TOWN OF MILFORD BOARD OF HEALTH
RATIONALE: The Town of Milford is promulgating rules and regulations which provide minimum requirements to be met by any person performing body piercing upon any individual and for any establishment where body piercing is performed. These requirements shall include, but not be limited to, general sanitation of premises wherein body piercing is to be performed and sterilization of instruments. These rules and regulations are necessary to protect the public9s health by preventing diseases, specifically including, but not limited to transmission of hepatitis B and/or human immunodeficiency virus .
In addition, these rules and regulations shall establish procedures for registration with the Milford Board of Health (MBH) of all persons performing body piercing, for the requirement of minimal training standards for the prevention of disease transmission and for knowledge of anatomy and physiology, for regular inspection of premises wherein body piercing is performed, and for revocation of the registration of any person or establishment deemed in violation of the rules and regulations promulgated under this section. An annual, non-transferable registration fee set the Town of Milford shall be paid by any person or establishment registered under this section.
SECTION 1- DEFINITION
1. “Body piercing” shall mean any method of inserting a needle into the body to place jewelry in the
perforation produced by the needle. Establishments and/or individuals involved in the piercing of
earlobes (onlv) using approved ear piercing guns are subject onlv to the General Rules and
Regulations found under Section 2 of this ordinance.
2. “Body Piercer” shall mean any person who performs piercing of any part of body other than the
earlobe which is pierced by use of an appropriate piercing gun.
3. “Body Piercer Certificate of Registration” means issuance of a written instrument authorizing
the person named therein to engage in the work of body piercing.
4 Operator shall mean any person who owns, controls, operates, conducts or manages any
piercing establishment, whether actually performing the work of piercing or not.
5. ‘Miinor”shall mean any person under the age of eighteen (18).
6. ‘Piercing Studio” shall mean any room or space where piercing is practiced or where the business
of piercing is conducted or any part thereof.
7 “Antibacterial Solution” means any solution used to retard the growth of bacteria approved for
application to human skin and includes all products so labeled.
8. “Germicidal Solution” means any solution which destroys germs, and is so labeled.
9. “Sterilization” means holding in an autoclave for thirty (30) minutes, at twenty (20) pounds
pressure, at a temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit
10. “Sanitary” means clean and free of agents of infection or disease.
11. “Sanitized” means effective bacterial treatment by a process that provides sufficient
concentration of chemicals for enough time to reduce the bacteria count including pathogens to a
safe level on equipment.
12. “MBH” means the Milford Board of Health.
SECTION 2 – GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING BODY PIERCING
1. No minors shall receive body piercing, (“minor” shall mean any person under the age of
eighteen years), unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has signed a consent form.
No piercing of the genitalia of minors shall be allowed.
2. No piercing of animals shall be allowed in piercing studios.
3. Pre-procedural consultation to discuss body piercing, its risks and potential complications shall be required with each client. An informed consent form shall be signed by all clients. Clients shall be
supplied a copy of the consent form and the consent form shall be kept on file by the body piercer.
Clients should be told to consult with their physician regarding any medical condition which could
be exacerbated by the piercing procedures (i.e., hemophilia, open sores, etc.).
4. Patrons who admit to or are obviously under the influence of alcohol or other judgement
altering drugs shall not receive a body piercing.
5. Body piercers shall not be under the influence of any substance, legal or illegal which might impair their judgement or ability to properly perform body
piercing.
6. Patrons should receive verbal and written instructions on the cleaning, use of antiseptics and other
specific instructions for each piercing after the piercing, including the signs and symptoms of
complications.
7 Appropriate disinfectants must be used to disinfect the surface of the skin in the area to be
pierced, prior to piercing.
8. Infections and adverse reactions of any kind suspected from the application of piercing which
become known to the body piercer shall be reported to the Milford Board of Health within 24
hours and the patron referred to a physician for examination.
9. Body piercers who receive needle stick injuries and/or any potential exposure to blood-borne
pathogens on the job shall follow OSHA guidelines on the reporting and follow up on needle stick
injuries. OSHA guidelines for needle stick follow up shall be posted in employee area. (Code of
Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.1030 (f)).
