New regulations in Washington officially begin July 1, 2010.
Opening a tattoo shop anywhere is a challenge for the entrepreneurial body artist. In the state of Washington,new rules enact stricter regulations for the operation of a tattoo or piercing operation. Beginning July 2010, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) will require all tattoo shops and individual artists to have a license for providing tattoos and other body art. Chapter 18.300 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) details the legal responsibilities of shop owners and tattoo artists.
Instructions
Get a Shop
1. Review zoning rules for your area for any restrictions on the placement of a tattoo shop. Avoid areas where a tattoo studio might be challenged by local property owners.
2. Find a suitable business location that meets legal requirements for a tattoo shop in Washington. A tattoo shop must provide toilet facilities for customers, provide adequate storage for sterilization materials, meet state and local fire codes, and keep any residential areas wholly separate from rooms in which tattooing will be performed.
3. Acquire all sterilization equipment required by the health department.
Comply with Local Laws
4. Review Washington Administration Code Chapter 308-22 and RCW Chapter 18.300. Ensure that your property and shop design follow the legal requirements of tattoo shop layout and health codes.
5. Obtain liability insurance necessary to operate a tattooing business. Insurance companies specialized in professional cosmetics and body art industries can provide counsel in the best packages available.
6. Complete blood-borne pathogen training course meeting Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Obtain certificate of completion upon fulfillment of course requirements.
7. Apply for a body art shop owner license with the Washington Department of Licensing. Fill out the form and prepare to submit payment after inspection.
8. Schedule a licensing and health code inspection with the Washington DOL, providing certificate of insurance and blood-borne pathogen training during the meeting. Pay license application fee upon inspection approval.
Open Shop
9. Hire artists over age 18 who have or will receive body art licenses before beginning to work. Contract artists may be required to provide their own materials but must have access to sterilization equipment approved by the board of health.
10. Display all shop licenses in the shop's reception hall before opening. Each artist must post their individual licenses at their workstations
11. Open your doors! Keep your needles clean, work areas neat, and insurance and licenses up-to-date.
Tags: tattoo shop, blood-borne pathogen, blood-borne pathogen training, Department Licensing, July 2010, legal requirements, legal requirements tattoo