The Environmental Health Division licenses tattoo and body piercing establishments or "Body Art Facilities" and conducts inspections to ensure each facility is in compliance with the health and safety requirements of the state health department.
The inspection of the facility focuses on:
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Sterilization of equipment
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Needle disposal procedures
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Lighting
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Record keeping
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Overall cleanliness of facility
Required Documentation
A tattoo or body piercing artist employed in a licensed facilitiy must produce proof of training, such as signed apprenticeship document/piercing training/etc.
Additionally, employees working in a licensed establishment are required to be trained in first aid, CPR, and bloodborne pathogen exposure control. As of 2015, all licensed body art facilities are required to develop an exposure control plan to be submitted to and approved by the board.
All body art facilities are required by Ohio law to be licensed. Anyone considering a tattoo or piercing should be aware of the risks and follow certain guidelines when choosing a tattoo or piercing establishment.
Tattoo and Body Hygiene
Body Art Facilities
The use of improperly sanitized needles and instruments for invasive procedures on the human body and/or procedures being completed by inadequately trained individuals (scratchers) can contribute to the spread of communicable diseases and/or cause permanent injury.
Unlicensed individuals do not follow the standards required in a licensed facility. They frequently place their client's health at risk by re-using needles, not sterilizing equipment and not covering their machines. It's important to only receive body art from a licensed individual in a licensed facility. Do not gamble with your health.