10. It is required that body piercers receive the series of Hepatitis B vaccinations and
tetanus doses or booster shot.
11. The gun used for the piercing of ear lobes only must be disinfected with an EPA-approved d
disinfectant such as madicide or a similar product.
Failure to comply with any of the above regulations may result in immediate revocation of
registration.
SECTION 3 – BODY PIERCER REGISTRATION.
1. No person, or body piercer shall perform body piercing, display a sign or in any other way
advertise or purport to be a body piercer unless that person holds a valid certificate of registration
with the Milford Board of Health.
2. An applicant for registration or renewal shall pay a fee as established by the Milford Board of
Health and shall show to the satisfaction of the MBH that the applicant
a. Has complied with the applicable rules on the Milford Board of Health.
b. Upon application, has provided evidence in the form of a drivers license/state
identification card or federal identification card that applicant is not less than 18
years of age. A photocopy of the I.D. shall be on file.
c. Upon application, has signed a form consenting to abide by the rules and
regulations and recommended procedures on the prevention of disease transmission
in body piercing, sanitation, sterilization, handling of infections, universal body fluid
precautions) sharp and biologic waste disposal and wound care as stated in the
Federal Register of EPA Rules and Regulations on Blood borne Pathogens.
d. Upon application, shall notify the Milford Board of Health in writing of the regular
address of the place where the person performs or intends to perform body piercing
and shall keep the registration certificate conspicuously posted in the place of
business at all times. Body piercers shall operated only out of facilities licensed to
perform body piercing. Body piercers shall be required to demonstrate proper
sanitary procedures and to develop and submit their policy on infection control to
the Milford Board of Health.
SECTION 4- MINIMAL TRAINING
Body piercers and their employees must show evidence or current certification and completing of
courses in the first two areas) prior to receipt of a certificate of registration.
1. Basic Training in First Aid and advanced CPR as well as proof of attendance at required renewal courses.
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2. Completion of a course on Prevention of Disease Transmission and Blood borne Pathogens,
conducted by an instructor trained and sufficiently knowledgeable to teach this OSHA course.
Such knowledge shall include the requirements of standards 29 CFR 19010.1030.
3. Body piercer registration shall expire on December 31 of each year.
4. The place of business shall meet all other department requirements.
5. Liability Insurance is strongly recommended for Body Piercers.
6. Body piercers must present evidence of at least one year of apprenticeship experience with no
history of their piercing causing short or long term health problems. Apprentices must register with
the Health Board when beginning the apprenticeship.
SECTION 5- FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
1. FACILITY
a. Facilities must be located in area zoned for business.
b. Studio design, furniture, lighting, plumbing, water and sewage must be in accordance with
local ordinances.
c. With the exception of service animals (e.g. guide dogs); no animals should be
allowed on the premises.
d. The floor and all other surfaces shall be, at all times maintained in a clean condition. The
walls and ceilings shall be kept clean in good repair at all times. Light fixtures, decorative
materials and similar equipment attached to the walls or ceilings shall be kept clean.
e. Adequate ventilation (such as air conditioning, etc.) to keep the area dry and air
circulating should be used. (“Adequate Ventilation” shall mean a free and unrestricted
circulation of fresh air throughout the body piercing studio and the expulsion of foul or
stagnant air.) The use of a H.E.P.A. ventilation system is highly recommended.
f; Convenient, clean, and sanitary toilet and hand washing facilities shall be made
accessible to customers. A sign shall be posted in the bathroom which forbids insertion or
handling or piercing/jewelry. The plumbing fixtures and toilet room shall be maintained in a
sanitary manner and in good repair. Single service hand towels or mechanical means for
hand drying shall be provided.
g. In accordance with state regulations proper biologic waste and sharp disposal of single-use
items and needles exposed to body fluids shall be required. Only medical grade sharps
containers that are puncture-resistant, with tight-fitting-lids acceptable.
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h. Body piercers shall be equipped with appropriate sterilizing equipment.(i.e. a
working steam autoclave). Autoclaves must be spore tested monthly by independent
laboratories to insure they are working adequately.
i. Body piercers shall be equipped with appropriate cleansing equipment. (i.e. a
working ultrasonic cleaner.)
