Department of Public Health

Body Art Facilities

The Michigan Public Health Code requires licensure and inspections by local health departments of body art facilities that tattoo, brand or perform body piercing. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health annually inspects tattoo facilities to ensure adequate sterilization, sanitation and safety standards are maintained. Tattooing involves a needle, and it can be likened to a surgical procedure. This process exposes people to risks of infections, some of which are serious and difficult to treat. Bacterial and bloodborne infections can happen when non-sterile water, inks and equipment are used. Blood may carry the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These viruses can be dangerous and make you sick. Some of these diseases are permanent and can be fatal. Exposure can happen through needle sticks, contact with dried blood on equipment or surfaces, or even blood splashes in the eyes, nose or mouth. If you decided to get a tattoo, find a facility that:

• Is licensed and inspected.
• Maintains a clean and organized facility.
• Follows hygienic practices and proper handwashing.
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment and surfaces.
• Wears clean disposable gloves.
• Opens a new sterile needle in front of you.
• Disposes used needles in a Sharps container.
• Uses inks that are manufactured specifically for tattooing.
• Uses inks and ointments portioned out for individual use.
• Uses only sterile water to dilute concentrated inks or rinse equipment during tattooing.
• Does not allow tattooing of minors (without written parental consent) or people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Inspected Locations

BEHIND THE LINES	14 S BEECHTREE	GRAND HAVEN	49417
CROWS NEST	823 SAVIDGE	SPRING LAKE	49456
GREMLIN GALLERY LLC	7813 COTTONWOOD DR	JENISON	49428
HOODOO TATTOO	178 W LAKEWOOD BLVD	HOLLAND	49424
HTOWN INK	549 W 18TH STREET	HOLLAND	49423
LOVE TATTOO	127 OLD-M21 B	JENISON	49428
STUDIO SEVENTEEN	214 COLLEGE AVE	HOLLAND	49423
PURE ADDICTIONS	76 E LAKEWOOD BLVD #1	HOLLAND	49424
SAMMY NAILS	380 CENTRAL	HOLLAND	49423
SCREAMING NEEDLE TATTOO	4629 LAKE MICHIGAN DR	ALLENDALE	49401
THE PINK DOOR SPATIQUE	567 BALDWIN ST	JENISON	49428
TIGER BOMB	549 W 18TH STREET	HOLLAND	49423
WICKED WAYS 2	6197 LAKE MICHIGAN DR	ALLENDALE	49401
Z.INK	36 N ELM	ZEELAND	49464

*Current license is limited to tattoos only.

For additional information or to request a facility inspection report, please call (616) 393-5645.