Iowa Code r. 481-492.6 - Procedures

Tattoo establishments shall comply with the following:

(1) Tattoo establishments will establish a written standard operating procedure (SOP) that includes the process for setup and tear down of tattoo procedures. The SOP focuses on procedures of hygiene and cross-contamination control.

(2) For privacy purposes and at the patron's request, establishments have in place or readily available a nontransparent panel or other barrier of sufficient height and width to effectively separate the patron from any unwanted observers or waiting patrons.

(3) Tattoo artists scrub their hands thoroughly before beginning the tattoo procedure. Tattoo artists dry their hands with individual single-use towels or hand dryer.

(4) Tattoo artists wear clean garments and disposable latex, nitrile, chloroprene, or vinyl gloves during the tattoo procedure. Gloves are changed after each tattoo. Tattoo artists wash their hands before and after each tattoo procedure.

(5) All items with which the gloved hands of the tattoo artist would normally come into contact during the tattooing procedure have appropriate barrier films covering them, including clip cords, squeeze bottles, seat adjustment controls, power control dials or buttons, and work lamps.

(6) The skin area to be tattooed is first cleansed with soap and water. Single-use towels or sponges (gauze) are used during the cleansing procedure.

(7) Before placing the tattoo design on the patron's skin, the tattoo artist prepares the skin with 70 percent ethyl or isopropyl alcohol solution or an equally effective antiseptic or antimicrobial.

(8) Tattooing is not performed on any area where there is evidence of skin infection, irritation, or abnormalities.

(9) After the tattooing is completed, the tattoo artist:

a. Applies an adequate dressing or bandage to the tattoo area.

b. Provides to the persons tattooed printed aftercare instructions regarding tattoo care during the healing process.

c. Thoroughly cleans the machine head with an acceptable disinfectant and sprays an acceptable surface disinfectant over the work area during the clean-up procedures before the area is set up for the next tattoo procedure.

Notes

Iowa Code r. 481-492.6

ARC 7832C, IAB 4/17/2024, effective 5/22/2024; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 4/2/2025