Health & Safety
Guidance on the operation of Spray Tanning
Booths and Guns
Spray tanning is a popular and safer alternative to Ultra Violet tanning (Sunbeds
etc). There are however still health and safety risks associated with this activity
and this leaflet is designed to help employers identify the risks and implement
appropriate control measures.
Spray Guns
This system is similar to a manual car spraying system. The equipment usually
comprises of a compressor unit, a flexible hose, a spray gun and a small pot of
tanning solution.
The operator will manually spray the client with the tanning solution, which takes
between 15 to 20 minutes.
Spray Tan Booths
This system usually comprises of a self contained booth, a large air compressor
and a set of spray nozzles.
The client stands in the cubicle and the nozzles move sideways, giving an even
coating of tan. The cubicle is designed to produce
a downwards flowing curtain of air which pushes
the mist into a floor pan and filter system. The
cubicles often self clean after the client has left.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
(COSHH)
Employers must ensure that they assess the safety
of the product they are using. Safety datasheets,
which can be obtained from your supplier, are a
good source of information and should be used in
determining the safety and control measures that
need to be put in place.
Employees should also wear suitable gloves (latex
and powder free) to reduce the risk of allergic
reactions and dermatitis.
Safety goggles must be worn to
protect the employees eyes.
Hazards Associated with Spray Tanning Booths and Guns
Allergies – Some tanning solutions contain nut extracts such as Juglans Regia
(walnut). This can provoke serious allergic reactions in some clients and
employees. Before any treatments are undertaken many manufacturers
recommend that a skin patch test is undertaken. You should record the results of
a skin patch test against the client record. You can find the ingredients listed in
the safety datasheets.
Respiration – The airborne particles will affect the breathing of employees and
clients. The spray tan booth controls this risk well, however other factors need to
be considered for the spray gun.
You must ensure that there is sufficient mechanical ventilation, that is ducted
externally and that the ventilation contains a suitable filter. Employees must wear
a suitable mask when using a spray gun (contact your supplier for recommend
masks).
Clients and employees with known respiratory problems such as asthma should
not undertake the process. If employees notice shortness in breath or tightening
of the chest, they should stop undertaking treatments.
Manual Handling – there is a risk of injury from handling heavy or awkward
items, especially if moving in confined spaces or using stairs. In spray booth
systems the tanning solution often comes in large containers often about 23kg.
Staff must be trained in safe handling techniques. If the container is to be carried
a considerable distance (over 10 meters) a trolley should be provided for moving
the tanning solution.
1
Slips and Trips - Are the biggest cause of injury in the work place, with over /3
of reportable accidents attributed to slips, trips or falls from the same level, 90%
of these accidents result in the injured person suffering from fractures.
Floor surfaces in the treatment room should be suitably slip resistant. Clients’
feet may be “wet” after the treatment and there is also likely to be residue on the
floor surfaces after the spraying. Employers should also take care when asking
clients to stand on towels etc, as these to may slip when stepped on.
The operator of the spray gun should also be aware of the flexible hose, and
store it neatly away when not in use to prevent person tripping over it.
Legionella – the bacteria that cause
legionella live in water and only build
up to dangerous levels if given sufficient
time to multiply in stagnant water.
Legionella is contracted by breathing in droplets of contaminated water. Spray
booth and guns are low risk if you adhere to the manufacturers cleaning
instructions, however if the units are unused for a period of time (e.g. a month)
then the risk increases.
Further Information
For further information you should consult the instruction booklet supplied with
your equipment or contact the manufacturer.
Preventing Slips and Trips at Work INDG 255 (HSE)
Getting to Grips with Manual Handling INDG 143 (HSE)
Legionnaires’ Disease, A Guide for Employers IAC27
A Short Guide to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
INDG 174 (HSE)
The Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk
HABIA www.habia.org
●Produced By Preston City Council●