Tanning Salons

Risks and precautions for visiting tanning salons in your area

Risks and Precautions of Tanning SalonsThere are general processes followed when visiting a tanning salon in your area. This usually involves you getting into the tanning bed or tanning booth where you will lie down or stand, depending on the position of the tanning bed, and wait for a certain period of time to get your tan. The tanning salon employee will take charge of setting the time limit for your tanning session.

Tanning salons are a great way to get a tan. Here are some precautions you need to take when visiting one in your area:

Hygiene

Be sure that the tanning salon you’re visiting is implementing a policy on disinfecting and cleaning their equipment. The tanning beds in these salons will be used by a number of people in one day, most of whom will be sweating profusely while inside the tanning bed. An unclean and contaminated tanning bed might irritate your skin.


Skin Type Analysis

Be sure that the tanning salon asks you to fill out a form for Skin Type Analysis. This form plays a vital role in determining your skin’s reaction to tanning and will help the tanning salon personnel in setting up and scheduling your tanning sessions.

Medication

If you are taking any form of medication, tell the tanning salon personnel. Some medications might cause some reactions to the ultraviolet radiation and may affect your skin’s sensitivity to the radiation.

Eye Protection

Use a pair of goggles that are recommended and approved by the FDA. These goggles will protect the sensitive area around your eyes. Most salons will have these goggles on hand; however, make sure to inquire about the goggles before going to the salon in case the salon will require you to bring one of your own.

There are certain risks associated with the use of tanning beds in salons. Most health experts would agree that using tanning beds will increase an individual’s risk of developing skin cancer. If you do decide to go to a tanning salon, be informed of the risks involved.

Risks related to tanning salons:

Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation

Erythma, or sunburn can result for cases of extreme overexposure to ultraviolet radiation that might occur in a single tanning session. These cases are quite rare; however, this effect is can cause serious harm to salon clients. These incidents are mostly caused by errors on the side of salon personnel in handling the equipment. There are numerous models and brands of tanning beds and tanning lamps, all of which have varied specifications. The tanning salon personnel should undergo appropriate training in operating the tanning equipment to avoid any mishaps on handling the equipment or miscalculations on determining the exposure time of the clients.

Tanning salon employees should also keep track of the changes in the intensity levels of the light bulbs used. Most tanning equipment come with specific instructions and specification sheets upon purchase, however, it is a common practice within the tanning salon industry to replace the tanning bulbs as part of maintenance programs. Salon personnel should remember to adjust the exposure time in relation to the change in the tanning bulb since some lamps do emit higher levels of radiation and may require only a short amount of time for a session to be effective. 

As a client, you should also be made aware of the maximum exposure times of the tanning equipment used, as well as the time intervals needed for an effective tan.

Infection

Tanning salons also present the risk of transmitting infectious diseases from the sharing of equipment. Tanning salons should have strict guidelines regarding this equipment and should enforce rules and regulations governing the use of the said equipment. The best way to avoid getting any infection from contaminated eye protection goggles is to purchase one for your personal use.

Breaking of overhead bulbs

Another threat might be the possibility of having bulbs break while the client is using the equipment. The client might get injuries from broken glass. Salon owners should make sure that there is some sort of physical barrier located between the client and the lamps to avoid any untoward incidents from happening. These barriers can also stop the clients from getting too close to the bulbs and may stop burns from happening.

Tanning salons should also implement equipment guidelines, facility guidelines and some guidelines when dealing with their customers.  Tanning salons should have warning signs, adequate ventilation and infection control. They should cater to your needs as their clients and also ensure your safety when within their salon premises.

 
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