The Food and Housing Division (FHD) of the Department of Environmental Health and Quality is the local agency charged with implementing the Safe Body Art Act in the County of San Diego. Effective on July 1, 2012, the law requires that body art be performed in a safe and sanitary manner to prevent the potential for spreading blood-borne diseases; it establishes specific requirements for body art facilities and practitioners, as well as limited requirements for mechanical piercing.
Body Art COVID-19 Resources have been moved here.
Got Plan Check Questions? Please submit an Inquiry Form.
BODY ART PRACTITIONER INFO
Body art practitioners are those who perform tattoo, piercing, permanent cosmetics and branding on a person’s skin. They are
required to received annual training in bloodborne pathogen standards annually to ensure they know how to prevent transmission of blood-borne diseases; they also must perform these procedures in approved Body Art facilities that have a valid health permit and are inspected by Environmental Health Specialists of the Department of Environmental Health and Quality.
In order to maintain the Practitioner's Registration, practitioners must pay for registration annually, attend Bloodborne Pathogentraining annually, and submit a signed Practitioner Location of Operation Agreement.
NEW PRACTITIONER CHECKLIST (you will need to submit):
- Application for Practitioner Registration
- Practitioner Location of Operation Agreement NEW (as of 2018)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training Certificate (Click here for Approved Trainer List)
- Hepatitis B Vaccination Status (one of the following): Hep B Vaccination Record, Declination Form or Antibody Laboratory Results
- Photo ID (you must be at least 18 years old)
RENEWAL PRACTITIONER CHECKLIST (you will need to submit):
- Annual renewal - Bloodborne Pathogens Training Certificate (Click here for Approved Trainer List)
- Practitioner Location of Operation Agreement NEW (as of 2018)
- If any changes, please resubmit - Application for Practitioner Registration
HOW TO SUBMIT:
- In Person: 5500 Overland Avenue Suite #170, San Diego, CA 92123
- By Email:
- By Mail:
P.O. Box 129261, San Diego, CA 92112-9261 ATTN: FHD Permits - Body Art
OPERATING A BODY ART FACILITY
GENERAL OPERATING INFO
Body Art Operator's Guide: PDF
Practitioner Location of Operation Agreement:
PDF
Infection Prevention Control Plan Template: PDF
Body Art Sterilization Log: PDF
Microblading Fact Sheet: PDF
Safe Machine Designs: PDF
Sterile Water Use in Tattooing: PDF
FOR NEW FACILITIES
Public Health
Permit Application: PDF
Practitioner Location of Operation Agreement: PDF
Fee Schedule: PDF
Starting a Body Art
Business Booklet: PDF
Body Art Plan Check Guide: PDF
Mobile Body Art Plan Check Guide: PDF
Body Art Plan
Check Checklist - Submitting Plans: PDF
Plan Check Application: PDF
Infection Prevention Control Plan Template: PDF
Body Art
Sterilization Log: PDF
Microblading Fact Sheet: PDF
Safe Machine Designs: PDF
Sterile Water Use in Tattooing: PDF
OTHER BODY ART PUBLICATIONS
Temporary Event Sponsor Packet Application PDF
For Ear Piercing Facilities: Mechanical Stud and Clasp Ear Piercing Notification Form
PDF
Bloodborne Pathogen Trainer Application: PDF
Tattoos Permanent Make-Up (FDA guidance): PDF
The County of San Diego is proud to present the Emmy Award winning Safety Stickler documentary featuring local owner/artist Mike Martin, who relates his experience promoting safety in the field of body art. In this six minute video you will also see how the County of San Diego works with local tattoo artists to protect the health of everyone that gets "inked!"
Safe Body Art Act Law:
PDF
San Diego County Code: PDF
Effective October 1, 2021: DEHQ-FHD will no longer be regulating Massage in the City of San Diego. To operate your Massage Business in the City of San Diego, please ensure you have permit/license with the City of San Diego Police Department Massage Program. If you do not already have a permit/license with the City of San Diego Police Department Massage Program, or are unsure if you have the appropriate permit, please contact Officer Ernesto Luna at (619) 531-2241 or via email at .
Massage Facility Plan Check Checklist for use in all Incorporated cities, except the City of San Diego.
Are you a tattoo artist, body piercer, studio owner, microblader or permanent
cosmetic artist? You need OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Tattoo training and certification. Register, take a Bloodborne Pathogens certification for Tattoo Artists course and pay only AFTER passing for an instant Bloodborne Pathogen certificate with 100% acceptance guarantee. Take Bloodborne Pathogens
Tattoo Artist training FREE only pay for a certificate after passing. Guaranteed quiz pass and 100% acceptance guarantee. Click to check our Trustpilot reviews! ★★★★★ 4.6/5 Get OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification in 2 Hours
Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate $32.95
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How it Works
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COMPLETE THE FREE BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS TRAINING
Train on any PC, Laptop, iPhone or Android Phone; or Tablet. You can stop and resume the course right where your left off at any time all your progress is saved.
BUY BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS CERTIFICATE
If you’re 100% happy with the course, checkout securely via Stripe, Apple Pay or Paypal. You will receive your Bloodborne Pathogen Certificate by email seconds later and its also stored on your account and can be verifed online by an employer.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’RE OSHA BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS CERTIFIED
You’re OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Certified and compliant for 1 year. OSHA mandates bloodborne pathogens training be completed annually.