2. WORK AREA
a. Each body piercing studio shall have a separate work area not used for any other purpose.
No one shall be pierced at any other location in the studio other than the work area.
c. No customer should be allowed to perform their own piercing/insertions anywhere on the
premises.
d. Work areas shall not be used as a corridor for access to other rooms.
e. The area where body piercing is to be applied must be performed in a separate room.
f The floors, chairs and table tops where body piercing equipment and body piercing
work is done should be non-porous. Carpet is not permitted as a floor covering in the work
area where the body piercing is applied.
g. The work area should be well lighted. Work areas shall have at least fifty (50) foot candles
of light measured at the height of the work table.
h. Facilities shall be equipped with sinks and basins with hot and cold running water for the
exclusive use of the piercers for washing their hands and preparing their clients for body
piercing.
1. A covered waste receptacle with disposable liner bags shall be located in the work area.
j. No person shall smoke, consume any food or drink in the work area.
k. No other activities, (such as hair styling, etc.) shall be performed in any room designated
for body piercing.
SECTION 6- OPE~ON PROCEDURES FOR STUDIOS~ BODY PIERCERS
1. SANITARY PROCEDURES BEFORE BODY PIERCING
Body Piercers Shall:
a. Complete all business transactions.
b. Complete client consent forms and provide a copy to the client
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Regarding Piercers Jewelry:
a. Client and piercer should have appropriate size and quality jewelry chosen before the
procedure begins.
b. Only appropriate jewelry should be used in piercing. Appropriate jewelry is made
of implant grade, high quality surgical stainless steel (316 E series), solid 14k or 18k gold,
niobium) titanium, platinum. Appropriate jewelry has no nicks, scratches, or irregular
surfaces which might endanger the tissues.
c. Ear studs or other jewelry designed for earlobe piercing are not appropriate jewelry for
other body parts and must not be used by piercers.
2. HAND WASHING & GENERAL HEALTH
Before working on each patron, the body piercer shall:
a. Inspect hands for small cuts and abrasions.
b. Refrain from body piercing or handling equipment if they have open sores, weeping
dermatitis or lesions on hands or arms until the condition has cleared.
c. Refrain from body piercing until the condition has cleared, if they have a cold, flu or other
communicable disease.
d. Wash hands, wrists and up to elbows with antibacterial solution.
e. Dry hands thoroughly with single use disposable towel such as a paper towel or air dry
under a heat dryer.
f Put on medical-grade latex (or its equivalent) gloves.
SECTION 7- BODY PIERCING PROCEDURES
Bodv Piercers Shall:
a. Set up equipment in front of client.
b. Sealed autoclave bags containing any equipment required to be sterile, shall be opened in
front of~e client, and the autoclave bag discarded.
c. All jewelry contaminated with only airborne pathogens (not previously worn or
contaminated) should be disinfected with a non-hazardous hard-surface disinfectant
approved by the E.P.A. All jewelry contaminated or potentially contaminated with blood
borne pathogens (previously worn by another person) should be autoclaved, stored in
sterile indicator bags, sealed and dated.
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d. All needles used in piercing must be pre-sterilized , used on one person, in one sitting, for
single piercing and immediately disposed of in a medical sharps container.
e. All forceps, tubes, etc. must be pre-sterilized stored in sterile indicator bags, sealed and
dated, used on one person, in one sitting. After one such use, they must be autoclaved and
stored in sterile indicator bags, sealed and dated.
SECTION 8- DISINFECTION ROUTINE
Bodv Piercers Shall:
a. Put on fresh gloves for disinfection routine.
b. Move in a such manner to avoid re-contamination of surfaces.
c. Discard disposable items and remove from areas.
d. Remove plastic barrier film (if used) and disinfect surface areas, drawer pulls, cabinetry,
telephones, lamps, chairs) sinks, ultrasonic tanks, tables, chairs, floor area and any other
surfaces that might have become contaminated.
e. Dispose of single use (disposable) lap cloths.
f. Remove gloves, wash hands and discard gloves.
g. Double bag or use bio-hazard bags and discard materials after each client.
h. Discard materials in medically appropriate manner.
