Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 210 - RULES RELATING TO TATTOOING
Section 144-210-3 - SANITARY FACILITIES

1. Water from a public water system, as defined under Maine law, shall meet the federal water standards established under the National Primary Drinking Water Rules, 40 CFR Part 141, and the Department of Health and Human Services Rules Relating to Drinking Water, 10-144 CMR, Chapter 231, as well as all applicable state and federal drinking water quality rules at all times.

2. Water from a licensed establishment that does not meet the definition of a regulated public water system shall meet state drinking water quality standards.

3. Drinking water acquired from a surface water source shall be adequate, of a safe, sanitary quality, approved by the Department, and properly disinfected with chlorine.

4. All water, not piped into the establishment directly from the source, shall be transported, handled, stored and dispensed in a sanitary manner.

5. Bottled and packaged potable water shall be obtained from a source that complies with all laws and meets the State of Maine Rules Relating to Bottling Water and the Primary Drinking Water Standards. Such bottled and packaged water shall be handled and stored in a way that protects it from contamination. Bottled and packaged potable water shall be dispensed from the original container.

6. Hot and cold water under pressure shall be provided at all sinks and lavatories during the hours of operation. An applicant may be relieved of this requirement upon a demonstration of good cause, approved by the Department.

7. All private water supplies shall be subject to inspection by the Department at all times. Water from such sources shall not be used or supplied to the public unless samples therefrom have been tested and approved within the preceding twelve (12) month period by the Department, or other certified laboratories approved by the Department. Additional tests may be required by the Drinking Water Program. A copy of the water analysis, and other supporting documentation, shall be available for inspection by the Department at all times.

1. Water-Carried Sewage: All water-carried sewage shall be disposed of by means of:

2. Non-Water Carried Sewage disposal facilities shall not be used, except where water carried disposal methods have been determined by the Department to be impractical. Under such conditions, only facilities that have been approved by the Department shall be used, and operation of these facilities shall be in conformance with applicable State and local laws, ordinances and regulations.

1. Screening: Effective control measures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of any and all vermin from the tattoo establishment.

2. Animals: Live animals, including birds and turtles, shall be excluded from the establishment, and from adjacent areas under the control of the license holder. Patrol dogs accompanying security or police officers, guide dogs accompanying handicapped persons, such as guide dogs for the blind or hearing ear guide dogs accompanying deaf and hearing impaired persons or a guide dog trainer, shall be permitted in the establishment. The security person, police officer, handicapped person or guide dog trainer shall be responsible for their dogs in public accommodations.

3. The work station in which tattooing is done shall have an area of not less than 100 square feet. The area designated for the practice of the art of tattooing will be separated from any waiting or common area by a wall or door not less than 4 feet in height.

1. At least 10 foot-candles of light intensity shall be provided at a distance of thirty inches (30") above the floor throughout the tattooing room and at least 25 foot-candles of light shall be maintained at the work station.

1. All floors shall be kept clean and in good repair. All surfaces shall be easily cleanable and smooth.

2. All walls and ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, studs, joists, rafters and similar closures shall be kept clean, in good repair, and be easily cleanable.

3. Light fixtures, decorative material, and similar equipment, and material attached to walls or ceilings, shall be kept clean.

1. A toilet and lavatory shall be located in or adjacent to the tattoo establishment and shall be accessible to the tattoo practitioner and client at all times that the tattooing establishment is open for business. The toilet and lavatory shall not be available to the general public.

2. A lavatory with hot and cold running water, under pressure, preferably from a combination supply fixture shall be located in each workstation where tattooing is performed. Anti-bacterial hand cleanser and disposable sanitary towels shall be provided. (Critical)

3. Toilet rooms shall be vented. 4. The use of common towels and cups shall be prohibited. (Critical)

1. The entire premises and all facilities used in connection therewith shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary, vermin free condition and in good repair.

1. No person shall be licensed to practice the art of tattooing in any temporary place of business, such as agricultural fairs or carnivals. Tents, tent trailers, open-air facilities, and mobile tattoo establishments are prohibited.

2. A state licensed tattoo practitioner may practice the art of tattooing at a tattoo trade show approved by the Department. Approval of the facilities will be at the discretion of the Department and shall be in an approved building with hot and cold running water, handwashing facilities and toilets.