Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Subject 511-3-8 - BODY ART
Rule 511-3-8-.12 - Health and Hygiene

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 511-3-8-.12

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) With the exception of a plain ring such as a wedding band, jewelry on the hands and wrists of a body artist, such as watches, rings, or bracelets, shall be removed prior to the start of the body art procedure.

(2) Prior to the procedure, the artist shall inspect their hands for hangnails, small cuts, sores, and abrasions. If a cut, sore, or abrasion is detected, a bandage shall be applied for added protection before gloving. The artist shall trim fingernails to ensure gloves are not punctured. Recent tattoos or piercings in the healing process shall also be properly covered to prevent any bodily fluid transfer.

(3) Use aseptic technique. Thorough hand washing is essential after client contact, after handling blood and body fluids, after wearing gloves, and prior to exiting the work area.

(4) The artist must thoroughly wash their hands in hot, running water with soap, then rinse hands and dry with disposable paper towels before and after performing body art procedures; anytime there is an interruption in body art procedure that requires the artist to remove and replace gloves; after using the restroom; and after touching their face, hair or other areas.

(5) Medical grade, single-use, disposable gloves labeled for surgical, or examination purposes shall be worn when coming in contact with the client and during the body art procedure. Gloves shall be changed and properly disposed of each time there is an interruption in the body art procedure, the gloves become torn or punctured, or whenever their ability to function is compromised. Under no circumstances shall a single pair of gloves be used on more than one individual. Vinyl gloves are not allowed.

(6) A body artist shall maintain the highest degree of personal cleanliness, conform to standard hygienic practices, and wear clean clothes when performing body art procedures. Single-use aprons, smocks, or sleeve covers are acceptable. Open-toed shoes or shoes with holes shall not be permissible.

(7) The skin of the artist shall be free of rash, open lesions, or infection. No artist affected with boils, infected or open wounds or sores, abrasions, weeping dermatological lesions, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or acute or chronic cough or respiratory infection shall work in any area of a Body Art Studio in any capacity in which there is a likelihood that the individual could contaminate body art equipment, supplies, working surfaces with body substances or pathogenic organisms or expose other staff or clients to infections.

(8) Universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. All body artists and employees shall be trained in universal precautions and present documentation of yearly training upon request.

(a) The body artist should assume that all human blood, plasma, serum, body fluids and tissues are contaminated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and/or Hepatitis viruses (e.g., HBV, HCV).

(b) The most susceptible route of occupational infection for HIV, HBV, and HCV is by accidental needle sticks, but may include contamination of the mucous membranes, or through broken, abraded, or irritated skin. Use appropriate caution and maximum protection to prevent such contact.

(c) Proper decontamination procedures, emergency biohazard spill management, and proper use of biosafety equipment shall be utilized.

(d) Use aseptic technique. Thorough hand washing is essential after client contact, after handling blood and body fluids, after wearing gloves, and prior to exiting the work area.

(e) Infectious material spills shall be cleaned using an EPA registered disinfectant and following universal precautions.

(f) Clean all work areas and equipment used in handling human biohazardous materials with an EPA-registered disinfectant when concluding work to protect personnel from accidental infection.

(g) Eating, drinking, use of tobacco products, and applying cosmetics or lip balm are not permitted in the area where body art preparations or procedures are performed and any location where instruments or supplies are stored or cleaned. Exceptions may be made for the purpose of rendering first-aid.

(h) All procedures shall be performed carefully to minimize the creation of aerosols.

(i) Employees and body artists shall report all work-related accidents, incidents, and unexplained illness to their supervisor immediately.

(j) Soiled gloves shall be removed in a manner to minimize the risk of self-contamination or cross-contamination after each operation and prior to contacting work surfaces, doorknobs, wall switches, or telephones. Dispose of used gloves in a bagged trash container.

(k) Food storage cabinets or refrigerators shall be located outside the work area.

O.C.G.A. § 31-40-5.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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