1. All reusable non-sterilizable implements such as marking pen should be nonporous and
disinfected after each use with an EPA approved hard-surface disinfection liquid.
Non-spray wipes for surfaces\and liquids for soaking jewelry are preferred over spray
disinfectants which may disperse pathogens into the air.
J. Cleansing with ultrasonic cleaners should be the rule for removal of bacitracin or other
triple antibiotic solutions, blood and other particles from a used contaminated implement
(i.e. jewelry, forceps, insertion tapers, and pliers) followed by steam autoclave.
k. Steam autoclave must be used on all equipment~that may come in contact with the client or
the jewelry (i.e. receiving tubes) rubber bands, insertion tapers, forceps, files, gauge
wheels, pliers, etc.). Equipment shall be bagged, dated and sealed and stored in a
non-porous, dark dry cool place such as a medical Credenza) etc. Spore indicators shall be
used with each load to ensure spore eradication. Instruments shall be autoclaved at a
temperature of 273 degrees F under pressure of 20 PSI for 30 minutes from start.
Autoclaves shall be spore tested by independent laboratories at lease once every month to
induce efficacy. Immersion in cold germicidal solutions provides incomplete sterilization
and is inappropriate.
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1. Appropriate ear piercing guns should only be used for piercing ear lobes and shall not be
used for piercing any other body part.
m. Iodine, antiseptics and other ointments used shall be applied with single use applicators.
Applicators that have touched a client once may not be used to retrieve antiseptics, iodine,
etc. from containers and shall be disposed of after single use.
DISPOSAL OF WASTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH INFECTIOUS WASTE REGULATIONS
I. Bar setups, piercing needles) razor blades or other sharp instruments which are not to be
sterilized shall be disposed of in medically approved sharp containers that are puncture
resistant and have tight fitting lids.
2. Containers of sharp wastes shall be sent to a facility where they are either incinerated or
otherwise rendered nonhazardous.
3. Disposable waste shall be placed in easily cleanable, closed containers with tight fitting
lids, to prevent leakage or spoilage.
4. Waste containers shall be kept closed when not in use.
5. Disposable waste shall be handled, stored, and disposed of to minimize direct exposure
of personnel to waste materials.
6. The Milford Board of Health’s ‘Medical Waste Generator Form” must be completed and
returned to the Board of Health Department prior to issuance of a certificate of
registration.
SECTION 8- MOBILE ESTABLISHMENTS:
1. Mobile piercing studios shall not be allowed to operate in the Town of Milford.
SECTION 9- FEES
1. A registration fee in the amount established by the Town of Milford shall be required of all
persons registering as body piercers.
2. Payment of fees shall be made at the Milford Board of Health Department, 52 Main Street,
Milford, MA. CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO THE TOWN OF MILFORD.
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SECTION 10- ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES:
The piercers registration shall be suspended immediately upon notice to the holder (without a hearing)
when MBH has reason to believe that an imminent health hazard exists.
1. In all other instances of violation of the provisions of this administrative regulation the
Milford Board of Health shall serve the registrant a written notice speci~ing the violation
and afford the registrant or certificate holder a reasonable opportunity to correct the same.
a. Whenever a registrant has failed to comply with any written notice issued
under the provisions of this administrative regulation the Registration.
b. The holder of the body piercers registration shall be notified in writing that
the registration or certificate shall be suspended at the end of ten (10) days
following the service of the notice unless a request for a hearing is made
within the (10) day period.
c. Any person whose registration has been suspended may make a request in
writing for reinstatement of the registration.
d. For serious or repeated violations of any of the requirements of this
administrative regulation or for interference with the MBH in the
performance of its duties, or for persons found guilty of any crime related to
body piercing, the body piercers registration may be permanently revoked
after an Opportunity for a hearing has been provided.
e. Every person who shall perform body piercing without a certificate of
registration may be penalized by indictment or on complaint brought in the
district court. Except as may be otherwise provided by law and ‘as the
district court may see fit to impose, the maximum penalty for each violation,
or offense brought in such a manner, shall be three hundred dollars.
f. Body piercing of minors – Every person who shall perform body piercing on
any minor under the age of eighteen, (18) without the written consent and
presence of a parent or legal guardian for parts other than the genitalia areas
of minors which shall not be pierced, may be penalized by indictment or on
complaint brought in the district \court. Except as may be otherwise
provided by law and as the district court may see fit to impose, the
maximum penalty for each violation, or offense brought in such a manner,
shall be three hundred dollars.