Full Size Frameable Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate for Tattoo Artists
After successfully completing the training, purchase the official, printable, US Letter sized certificate for just $32.95.
Instant access and email delivery means you’re compliant immediately. Your bloodborne pathogens certification for tattoo artists will be permanently stored in your account where it can be verified or re-printed any time.
Zero Risk
Our Bloodborne Pathogens certification for tattoo artists is universally recognized by employers aiming to meet OSHA's requirements. Train FREE and see how good our course is.
Standards Compliant
Our course covers everything required by OSHA plus additional content that meets or exceeds all State and City tattoo licensing requirements. Check out the course info link in the menu to see what's covered.
Best Value
Our Online Bloodborne Pathogens Tattoo course is FREE. You only pay for the certificate if you’re satisfied AFTER you complete the training.
Guaranteed Pass
Unlimited course and quiz retakes are included. You never pay to take or re-take a quiz.
100% Acceptance Guarantee
Our Online Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate is accepted in 49 US States (we do not currently support Florida certification). If for any reason your certificate is not accepted we offer a no questions asked money back guarantee. Train risk free.
Not Sure How to Get a Tattoo License in the USA?
The Bloodborne Pathogens Certification for Tattoo Artists is a mandatory component of most state tattoo licensing requirements. Some states also require other things like a CPR certification, a high school diploma, or an apprenticeship. We cannot offer individual advice, but we did compile a detailed tattoo licensing requirements guide for all states, check it out below if you are not sure.
Bloodborne Pathogens for Tattoo & Body Art - Curriculum
Introduction to Bloodborne Pathogens
A short overview of the course and learning outcomes.
Learn what Bloodborne Pathogens are and the highest risk types.
Learn how Bloodborne Pathogens are spread and the risk factors associated with the different types of transmission.
Learn about the risks associated with the use of sharps in a work environment.
Learn about the OSHA standard, and when and how it was implemented.
Learn who is, and is not covered by OSHA’s BBP standard.
Common Bloodborne Pathogens
Learn about the HBV virus including how it is transmitted, risk profile, symptoms and treatments.
Learn about the HCV virus including how it is transmitted, risk profile, symptoms and treatments.
Learn about the differences between the Hepatitis virus types including risk of transmission and infection.
Learn about the HIV virus including how it is transmitted, risk profile, symptoms and treatments.
Exposure Controls and PPE
Learn what obligations your employer has in protecting you from exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens in the workplace.
Learn the minimum requirements and standards that must be applied to an Employers Control Plan.
Learn about what training your employer must provide staff who may be exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens, and how often the training must take place.
Learn about the concept of Universal Precautions and how they can help protect against Bloodborne Pathogens exposures.
Learn what Work Practice Controls are and why they are important.
Learn what Engineering Controls are and why they are important.
Learn what PPE is and when it should be used.
Learn how to correctly and safely remove disposable gloves.
Learn about employer obligations to provide free HBV immunization to potentially exposed workers.
Learn about the importance of correct housekeeping practices and how they are implemented.
Learn about what you must do when exposure incidents occur.
Learn about employer obligations to keep records of sharps injuries in the workplace.
Body Art Professional
Learn about the additional risks facing professional body artists and why extra Bloodborne Pathogens training is required.
Learn about the anatomy of the human skin and how it relates to body art procedures.
Learn about how a tattoo is created and how it is visible on the skin.
Learn about specific medical issues related to tattooing and piercing procedures.
Learn about other communicable diseases that can be transmitted via tattooing and piercing procedures.
Learn about general requirements in a body art workplace.
Learn about cleaning, disinfection and sterilization procedures including using Autoclave devices.
Learn about personal protective equipment (PPE) specific to the body art workplace.
Learn how to safely prepare your work space and take all required precautions before starting a body art procedure.
Learn about best practice recommendations for tattoo and piercing aftercare.
Learn about safe waste disposal specifics for body art work environments.
Learn about employer exposure control regulations and planning.
Learn about what you need to do after an exposure occurs.
Training Time
Four Quizzes
Online Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate Verification
Anyone can verify your Bloodborne Pathogens certification for Tattoo Artist credentials online in two clicks with our unique ‘Verifier’ system.
Legal Name, Course, Date of Award, Expiry and Certificate ID can all be confirmed on this site.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answersWhat size is the Certificate I want to Frame it?
We now provide a full US letter size bloodborne pathogens certificate which is suitable for framing and display in your tattoo studio, cosmetic tattoo clinic or any other workplace to prove your OSHA bloodborne pathogen certification status.
Can I put my tattoo studio name on the Certificate?
The OSHA rule is that all INDIVIDUALS must be bloodborne pathogen certified. You can enter anything you want in the ‘Legal Name’ field for the certificate, but this does not make your studio ‘certified’. In many cases studios do want to display a certificate with a studio name in addition to individual artists certificates to make customers feel more comfortable – in this scenario an additional certificate for the studio name can be purchased under a different email and account.
what if i work for myself or i change studios?
We offer online verification of all bloodborne pathogens certification for tattoo artists with two clicks. Simply give your clients or studio owner the link written on your certificate, and your unique certificate number, and they can instantly verify your name, unique certificate ID, the course you passed, and the issue and expiry dates of your certificate. Neat huh?
Can i take the course on my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, our Bloodborne Pathogens Tattoo Artist course is designed with a ‘mobile first’ approach and works perfectly on any device.
We also use file compression and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to deliver a lighting fast experience on any internet or data connection.