If you are looking to open a new tanning salon or purchase a salon from another company or owner, than you hopefully have done some checking into the compliance and regulation that comes with owning that type of business. Because tanning equipment falls into the category of tanning devices, the industry as a whole is overseen by the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration. In addition, each state may have their own laws in regards to tanning to protect the health and safety of the consumers.
The main role of the FDA is to make sure that consumers are protected from any possible risk from the use of tanning equipment. As such, they have some key specific guidelines they have put in place to help ensure that this motto is met. Some of the rules are as follows:
- All tanning beds must have original lamp as listed on the bed or a lamp deemed a capable equivalent by the FDA. This makes sure that the person tanning faces less risk when using the equipment and the exposure to the UV rays during the time is the right amount.
- All tanning equipment must have some type of timing device that shuts off automatically when the time is up so the person does not receive prolonged exposure to UV rays. Beds also need to have some type of emergency shutdown button where the bed can be shut off from.
- All tanning equipment must contain labels which warn the user of any risk they face by using said equipment. Beds made after September of 1986 must also list a recommended schedule for exposure based on a person’s skin type.
- Salon owners must provide eye wear protection to all tanners to eliminate the risk of damage to the tanner’s eyes.
It is very important to follow the guidelines as well as any other rules set forth by the FDA when running a salon. If you are found in violation during any type of state or FDA inspection, you will be subject to possible fines and or a closure of the business.
