There is no requirement for individuals to have a state license to tattoo in Ohio. But not so fast – your county public health department may have their own rules and require individual permits, for example some require proof of apprenticeships or the payment of a fee.
Although there is no general tattoo license required in Ohio, in practice, according to the Ohio Administrative Code, all employees of a licensed body piercing or body art facility must receive training and certification in Bloodborne Pathogens, sterilization, first aid, and CPR. These are generally the requirements for getting a tattoo license in any state.
Required Training for Tattoo Artists in Ohio
You can find specific training required by your local health department by finding it here.
Blood Borne Pathogens Training for Tattoo Artists
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are present in human blood and other body fluids and can cause disease in humans. These diseases can be spread through contact with contaminated blood or OPIM by various methods. BBP can pose a very real danger to tattoo artists and their clients.
In fact, the danger is well recognized and OSHA has a federal requirement that any employee at risk of exposure must receive training. This is documented in the OSHA BBP Standard.
Bloodborne pathogens training is designed to educate body art practitioners about the dangers of these pathogens and how to identify, mitigate and properly dispose of them.
The training will cover a range of topics, including how to safely handle and dispose of contaminated needles, how to clean and disinfect equipment, and what to do in the event of exposure to blood or OPIM.
It is also strongly recommended that tattoo and body artists receive vaccination against Hepatitis B.
Basic First Aid and CPR Training
First aid and CPR training is mandated as it provides artists with the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively respond to a medical emergency incident. These courses will cover topics like how to assess a situation, how to provide basic CPR and use an AED device.
Sterilization for the Prevention of Disease Transmission Training
Tattoo artists must be aware of the potential of transmitting diseases to their clients. One of the most important measures to mitigate this risk is proper sterilization procedures.
This training will cover how to correctly clean and sterilize equipment via autoclave devices, and how to maintain a clean work environment.
Tattoo Specific Training (Some Counties)
Depending on your county, you might be required to undertake a specific tattoo training program or apprenticeship.
Ohio Regulations for Tattooing and Body Piercing Studios
Requirements for facilities vary depending on where they are located and the type of services that they provide.
Under state law, all facilities that engage in procedures like tattooing, body piercing, and other invasive body art procedures must have:
- a working hand sink with both hot and cold running water.
- a smooth (non-porous), washable floor.
Applicants seeking to have their facilities licensed to operate should contact their county departments of health.
In general, getting licensed requires the submission of:
- An application that must include:
- Written proof from the zoning authority in your city
- Current BBP, CPR and First Aid training certificates for all site workers
- Proof of an apprenticeship or training program in body art
- A plan review request form
- Floor plan showing facility layout
- Copies of parental consent forms, procedure record forms, and aftercare information.
- Infection Prevention Control Plan.
- Log for autoclave loads
- Log demonstrating employees have received proper training on the program for sanitation and skin safety at the site.
- Application fee (County specific)
