Middlesex-London Health Unit

Safety Regulations & Guidelines For Tanning Salon Facilities

Owners/operators of tanning salons must adhere to the federal Radiation Emitting Devices Act (RED Act) and follow these guidelines.

1. Trained staff who can assist the public in the safe use of tanning devices should always be on the premises during operational hours.
2. The owner must ensure that ultraviolet radiation warning signs are clearly posted on each type of tanning device as prescribed by the RED Act.
3. For exposure planning, operators should keep a record of the client's:
ability to tan
history of sunburns
history of skin infections, rashes or other conditions
use of certain medications or photosensitizing products
4. Minors and individuals with sensitive skin whom always burn and never tan should not use tanning units. Individuals with a skin infection, rash or other skin condition should not use a tanning salon without first consulting their physician.
5. The operator must provide approved safety eyewear with instructions on proper usage.
6. Operators must use replacement bulbs as per manufacturer's instructions to meet the manufacturer's original operational exposure instructions.
7. Each tanning device must be easily turned off by the person who is being exposed, without the need to disconnect the electrical plug or remove the ultraviolet lamp.
8. A physical barrier like a clear UV- transmitting acrylic cover should always be in place between the lamps and the person being exposed to prevent injury in case of accidental lamp breakage or thermal burns from close contact with the bulbs.
9. The operator shall ensure that the tanning booth/room has adequate ventilation with a temperature not exceeding 30 C.
10. The operator shall ensure that common contact surfaces, including protective eyewear, are disinfected between each use, with an approved disinfectant.

11. Adverse reaction:

Clients may have a delayed reaction to UV exposure like red, irritated and watering eyes or an itching skin rash or even a sunburn. This delayed reaction can take anywhere from less than an hour to as long as a day and a half to develop.

If a serious adverse reaction results, they should consult their doctor. They should also notify the operator of their reaction. The owner/operator should investigate the incident and implement steps as needed to prevent further adverse reactions. All such incidents shall be documented and these documents shall be available to the local health unit upon request.

Notification of Incidence:
Where an injury to a person is reported to the owner/ operator by a duly qualified medical practitioner as a result of an exposure to the tanning equipment under the owner's control, the owner shall inform the Health Unit immediately.

Adapted from Health Canada
Guidelines for Tanning Salon Owners, Operators and Users
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2001

For more information please call Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Team at the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext 2220,
Last Updated: 2004-07-20
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