License, strict guidelines to be introduced for tattooing

Edappal: Strict controls are going to be implemented for tattoo parlours in the state. The officials will take up directions of the joint secretary of health department to scrutinise whether tattoo parlours are following guidelines and conditions properly. 

License will be made compulsory for tattoo artistes. A committee will be formed with the secretary of the local governing body, medical officer, health inspector, food inspector, district drug analyst and an officer of the pollution control board. The persons who are employed for tattooing shall have training and work experience. They shall produce a certificate to prove they have no contagious diseases which will be submitted before the committee. The director of the health department has to take measures to ensure that used materials are disposed off scientifically. Hence, those who made tattooing a livelihood during festival seasons and roadside vendors will find it difficult to follow the new guidelines. 

A warning has been issued that unsterilised needles used for tattooing may lead to the spread of deadly diseases. This along with the use of the same ink will lead to allergy, swelling, skin cancer, hepatitis B, HIV, tetanus or other skin-related diseases. 

Major directions

• The needles shall be sterilised
• The tattoo artistes shall wear gloves and dispose it properly after one-time use 
• The needles and the tubes filled with dye shall be kept only in sealed packets
• Every object used for the process has to be sterilised after each use. 
• The tattoo artists have to inoculate with hepatitis B vaccine 
• The area tattooed shall be cleaned with soap before and after tattooing