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Body Art

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1. What are some health risks associated with body art procedures?

Tattooing and piercing puts artists at risk of coming in contact with their client's blood. This means artists may also be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These pathogens can make you sick and they can possibly make your family sick, if they are exposed. Some of these diseases are permanent and can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have developed guidance for artists to reduce the risks they may encounter:

2. Do I need a license to perform Body Art?

While individual artists are not required to be licensed at this time, beginning January 1, 2017 all establishments in Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties where body art procedures are being conducted are required to obtain a Tri-County Health Department Body Art Establishment license.

3. What are the local regulations for Body Art facilities?

Tri-County Health Department Rules and Regulations for Body Art Establishments Regulation No. BA-16, Effective date: January 1, 2017.

4. How do I open a Body Art facility in Tri-County Health Department’s jurisdiction?

You must complete and submit a Body Art Establishment License Application to Tri-County Health Department. A pre-opening inspection by Tri-County Health Department is required; any violations noted during the inspection must be corrected and all applicable fees must be paid prior to the approval of the license and operation of the establishment.

5. Can I open up a Body Art facility in my own home?

Section 5-516 of the Tri-County Health Department Rules and Regulations for Body Art requires that all body art establishments shall be completely separated from areas used for human habitation. If you wish to open a Body Art facility, contact your local TCHD Environmental Health office for more information.

6. What can be done about someone tattooing from their home/unlicensed facility?

Contact your local TCHD Environmental Health office so a Body Art inspector can investigate and take appropriate action.

7. Can I report a Body Art facility if they are performing body art on underage persons?

Contact TCHD and the local police agency where the offense occurred for enforcement. See Colorado Revised Statutes 25-4-2103, Parental Consent for Minors.

8. What is the easiest way to obtain the hepatitis B vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine is a 3 shot series and can usually be obtained by contacting your healthcare provider. Tri-County Health Department offers the hepatitis B vaccine as well. You can also make an appointment with the Health Department to receive the vaccine by calling 303-451-0123.

9. Can Tri-County Health Department recommend a Body Art facility?

While Tri-County Health Department cannot provide recommendations of where to have a body art procedure performed, our website does list the prior inspection results for those facilities within our jurisdiction.

10. Is blood borne training required by the Tri-County Health Department?

Yes. If you will be performing body art procedures, a bloodborne pathogen course certification documentation is required within 90 days of being hired as a body artist. Body artists are also required to possess and demonstrate knowledge of Universal Precautions, disinfection and sterilization techniques, procedures for infection and exposure control, and are also required to have a waste management plan. These topics are taught in most bloodborne pathogen training courses.

Note: Other courses, upon notification by the Body Artist prior to taking the course, may be approved after review by TCHD; these courses must meet the definition of bloodborne pathogen course from BA-16, Section 1-103(f). Call your local TCHD Environmental Health office for more information.

11. How often will my Body Art facility be inspected?

Unannounced inspections are conducted once per calendar year, at a minimum; depending on the number and nature of any violations found during a routine inspections, Tri-County Health Department may inspect the facility at an increased frequency. In addition to routine inspections, the Body Art facility may be inspected pursuant to any complaints received by the Department.

12. What are the inspection fees?

See the Environmental Health Fees section of this website for the current license fees.

13. Will Tri-County Health Department pro-rate the inspection fee?

No. Tri-County Health Department does not pro-rate any fees.

14. Will the Tri-County Health Department accept partial payments?

No. Please arrange to pay the entire fee at one time. In addition to cash and check payment, Tri-County Health Department will accept credit card payments over the phone and through our online payment site .

15. How do I know that my tattoo procedure will be conducted in a sanitary manner?

The FDA has extensive online resources for body art consumers.
You can also view prior inspection reports on the Tri-County Health Department website. By reviewing these reports, you can gain a better understanding of what to look for and what questions to ask.

16. I recently got a tattoo and I think the area is becoming infected. What should I do?

Signs of infection can include: thick yellow or green discharge coming from the body art site, continued oozing or bleeding, red streaks or hot sensation around the site, pain that increases over time, or unusual swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a physician immediately.

17. Are there any concerns about getting a tattoo while pregnant?

If you are pregnant, consult with your health care provider before getting a tattoo.

18. Are there any concerns about getting x-rays if I have tattoos?

Consult your physician for specific effects of x-rays on tattoos.

19. What are the risks of using a home piercing kit?

Home piercing kits are readily available on the internet but may put users at an increased risk of infection and contracting certain diseases.

20. Can I donate blood after getting a tattoo?

The American Association of Blood Banks will not currently accept blood donations until one year after a person has received a tattoo.

21. Does Tri-County Health Department inspect at temporary body art events?

Yes. On-site inspections will be conducted during the event to ensure compliance. Artists participating in temporary body art events must comply with all applicable sections of the Tri-County Health Department Rules and Regulations for Body Art Establishments Regulation No. BA-16.  A Temporary Event License Application must be completed and submitted by the event coordinator to TCHD at least thirty (30) days prior to the proposed start date of the event. For more information, contact your local TCHD Environmental Health office.

22. Does Tri-County Health Department inspect mobile body art establishments?

Yes. Section 10-1001 of the Tri-County Health Department Rules and Regulations for Body Art Establishments requires mobile body art establishments to obtain a Body Art Establishment License. Mobile body art establishments must comply with all applicable sections of the Tri-County Health Department Rules and Regulations for Body Art Establishments Regulation No. BA-16 and must receive an annual licensing inspection from Tri-County Health Department. The Body Art Establishment License Application can be found here: Body Art License Application. For more information, contact your local TCHD Environmental Health office.