Division of Environmental Health Food Safety and Sanitation Program

Body Art

Body Art in Alaska

In Alaska, body art facilities are locations where tattooing, piercing, and permanent cosmetic coloring services are provided. These facilities are regulated by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for regulating the safety and sanitation of body art facilities. Environmental Health Officers in the Food Safety and Sanitation program inspect facilities across the state and can provide information about operating body art facilities in Alaska.

The Board of Barbers and Hairdressers is responsible for regulating the training and professional activities of body art facility operators and staff.

Certificate of Sanitary Standards

A body art facility may not operate in Alaska without a current Certificate of Sanitary Standards issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

A Certificate of Sanitary Standards is valid for one year from the date it was issued, unless one of the following circumstances apply:

• The Department suspends or revokes the certificate;
• The owner or operator of the facility changes;
• The facility is extensively remodeled; or
• The facility is temporary (certificates are only valid for the duration of a convention or special event).

A Certificate of Sanitary Standards is not transferrable.

State Inspection Checklist

The list below describes the items that are checked during State inspections of body art facilities.

Records, Standard Operating Procedures, and Notification

• Written inventory and sanitary procedures available; case history on premises
• Spore destruction tests performed as required; records kept
• Department notified of infection, allergic reaction, or injury as required

Operations

• Multi-use instruments and jewelry cleaned, sanitized, sterilized, and stored as required
• Minimum standards for antiseptic use for body piercing followed
• Single-use items properly labeled, stored, used, and disposed of and not used on more than one client
• Equipment, supplies, and products used, operated, cleaned, stored, sanitized, and maintained as required; manufacturer's recommendations or instructions on premises; prohibited items not used
• Storage areas and work surfaces kept clean/sanitized
• Products and preparations kept in labeled, clean, closed containers and protected from contamination

Personnel

• Hands washed and clean; single use gloves provided and used as required; good hygienic practices followed; clean clothing
• Trained where required; practitioners with infections restricted

Facility Requirements

• No smoking and complaint signs posted
• Prohibited animals excluded, only authorized persons in procedure area
• Clean, good repair, solid waste disposed of as required, free of pests
• Medical waste disposed of as required
• Hand sink installed, maintained, used, and kept clean
• Plumbing sized, installed, and maintained as required; utility, instrument sinks provided; toilet rooms designed and maintained as required
• Facility design, construction, ventilation, and lighting
• Water supply system and wastewater system compliant; hot and cold water under pressure provided

Regulatory References

• 18 AAC 23 Hair and Body Art Schools and Shops
• 12 AAC 09 Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
• 12 AAC 02 General Occupational Licensing Functions

Resources and Contacts