Code Enforcement : Body Art

BODY ART ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION PROGRAM

All Body Art Establishments within the Town of Salem are required to meet the licensing requirements established in the Salem Municipal Code, Chapter 284. Body Art includes body piercing and tattooing. Other forms of body art, which are prohibited in Salem unless performed by a licensed physician, include branding, permanent make-up, and body piercing below the waist. Also, the tattooing of minors (under age 18) is prohibited. Parental consent does not constitute an exemption to this requirement.

All body art facilities must be properly licensed by the Town of Salem prior to operation. In addition, all body art practitioners must be individually licensed by the town as well as the State of NH. Practitioners must have successfully completed a course in the methods and techniques for the proper sterilization of instruments and materials used in body piercing and tattooing. The code establishes additional criteria the establishment and practitioners must meet including:

• Clean rooms and equipment.

   

• Employees must be familiar with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Rule and practice Universal Precautions.

   

• Artists must utilize a new pair of disposable gloves for each patron.

   

• Unless disposable, all instruments used for body art must be sterilized before use on each customer.

   

• Proper and sufficient lighting must be provided.

   

• Hot and cold running water must be provided.

   

• Toilet facilities must be provided.

   

• Hours of operation posted and all doors unlocked during business hours.

   

• Written instructions regarding proper care of the tattoo/body piercing site must be given to each patron.

Routine, unannounced inspections are conducted of all licensed establishments once per year by the Health Department. A copy of the inspection report is provided for the person in charge and issues of non-compliance are discussed. Failure to comply with violations in a timely fashion may lead to suspension of the establishment license.