Be Proactive When

As in previous years, the indoor tanning industry continued to experience a great deal of legislative activity at state and local levels in 2006. For this reason, it is increasingly important for tanning professionals to be aware of proposed changes and take proactive steps to voice their opinions.

Positive legislative decisions that affect the industry are more likely when salon owners band together at state and local levels to promote industry concerns. A great example occurred in September 2006 when the Hamilton, Ohio city council proposed a prohibition on individuals under age 18 from using tanning facilities. Local industry members attended the local government meeting to collectively voice opposition to the legislation, as it is harmful to the industry. 

It is critical for salon owners and operators to voice their opinions to affect the legislative process, and it is equally important to be aware of and abide by current laws governing tanning.

Regulations exist at county, local, state and federal levels, and can be reviewed conveniently online at www.tanningtraining.com. There is also a listing of Legislative Hotline numbers listed by state to keep current on legislative activity.

The following is a listing of the most common violations found during federal, state and local inspections taken from the NTTI Basic Tanning Certification Course. To review this course, visit www.tanningtraining.com. 

• Failure to prominently display Warning/ Danger statements regarding Ultraviolet Exposure, Protective Eyewear, and Substances that may increase Photosensitivity to UVR.
• Lack of permanently affixed manufacturer label describing the production date, serial and model number.
• Lack of required electrical testing label on equipment.
• Removal of factory-installed timer on equipment.
• Missing or non-legible Warning/ Danger/Exposure Schedule/Usage label on equipment.
• Non-compatible lamps installed in tanning unit and improper HID lamps and filters.
• No owner’s manual available on the premises for clients, employees or officials to read and review.
• Failure to display required licensing and certificates.
• Failure to notify regulatory agency of changes within your business such as ownership and equipment changes.
• Failure to maintain proper booth and room temperature.
• Failure to provide proper installation of equipment.
• Failure to post list of trained employees.
• Failure to use an approved sanitizer when cleaning eyewear and tanning units.
• Failure to provide the proper receptacle for both soiled and clean towels and linens.
• Failure to restrict tanning clients according to age restrictions.
• Failure to compile and save required forms and records regarding timer testing, employee training, injury reports, and ownership.
• Failure to provide proper protection for lamps with the usage of acrylic covers.
• Failure to test and record the accuracy of timers.