Utah State Regulations on Tattoos
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures
tattooing a minor without parental consent is against the law. This is the only
actual law put into place about who can receive a tattoo. There isn’t any for
who can give one.
This offers only a small protection to a vast majority of
issues that come with a lack of regulations. Currently anyone can operate a
tattoo machine without any specific licensing. The health department only
regulates tattoo facilities and requires tattoo artists (operators) to have
certifications in blood borne pathogens and CPR/First Aid. While these are good
to have, they aren’t exactly difficult to get online. These requirements also
can vary from county to county. So, becoming a tattoo artist is relatively easy
in the state of Utah. These regulations are also not heavily enforced in Utah,
many shops pop up and begin tattooing without even getting a proper permit.
What this means for you as a consumer is that your risks of
getting a bad tattoo and an infection along with it are pretty high.
It is crucial to do your research on not only the artist
that you are selecting but also the studio. You want a highly established
studio or shop, that is clean, friendly, and will allow you to check the place
out prior to making any appointment. You’ll want to research your artist. How
long have they been tattooing? Where did they come from? Did they have an
apprenticeship? Do they have the necessary certifications by the health
department?
Important things to look for:
-Cleanliness
-Covering on equipment, while a tattoo is being preformed
any surface that an artist could touch during the process is completely
covered. This includes trays, machines, bottles, and cords. Also, the surface
where the client is being tattooed. This is necessary to avoid cross
contamination that can lead to a serious infection.
-Permits displayed where they can be seen by the public.
Giving a tattoo in any location that is not permitted as a
Body Art Establishment is a Class B misdemeanor in the state of Utah. So, your
friend’s boyfriend who is trying his hand at body art isn’t just a bad idea
it’s illegal.
Due to the lack of regulations it is up to the consumer to
do their research and make a smart decision. Lucky Bamboo Tattoo’s owner Jared
Preslar has acknowledged the danger and is currently seeking to create more
regulations in Utah out of concern for the public’s health and safety. Creating
awareness is only the first step to change.
-Lucky Bamboo Tattoo
