Tanning Lamps & Insurance Coverage

Many salon owners might not realize their tanning lamp choices can affect their insurance premiums. The insurance programs that specialize in the indoor tanning industry recognize the need for lamp compatibility; therefore, salon owners and operators should consider the following issues when selecting tanning lamps.

Q: Are all tanning equipment in the salon, including the lamps, in compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards?

A: All tanning salons fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA and are subject to the federal lamp compatibility guidelines.

Q: Does all tanning equipment carry approval of the Underwriters Laboratory (UL)?

A: Equipment must meet the required electrical code requirements for your area. The following are examples of recognized electrical circuitry testing institutions such as Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL), Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL) and Canadian Standard Association (CSA). Many states and local areas have specific guidelines regarding acceptable testing. Please check with your specialized insurance carrier regarding its policy on UL ratings.

Q: How often should a tanning unit be relamped?

A: Almost every bed in the industry has an hour meter built into it so salon operators easily can monitor when to change the lamps. If you have an 800-hour lamp, you probably should change it when it reaches 600 to 650 hours of use. If it is a 600-hour lamp, you might want to consider changing it at 400 to 450 hours of use.

A UV meter also can be used to monitor lamp performance. When the output is down 75 percent to 80 percent of the output when the lamp was new, it’s probably a good time to relamp. Remember that just because a lamp physically may fit into a tanning unit, it may not necessarily be designed for use in that unit.

Q: Is it required to have a maintenance program in place?

A: Salons should have written maintenance guidelines in place. Having a tanning bed/booth maintenance record form for each unit is an easy way to record the date, description of work performed on the unit, and who serviced the unit. This form should include lamp changes, annual and periodic time tests, electrical installations and repairs (ballasts, connectors, etc.).

Q: Does skin typing make a difference in lamp selection?

A: Skin typing should be done to determine the appropriate exposure times for certain skin types. Salon staff should select the correct tanning equipment to limit the length of time that a person spends exposed to ultraviolet light.

Q: How does non-compliance affect insurance?

A: If the lamps are not in compliance, a salon owner may void his or her salon liability insurance and possibly void manufacturers’ warranties and product liability insurance. When considering lamp purchases, the best advice is to be familiar with both local and federal guidelines and regulations. Be sure to check the bed label to match the correct size, type and wattage with the equipment’s original lamp. Purchase lamps from a reputable indoor tanning lamp source and request compatibility sheets for any lamps purchased. 

For more information or to get a quick, no-obligation quote, call (800) 844-2101 or visit www.universalinsuranceltd.com.