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Georgia Body Art Regulations
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Georgia Body Art Regulations
Georgia Body Art Regulations
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1
Question
What do these body art rules do?
Page 3
Answer
They set safety rules, require studio permits and inspections, and allow penalties—including taking away certifications or permits.
2
Question
What counts as body art under these rules?
Page 4
Answer
Tattoos and piercings done for looks or cosmetic reasons. Some medical procedures are excluded, unless done by someone licensed by the Georgia Medical Composite Board.
3
Question
What does body artist certification allow someone to do?
Page 5
Answer
It shows they are qualified to do body art under these rules at a permitted studio.
4
Question
What types of studio permits can the Health Authority issue?
Page 5
Answer
Tattoo, piercing, and microblading permits.
5
Question
How must a studio separate its cleaning room from other areas?
Page 5
Answer
Use doors, nonabsorbent curtains, or another approved barrier. It must reach the ceiling or be at least eight feet high.
6
Question
Which autoclaves can sterilize body art tools and jewelry?
Page 4
Answer
Class B or Class S autoclaves, or another medical-grade autoclave the manufacturer approves for that use.
7
Question
How often must an autoclave pass a spore test?
Page 6
Answer
At least every 40 hours of use, and at least once a month.
8
Question
Why is reusing a single-use item a serious violation?
Page 6
Answer
It is listed as a critical violation because it can seriously threaten health and safety.
9
Question
What must a studio do if an artist has exposed infectious sores on their hands or arms?
Page 6
Answer
Do not let the artist perform body art. Not restricting the artist is a critical violation.
10
Question
Which bloodborne viruses are listed in the rules?
Page 4
Answer
Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV.
11
Question
When is an item or surface considered contaminated?
Page 5
Answer
When it has, or is expected to have, blood, possibly infectious material, or harmful chemicals on it.
12
Question
What kinds of discarded items count as biomedical waste?
Page 4
Answer
Removed human tissue; certain blood, body fluids, or biological waste; sharps that can cut or puncture; and equipment that touched infectious material and was not decontaminated.
13
Question
When do bloodied wipes or paper towels count as biomedical waste?
Page 4
Answer
If squeezing them could release blood or infectious material as liquid or semi-liquid, they count. Small amounts that do not drip when squeezed are excluded.
14
Question
What is the difference between decontamination and disinfection?
Page 7
Answer
Decontamination removes or destroys bloodborne germs until an item is safe to handle or use. Disinfection kills disease-causing germs on objects or surfaces.
15
Question
What gloves must artists wear for body art?
Page 7
Answer
Single-use, medical-grade gloves labeled for surgery or examination. Vinyl gloves are not allowed.
16
Question
What jewelry safety standard applies to first piercings for people over 12?
Page 10
Answer
ASTM F2999.
17
Question
What jewelry safety standard applies to first piercings for people age 12 or younger?
Page 10
Answer
ASTM F2923.
18
Question
What is eyebrow microblading and what is it used for?
Page 10
Answer
A handheld or powered needle tool puts ink into the top three layers of skin. It can shape, fill in, extend, or make eyebrows look fuller.
19
Question
What procedures count as tattooing under these rules?
Page 12
Answer
Cosmetic tattoos and eyebrow microblading count. Tattooing puts lasting pigment or dye under the skin to mark or color it.
20
Question
What does it mean to use universal precautions?
Page 13
Answer
Treat all blood and body fluids as if they may carry bloodborne germs, and take steps to stop them from spreading.
21
Question
How is sterilizing different from sanitizing?
Page 11
Answer
Sterilizing destroys all microbes, including hard-to-kill spores. Sanitizing a cleaned surface lowers germs to a safe level using an EPA-registered sanitizer as its label directs.
22
Question
How does a spore test check an autoclave?
Page 12
Answer
Resistant spores are put through the autoclave. A third-party lab checks them and provides proof of whether the autoclave sterilized properly.
23
Question
What does a sterilization indicator tell you—and what does it not tell you?
Page 12
Answer
It shows the needed temperature was reached. It does not prove the tools were sterilized; a spore test checks that.
24
Question
What makes an item single-use?
Page 12
Answer
It is disposable, used once for one person, and thrown away after use.
25
Question
When can a studio avoid using an ultrasonic cleaner and autoclave?
Page 14
Answer
When it uses packaged, sterile, disposable, single-use jewelry and tools, and has enough paperwork from the manufacturer.
26
Question
What must happen before a studio permit is issued?
Page 13
Answer
The Health Authority must get a complete application and fees, approve the plans, and inspect the studio to make sure it follows the rules.
27
Question
How early must a studio apply before construction or major changes?
Page 14
Answer
At least fourteen days before work starts.
28
Question
What written safety procedures must a studio have before getting a permit?
Page 15
Answer
Procedures for sterilizing tools, staff health and substance use, cleaning, waste, records, client screening and aftercare, exposure control, accidents and first aid, and water outages.
29
Question
Can someone under 18 get a tattoo?
Page 17
Answer
No.
30
Question
Which body art procedures are not allowed because they cut out tissue or use scalpel-like tools?
Page 17
Answer
Procedures that permanently remove tissue or need medical tools such as scalpels or dermal punches are not allowed. Needles or other tools cannot be used like a scalpel.