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SECTION 11 – SEVERABILITY
If any section, paragraph, sentences, clause, phrase or word of this ordinance shall be declared invalid for
any reason whatsoever, that decision shall not affect any other portion of these regulations~
SECTION 12 Effective Date:
December 1, 1998
PASSED TO BE ORDAINED _________
ATTEST:
Application for Body Piercer Certificate of Registration in the Town of Milford
Complete and return this form with registration fee (made payable to: Town of Milford
Milford Board of Health
Town Hall – 52 Main Street
Milford, MA 01757
Upon satisfactory review of the application and receipt of the registration fee, a numbered registration
certificate will be issued by the Milford Board of Health.
New Application
Renewal
1. Name:
(Last Name) (First Name) (Middle)
2. Date of Birth:
(Month) (Day) (Year)
3. Identification Card:
State Drivers License
State Identification Card
4. Facility Name:
5. Facility Address:
6. Facility Telephone:
7. Provide the following:
A. Evidence of course completion in Preventing Disease Transmission. (Applicant must show a
dated certificate of completion from either American Red Cross or Association of Professional Body
Piercers).
B. Evidence of current certification in First Aid/CPR. (Applicant must show a dated certificate of completion of a course in First Aid/CPR which demonstrates the required course was completed within the last two (2) years).
C. Proof of completion of a course in Anatomy and Physiology
D. Proof of one (1) year of apprenticeship training.
APPLICANT/BODY PIERCER STATEMENT OF CONSENT:
I understand that this registration expires on December 31 of this year. I understand that any notice
required to be given by the Milford Board of Health to me may be given by mailing the notice to the
address of the last place of business facility address) of which I have notified the Milford Board of
Health. I have received a copy of the Milford Board of Health’s regulations and recommended infection control procedures regarding body piercing. I agree to abide by these regulations and procedures. I agree to work only out of facilities that are in compliance with Milford Board of Health requirements. I agree to post the following valid and upaated documents conspicuously in my place of business at all
times:
Certificate of Registration for all body piercers working in the facility,
A signed copy of an agreement to comply with Milford Board of Health Rules and Regulations for
Body Piercing, which contains the Recommended Procedures and Infection Control Practices for Body Piercing.
A signed copy of compliance with Milford Board of Health Recommended Procedures and
Infection Control Practices for Body Piercing.
I hereby certify, under pains and penalties of perjury, that to the best of my knowledge, the information
provided on this application is complete and accurate and not misrepresented in any way.
Date
Signature
Name and Title (print)
Office Use Only: [ ]Approved Effective Date: _________________ Registration
Fee Paid:_____________
[ ] Disapproved, Comment: _________________________________________
CLIENT’S CONSENT FORM
A client consent form for receiving body piercing MUST contain at least the following information and must be kept on file by the Body Piercer for a minimum of three years.
Clients Name
Record of Clients Form of Identification NOTE: for your own protection, make a photocopy of
both sides of the identification card). Photo ID only. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT
THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE IDENTIFICATION, DO NOT PIERCE THE CLIENT!
Signed statements from the client which include the following:
I certify that I am at least 18 years of age and have provided legitimate identification to validate
this.
I am not currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs that might impair my judgement.
I have:
[ ] reviewed ordinance section on sanitary procedures for body piercing,
[ ]been informed of the risks of receiving body piercing, including the possibility of allergic reaction to jewelry,
[ ]been given a care/instruction sheet on how to take care of my body piercing,
[ ]been informed of procedures for reporting any complications with the piercing to the body piercer and to medical personnel.
Client’s Signature