Food And Drug Administration

The intensity of the radiation to which a user is exposed usually depends upon the distance the user is from the lamp. The intensity of the radiation at contact can be as much as five times higher than that at a distance of 12 inches. Serious burns can occur if the proper exposure distance is not maintained. Installing hand rails, markings on the floor or other suitable physical aids are possible solutions.

The ultraviolet radiation intensity usually found inside a tanning booth is relatively high when compared to the sun or the intensities associated with smaller home portable sunlamps. Because of this, allowable exposure times are shorter. Therefore, more accurate control of exposure duration is necessary to decrease the risk of overexposure and injury. A timer having an accuracy of + or - 10 percent of any selected timer interval is sufficiently accurate.

Exposure of a person’s eyes to ultraviolet radiation may result in eye damage; however, persons being exposed need to see well enough to maintain their balance and to locate the door and the exit quickly and safely should it be necessary. It is important that protective eyewear be provided that protects from ultraviolet radiation and allows adequate vision.

Operation of sunlamps can increase the temperature in an enclosed area. A large increase in temperature might cause fainting and subsequent injury. Units which keep the temperature below 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) would not be cause for concern.

If potential electrical hazards in the unit are not controlled, users, operators and service personnel could be seriously injured. Elevated temperatures cause perspiration which enhances the possibility or severity of an electric shock. Even without perspiration, the skin may come into contact with the interior surfaces which house lamps and ballasts that carry large amount of current. There is a potential for electric shock without proper circuit design and insulation.

In addition, there are potential hazards to operators and service personnel. Changing lamps, turning on the device, etc., can be a hazard if the device is not grounded properly and if ground fault protectors are not included. There also is the possibility of a fire due to circuit overloads, wire shorting and flammable material being used. Electrical hazards will be minimized in booths that conform to currently recognized electrical standards for such equipment. (See UL Standards later in this chapter.)