Why licensing matters
Infections from tattooing can be serious and even life-threatening, hepatitis, staph infections, and MRSA have all been linked to tattoos, often caused by dirty needles and unsanitary conditions. That's why tattoo and body-piercing establishments are required to be licensed and inspected by the local board of health. Ohio Administrative Code 3701-9 establishes the minimum standards all operators must follow.
Registered Sanitarians at the Fairfield County Health Department conduct annual facility inspections at all body art establishments in the county, and also investigate reported complaints.
As required by code, persons performing body art services must have appropriate training, including knowledge of sterilization, first aid, and standard precautions for preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infectious diseases.
Apply to operate
- New applicants, information (PDF, opens in a new window)
- Application to operate (fillable PDF) (opens in a new window)
- Plan review application (fillable PDF) (opens in a new window)
- Infection control form (fillable PDF) (opens in a new window)
- Time-limited application (fillable PDF) (opens in a new window)
- Tattoo & piercing rules (ODH) (opens in a new window, leaves this site)