Regulatory Changes At The Local Level
by Rick Mattoon
The tanning public's well-being always has been dependent on the proper operation of tanning facilities. This is one reason moderate and sensible state regulations always have been an important guideline for any tanning salon.
However, some regulations need periodic changes, deletions or modifications to keep up with consumer demands and operator needs. Several states currently are in the process of revising--and in some cases adding--regulations that outline the locally accepted procedures for operating an indoor tanning facility.
Arizona
Asking For Community Input
John Lamb, inspector with the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA), is seeking community input regarding a proposed revision of Arizona's tanning regulations. In addition to stronger language defining the requirements for a "trained and knowledgeable" operator, proposed changes will require that salon owners install remote timers on all commercial tanning beds used in the state.
Lamb says that the timer requirement will be the biggest proposed change with other modifications simply clarifying existing rules. He anticipates the revised rules to be in place no later than the end of this year.
The ARRA is seeking industry and public input concerning the proposed changes. Interested parties may contact John Lamb of the ARRA at 4814 S. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85040 or call (602) 255-4845 ext. 237.
Hawaii
Preparing For Statewide Tanning Regulations
On Aug. 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state to join the country. However, in 2002, Hawaii is expected to become the 28th state to enact some form of local indoor tanning regulations.
This first step for Hawaiian regulations came about when Lynn Nakosone of the Hawaii Department of Health Radiation Section attended the LOOKING FIT 2nd Annual Indoor Tanning Regulatory Conference, held last April in Phoenix. Nakosone attended the conference looking for information and guidance to help lead her state into the sometimes-tricky arena of indoor tanning regulations.
She left the conference with valuable information including a copy of recommended regulations offered by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), a national organization comprised of directors of the radiation control programs of each state. These recommended regulations are a set of model regulations available to any state or local authority to use as a starting point for enacting tanning rules.
Several state officials and one tanning industry representative wrote the current recommendations. Leading the group was Amy Sawyer, of North Carolina; joined by Charles Ditmer, of South Carolina; Phil Wilson, of Oregon; and, Rick Mattoon, technical training director for the National Tanning Training Institute and executive editor of LOOKING FIT and SunWellness magazines. Involving an industry member in the modifications of existing recommendations has given the indoor tanning industry a voice in the development of future state regulations.
Officials with Hawaii are requesting both public and industry input on the proposed state regulations. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the proposed rules should contact Lynn Nakosane with the Hawaii Department of Health Radiation Section at 591 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 245, Honolulu, HI 96813 or call (808) 586-4700.
Hawaii's proposed tanning regulations are anticipated to be enacted sometime next year. Once enacted, all businesses within Hawaii should contact Nakosane for registration and to receive a copy of the regulations.
Ohio
Readying To Require Formal Training
If all goes as expected, Ohio, the nation's first state with local tanning regulations, will revise its existing tanning codes to require its more than 4,000 state tanning salons to participate in formal, in-class training.
In the past, Ohio regulations have defined a qualified tanning salon operator as someone at least 18 years of age able to assist and instruct the tanner in the correct operation of the tanning facility. Local rules had made operators responsible for things such as sanitation, determining a tanning schedule, safety instructions and eyewear use.
If things go as planned, qualified operators of Ohio tanning salons soon will have to possess a valid and current certificate of formal training. These pending rules seem to be leaning toward requiring at least one or two operators from a tanning facility to have formal training. These individuals then could become responsible for properly training fellow staff within their salon.
Anyone with questions about the changes of indoor tanning regulations in Ohio should contact James Rough, executive director of the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology, at (614) 466-3834.
Want To Check On Your Local Regulations?
To check on your state's regulatory activities, you can find a complete list of State Radiation Control Offices on the Regulatory Update Page at www.tanningtraining.com.
