Georgia Body Art Rules and Regulations (Chapter 511-3-8)

Comprehensive vocabulary definitions from the Georgia Department of Public Health Rules and Regulations for Body Art, Chapter 511-3-8.

Antimicrobial solution

Any FDA-approved solution capable of killing or retarding the growth of microorganisms on human skin, including specific mouthwashes like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based solutions used in dental settings.

Antiseptic

A substance or agent designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of infectious microorganisms on human skin or mucous membranes.

Aseptic technique

A method used to render or maintain an area or object free from infectious material to prevent the transmission of infectious agents.

ASTM

The American Society for Testing Materials International.

Autoclave

An apparatus (chamber or cassette) used for the sterilization of equipment using steam pressure at a specific temperature over a period of time; specifically Class B, Class S, or other medical grade models.

Biomedical waste

Waste categorized as pathological (human tissues), biological (blood and body fluids), sharps (needles and razor blades), or discarded equipment that has been in contact with infectious agents.

Bloodborne pathogens

Pathogenic microorganisms in human blood that cause disease, including but not limited to Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Body art

A tattoo or piercing placed on the body for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes, excluding medical procedures prohibited by the Georgia Medical Composite Board.

Body artist

Any person who performs body art, excluding licensed physicians, osteopaths, or technicians under their direct supervision.

Body Art Studio

Any facility or building on a fixed foundation where a body artist performs body art, whether for profit or not.

Body piercing

Puncturing or penetrating the skin or mucosa to insert jewelry or adornment for non-medical purposes, including ear piercing except when performed with a specific single-use stud-and-clasp gun system.

Cleaning/clean room

A dedicated area in a studio used for sterilization and sanitation of instruments, separated from other areas by partitions extending from floor to ceiling or to a height of eight feet.

Contaminated

The presence or reasonably anticipated presence of blood, other potentially infectious materials, or harmful chemicals on a surface or item.

Cosmetic tattoo

A tattoo performed for beauty purposes, such as microblading of the eyebrow, areola repigmentation, or hair imitation; also referred to as micro-needling with pigment or micropigment implantation.

Critical violation

A violation of the regulations that poses a serious hazard to health and safety, such as improper autoclave results, reuse of single-use articles, or non-certified artists performing procedures.

Decontamination

The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to make it safe for handling, use, or disposal.

Disinfectant

An EPA-registered solution intended to destroy or inactivate viruses, bacteria, or fungi on clean, inanimate surfaces; must be bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, and tuberculocidal.

Ear piercing

The puncturing of the ear lobe only using a pre-sterilized single-use stud-and-clasp system following manufacturer instructions.

Germicidal solution

Any solution labeled as being capable of destroying microorganisms.

Gloves

Medical grade disposable single-use gloves labeled for surgical or examination purposes; the use of vinyl gloves for body art procedures is prohibited.

Guest body artist

A visiting artist not certified by the Department who holds a seven-day permit to perform body art under the direct supervision of a certified body artist in a permitted studio.

Handwash facilities

An installed sink providing potable hot and cold running water under pressure through a mixing valve, used solely for personal hygiene, including a soap dispenser and disposable towels.

Hot water

Water that reaches and maintains a minimum temperature of $100^\circ\text{F}$.

Imminent health hazard

A condition or practice likely to result in disease transmission, serious injury, or loss of life, such as a sewage malfunction or bloodborne illness outbreak, requiring immediate discontinuation of operations.

Instruments

Hand pieces, needles, needle bars, and other tools that contact a client's body or are exposed to bodily fluids during a body art procedure.

ISO

The International Standards Organization.

Jewelry

Ornaments inserted into newly pierced areas that must meet specific material standards, such as ASTM F138 compliant steel, unalloyed titanium (ASTM F67), or solid 14 karat nickel-free gold.

Major structural modifications

Significant changes to a studio's approved structure, including adding or removing walls, openings, or modifying plumbing, mechanical, or electrical components.

Microblading of the eyebrow

A cosmetic tattoo artistry form where ink is deposited superficially in the upper three layers of the epidermis using a handheld or machine tool to create eyebrow definition.

Minor

An individual under the age of eighteen.

Occupational exposure

Reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or infectious materials resulting from employee duties.

Other potentially infectious material

Human body fluids including semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, and any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood.

Personal protective equipment

Specialized clothing or equipment, such as gloves or lap cloths, worn for protection against hazards, excluding general work clothes.

Potable water

Water from an approved system meeting Georgia Safe Drinking Water Standards.

Sanitized

The application of an EPA-registered sanitizer on a cleaned surface to reduce microorganism levels, including pathogens, to a safe level.

Sharps

Any object, whether sterile or contaminated, capable of intentionally or accidentally cutting or penetrating the skin or mucosa.

Single-use

Disposable items intended for one-time, one-person use, such as cotton swabs, razors, piercing needles, stencils, ink cups, and protective gloves.

Spore

A dormant, non-reproductive body capable of surviving adverse conditions like high temperatures or dryness for long periods.

Spore test

A biological monitoring process using test media processed in an autoclave and a third-party culturing service to verify proper sterilization function.

Sterilization

A procedure destroying all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores, achieved via a medical grade autoclave.

Sterilization indicator

A device such as tape, strip, or bag designed to change color once sterilization temperature has been achieved.

Tattoo

Marking or coloring the skin by inserting indelible pigments or dyes under the skin, including cosmetic tattooing and microblading.

Temporary Body Art Studio

A location permitted by the Health Authority for no more than seven consecutive days for conventions or trade shows.

Ultrasonic cleaning unit

A device that uses high energy and high frequency oscillations transmitted through liquid to remove foreign matter from instruments.

Universal precautions

The practice of treating all human blood and body fluids as if they contain bloodborne pathogens.