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Ultraviolet Tanning Operators

Public health inspectors must inspect tanning facilities in response to public complaints. Operators must follow the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013.

Tanning equipment includes ultraviolet lamps and related parts (ballasts, starters, reflectors, acrylic shields, timers, cooling systems). It does not include equipment used for spray tanning.

The risk of infection spread is low but increases if tanning beds aren't properly disinfected between uses. Harmful bacteria can survive on surfaces, especially if users have skin abrasions. Shared protective eyewear can also cause eye infections if not cleaned and disinfected properly.

For more information, contact the Infectious Diseases Team at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 ext. 5744, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Public health inspectors are required to inspect locations where ultraviolet tanning treatments are offered (e.g., tanning salons, spas and fitness centers) whenever there is a complaint or referral from the public. Under the Ontario Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), tanning beds by youth under 18 years of age is banned to protect them from the dangers associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. All tanning bed operators must comply with this legislation. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has directed all public health units to publicly disclose tanning bed complaint inspections.

 

World Gym, Barrie, Ontario

Requirements for Owners and Operators

The operator is responsible for ensuring that persons under the age of 18 years old do not have access to tanning equipment. Operators are responsible for checking the age identification of customers who appear to be under 25 years of age. Only certain forms of identification are acceptable as proof of age. There are no exceptions even with parental consent. Those using tanning equipment for a medical condition must use tanning (UV) equipment at a physician's office or a medical facility.

Acceptable proof of age includes:

  • Canadian Driver's License
  • Canadian Passport
  • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship that contains the person's photograph
  • Canadian Permanent Resident Card
  • Canadian Armed Forces Identification Card
  • Any other document that is issued by a federal or provincial authority or a foreign government, and contains the person's photograph, date of birth and signature.

A student card is not acceptable as proof of age.

All tanning bed operators are required to display 4 different types of signs under the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds). Tanning bed operators must ensure that these signs are prominently posted.

  • Point-of-sale warning sign
  • Health warning sign
  • Age restriction and identification decal
  • Employee reminder point-of-sale decal

Download the signs from the Ontario government and get details about where each sign should be posted.

Operators must ensure that clients have access to and use acceptable protective eyewear when using tanning equipment.

All owners and operators must provide an adequate supply of hot and cold running water for handwashing, cleaning, and operating purposes.

The tanning bed and protective eyewear must be cleaned and disinfected between clients using a low-level disinfectant. Clean the surface with soap and water before disinfecting. Check with the manufacturer for a disinfectant that is safe to use on the surface of your equipment.

An example of low-level disinfectant is bleach and water. A bleach and water solution may be prepared by adding 1 tsp. (5mL) of bleach to 10 cups (2.5L) of water. This solution needs to be prepared daily for maximum effectiveness. The solution must stay wet on the surface for 10 minutes.

Keep the solution in a labelled spray bottle for easier application.
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