In the United States, all devices that emit UV-light, including tanning beds and booths, are regulated by the FDA and are listed as Class-2 medical devices.

To avoid over-exposure to UV, which can result in injury, there are several important guidelines that you should follow.

Follow the Recommended Exposure Schedule

All UV-tanning systems are subject to warning label requirements by the FDA. This includes a Recommended Exposure Schedule that should be prominently displayed on all equipment. To avoid over-exposure it is very important that you, the salon owner and operator, ensure that your customers adhere to the schedule for their Skin Type. A person’s skin type is determined by physical characteristics such as eye color, hair color, freckles and exposure history. The schedule typically provides for limited exposure for the first 4 weeks of use, with initial session times as low as 2-3 minutes. The tanner may gradually increase the length of each session in accordance with the schedule – and may only tan for the maximum time permitted after completing the schedule. It should be noted that Skin Type 1 should never use a UV-tanning system. An easy to use work sheet to help determine skin types is available free from Universal Insurance. To request your free copy write to us at: info@uiprograms.com

Prevent Adverse Reactions to Photo-sensitive Drugs, Chemicals and Cosmetics.

Certain drugs, medications and cosmetics contain chemical compounds that may produce an adverse reaction when the people using such products are exposed to UV-light. Some of the more common products are birth control pills, acne medications, antihistamines, psoralens, pain medications, antibiotics, and topical skin treatments. To avoid adverse reactions, you should have all customers review the List of Photo-Sensitive Medications – prior to tanning. Since medical conditions are subject to change you should also have this list posted in each tanning room, as well as high traffic areas inside the salon such as bathrooms and vanity areas. This list is typically available from your equipment manufacturer and product suppliers.

Always Use FDA Compliant Protective Eye Wear

Burns to the eyes are among the most common types of over-exposure claims. At the same time they are easy to prevent. Each time a customer checks in to tan, it is your responsibility to verify that they have compliant, protective eyewear in their possession. If they do not, you need to make protective eyewear readily available to them. For added support, you should have signage in every tanning rooms and high traffic areas that state such requirements.

Only Use Compatible Replacement Lamps

Using the wrong type tanning lamp in your tanning beds and booths can lead to overexposure resulting in burns, blisters and unhappy customers. Furthermore, using lamps that are too strong for a specific tanning system may cause the tanning unit to fall ‘out of compliance’ with the FDA as well as state regulations. Tanning lamps are specifically designed by lamp and equipment manufacturers to meet the specific FDA requirements with regards to output and exposure schedules. To ensure that you are using compliant lamps you should insist on receiving a ‘letter of compatibility’ from your supplier prior to purchasing replacement lamps.

More Information Just a Click Away 

For more information including on-line educational videos for you and your staff email us at info@uiprograms.com, call 602.222.8300 or check out the videos by clicking – https://youtu.be/byrrUlvHRjc.