Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 641 - Public Health Department
Chapter 22 - Practice of Tattooing
Rule 641-22.5 - Equipment

Universal Citation: IA Admin Code 641-22.5

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

Tattoo establishments shall maintain equipment in a clean and sanitary condition and comply with the following:

(1) Cups to hold ink or dye are for single-patron use. Any ink or dye, once dispensed into an ink cup, is disposed of immediately following use.

(2) Any dye or ink in which needles were dipped is not used on another person.

(3) All tubes, tips and grips used for the tattoo procedure that are not sterile, not for single-patron use, and not disposable are physically cleaned with a detergent according to manufacturers' recommendations and then steam-sterilized or dry-heat sterilized before use on another person. Steam sterilization is at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes at a minimum pressure of 15 pounds per square inch. Dry-heat sterilization is at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Celsius) for one hour. Steam sterilization is preferred.

(4) All instruments needing sterilization are sterilized on site. All instruments to be sterilized are placed in closed pouches after sterilization is complete. The pouches are dated effective for 30 days, after which the instruments are resterilized and the pouches redated.

(5) Sterilizers are monitored monthly for spores of Bacillus subtilis, and records of results are maintained for three years. Written procedures to follow in the event of positive spore tests are maintained and implemented, including:

a. In the event of a positive spore test, materials processed in that sterilizer, dating from the sterilization cycle having the positive biological indicator to the next cycle showing satisfactory biologic indicator challenge results, are considered nonsterile and are reprocessed before being used.

b. A sterilizer that has received a positive spore test is immediately removed from service.

c. Prior to putting a sterilizer that has received a positive spore test back into service, the owner ensures that there is evidence of one negative spore test.

d. The owner notifies the inspection agency of a positive spore test within 24 hours of receiving the test result.

(6) Establishments are equipped with a puncture-resistant, leakproof container designated for disposal of used needles and other sharps. The container is red and labeled with the "biohazard" symbol and is closeable for handling, storage, transportation, and disposal. A written plan for disposal is maintained in the establishment.

(7) Any bottles of solution are labeled as to contents and used according to manufacturers' directions.

(8) Single-use razors for removal of unwanted hair are disposed of after use on one patron. Electric razors used to remove unwanted hair of a patron are cleaned with a brush and fungicidal/tuberculocidal disinfectant spray.

(9) Topical ointments are prepared for single-patron use.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Iowa 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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