Body Art Facility Inspection

Who regulates and inspects body art businesses?

Legislation known as “The Safe Body Art Act” revised California Health & Safety Code, Sections 119300-119327, on October 9, 2011 and instituted a uniform set of standards for the body art industry.     As of July 1, 2012, all body art facilities and practitioners are required to be in compliance with California Health & Safety Code, Section 119300-119327.    For a copy of the current regulation please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0251-0300/ab_300_bill_20111009_chaptered.pdf (PDF)

The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services, Environmental Health and Safety Section is the local enforcement agency designated to enforce the California Health & Safety Code related to Body Art within Sonoma County.

These laws apply to all body art practices, including piercing, tattoos, permanent cosmetics, and branding.  Body art must be performed in a safe and sanitary manner to prevent the potential for spreading bloodborne diseases and other infections.  The Sonoma County Body Art program’s intent is to promote and protect the health and safety of body art practitioners, their clients and the public.

Body Art facility and practictioner Permit, Registration & Inspection Requirements:

1. All business owners/operators of fixed facilities, mobile units, and temporary events must obtain a health permit annually.
2. All body artists must be registered annually.
3. All facilities and practitioners must operate in accordance with the applicable laws (California Health and Safety Code, Sections 119300-119327).
4. All permitted facilities will receive annual inspections.

To apply for a health permit for a facility or to register as a practitioner, please submit a complete application package as outlined below:

Health Permit Application Procedures for a Facility

1. Submit a completed Body Art Facility Health Permit Application (PDF)
2. Submit the appropriate fee payable to the County of Sonoma Environmental Health and Safety Section. (Provide link to fees)
3. Submit a copy of the facilities Infection Prevention Control Plan as required by the California Health and Safety Code, Section 119313.
4. Facility Plans must be submitted and approved for new construction or remodel of a facility.

When all of these requirements are approved, the owner/operator will receive a health permit for the facility.  The health permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.  The health permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the facility.

Registration Application Procedures for Practitioners

1. Submit a completed Body Art Practitioner Registration Application. (PDF)
2. Submit the appropriate fee payable to the County of Sonoma Environmental Health and Safety Division. (Fees link)
3. Provide copies of the following:
4. Evidence of completion of an OSHA bloodborne pathogen course consistent with      the California Health and Safety Code, Section 119307.
5. Evidence of current hepatitis B vaccination, including applicable booster, unless hepatitis B immunity can be demonstrated, or a hepatitis B vaccination declination form.
6. A drivers license or photo ID.  Practitioners must be 18 years of age or older.
7. For first time registrants, documentation providing evidence of a minimum of six months of industry related experience as approved by the Local Enforcement Agency.  This documentation must include dates, type of work experience, location of work, and the name and contact information of the registrant’s supervisor.

When all these conditions are met, the registrant will be issued a registration certificate.  Registration is valid for one year from the date of issuance and allows the artist to practice within Sonoma County at any permitted body art facility.  Practitioners must be registered with the Sonoma County Environmental Health & Safety Section prior to practicing body art in Sonoma County.  Practitioners are required to renew their registration annually and display the registration certificate in the body art facility where the practitioner is performing body art.

Listed below are links to forms and information:

Is body art safe?

Possible health risk complications of body art include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Bacterial and/or viral infections of the skin or other parts of the body
• Mild to fatal allergic reactions

In addition to the risk of infection and allergic reaction, there is growing concern regarding the toxicity of certain heavy metals and pigments associated with some dyes used in tattooing, including aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, cobalt, lead, nickel, selenium, and titanium.

How can I reduce the risk to my health?

Health risk is reduced when utilizing a body artist who:

• Practices in a clean and hygienic environment
• Uses safe equipment and inks
• Sterilizes equipment
• Wears a fresh pair of disposable latex gloves

Health risk is also reduced when the person receiving the body art rigorously follows after-care wound protocol.

My child wants to pierce or tattoo their body. Can I prevent this?

Existing law (California Penal Code, section 653) provides that it is a crime to tattoo or offer to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years, except when authorized or prescribed by a physician's statement. California Penal Code, section 652, prohibits piercing body parts of minors under the age of 18, unless the parent or guardian is present or the minor provides notarized written consent from a parent or guardian. Local law enforcement investigates such crimes.