for at least 15 minutes at 240 degrees Fahrenheit before each use.

(3)

Sterilizing solution: Sterilizing solutions approved by the health officer may be used on instruments whenever it can be shown to the satisfaction of the health officer that such instruments, other than needles, are damaged by boiling in a sterilizer.

(4)

Preparation of the skin: The skin shall be prepared first by thorough soaping with an antiseptic soap such as hexachiorophene. If the skin is shaved it also shall be prepared by soaping and further disinfected with antiseptic solution such as 70 percent alcohol.

(5)

Application of stencil: Before each use all stencils shall be disinfected. These stencils shall be disinfected by use of an antiseptic soap, preferably hexachlorophene.

(6)

Use and administration of pigments: All pigments used shall be dispensed from individual paper dispensers. The containers shall be used for one person only. Only sterile pigments shall be used.

(7)

Dressing tattoo after completion: A sterile dressing shall be applied and securely bound by adhesive tape at site of tattoo after a person is tattooed.

(8)

Minors: It shall be unlawful to tattoo any person under the age of 18 years.

(9)

Infection: All infections resulting from the practice of tattooing shall be reported to the health officer by the person owning or operating the tattooing establishment.

(10)

Light and ventilation: Any tattooing establishment shall have light and an air ventilator of a standard approved by the county health officer.

(11)

Intoxication of customer: It shall be unlawful for any person engaged in the tattoo business, whether as an operator or owner, to tattoo anyone that is under the influence of intoxicating liquors.

(12)

Other business: No other business shall be conducted within the same business area in which a tattoo establishment is housed.

(13)

Protection from dust and dirt: Any tattoo establishment in the county shall be so located or constructed as to prevent the contamination of the work area of such shop by dust or other forms of dirt from the street or sidewalk.

(14)

Sanitary condition: The tattoo establishment shall be at all times maintained in a sanitary condition and all walls, ceilings and floors shall be smooth and easily cleaned. Walls and ceilings must be painted a light color and all walls, ceilings and floors shall be kept clean and free from dust and debris. The floors shall be swept and wet mopped daily. Floors, walls and ceilings shall not be swept or cleaned while tattooing is in operation.

(15)

Sink, soap and towel: Each tattooing shop shall contain a sink for the exclusive use of the tattoo artists to wash their hands and prepare the customers for tattooing. The sink shall be provided with adequate hot and cold running water. There shall also be available at the sink, approved soap, clean individual towels and refuse containers.

(16)

Toilet and washing facilities: Adequate toilet and handwashing facilities shall be available on the shop premises for the use of customers and tattoo artists. Toilets, urinals, and hand-washing facilities shall be maintained in a sanitary condition at all times.

(17)

Work or operating tables: An adequate number of work tables shall be provided for each tattoo artist. The surface of all work tables shall be constructed of metal or other material which as smooth, light-colored, nonabsorbent, corrosive-resistant and easily sanitized. All operating tables shall be constructed with metal, with white enamel or porcelain finish, or stainless steel.

(18)

Waste disposal: The tattooing shop shall have proper facilities for the disposition of waste materials. Any sharps waste as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 117755 shall be separately disposed of in a rigid, puncture resistant container which when sealed is leak resistant and cannot be reopened without great difficulty.

(19)

Hand brushes, fingernail files: Each tattoo artist shall be provided with individual hand brushes and fingernail files.

(20)

Chest X-rays and other medical tests: Each operator and employee shall be required to have an annual chest X-ray and any other medical tests designed to detect communicable diseases determined to be necessary by the health department to protect the public health and welfare.

(Ord. No. 584, § 2, 4-11-00)

Sec. 15-114. - Investigation before issuance.

Upon the filing of the application, accompanied by the fee, the health department shall investigate the information contained in the application and the sanitary conditions in and about the place where it is proposed to conduct the business and whether said place conforms to the requirements of the ordinances of this county, with the rules and regulations of the health department and any state statutes or regulations. Said investigation shall be conducted on a yearly basis upon payment of the annual inspection fee.

(Ord. No. 584, § 2, 4-11-00)

Sec. 15-115. - Posting copy of law.

The owner, proprietor or manager, and any of the employees therein of such tattooing establishment, shall keep a copy of this article posted in a conspicuous place in the tattoo establishment, which copy shall be furnished by the county health department.

(Ord. No. 584, § 2, 4-11-00)

Secs. 15-116—15-119. - Reserved.