Whether you already offer indoor tanning, either UV or spray, or are considering opening a new location, here are some points to consider to help you operate your salon professionally and responsibly.
FDA Clearance:
All UV-tanning systems are regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and must obtain 510K-Clearance from the FDA before the system can legally be sold and operated in the United States. A 510K basically provides information to the FDA that the UV-tanning system has been tested for safety and efficacy and conforms to FDA requirements regarding the output and control of the UV light emitted.
Therefore, before purchasing a UV-tanning system, be sure that the company with whom you are dealing can provide documentation that the tanning system has 510K FDA Clearance.
Insurance Coverage:
All businesses that offer indoor tanning should maintain insurance coverage on each piece of equipment, including Professional Liability coverage. This vital coverage protects the salon against accidents or negligent acts that may arise. For example, Professional Liability protects operators against claims made by customers who claim they have suffered an injury from overexposure. Even if your salon is trying to do everything right, your business can still be placed in a position of liability.
Professional Liability claims might not be as common as a “trips and falls,” but when they occur, they usually have a high price tag associated with the claims. So, be sure that your policy includes Professional Liability for the UV exposure.
Tanning Room Construction / Privacy:
While you should provide your guest with a clean and comfortable environment, designing each tanning room – as well as the overall tanning treatment areas – with privacy, security and safety is a top priority. Tanning rooms should provide plenty of room for changing clothes without having to sit on the tanning bed to do so, and there should be no obstacles in the room that could cause a trip or fall.
The rooms must also be designed to ensure complete privacy. Walls should be at least eight feet tall to prevent anyone from peering over the top of the walls and into adjacent rooms. Make sure that there are no cracks or seams in the walls or doorways that would allow anyone to see into the rooms. Also, check to ensure that there are no mirrors or reflective materials that would allow customers to be viewed or seen.
Slips, Trips & Falls:
Indoor tanning involves the use of liquids, sprays and lotions and accordingly, requires special attention to maintaining a clean, slip-free working environment and treatment area. For example, spray-tanning involves the use of a solution mist that is very slick and slippery. Residue from the process, which is often colorless and virtually invisible, can spread throughout the salon and onto walkways and walls.
Treatment areas must also be well ventilated, and you should exhaust excess mist through a filtration system. You must also be vigilant in the inspection of the salon to ensure that the mist has not spread to common areas of the business which can lead to slips, trips and falls.
Salon / Employee Training & Certification:
Depending on the state in which you operate, you may be legally required to register your tanning business with the state. You and your staff may also be required to participate in an accredited training program and provide proof that your staff has passed all training requirements.
Following this valuable advice can help prevent common insurance claims in the future.
Universal Insurance offers a series of free, on-line educational tutorials on maintaining salon safety. They are available 24/7/365 at uiprograms.com.
