CadenceAlex
Well-Known Member
INFORMATION ON THE SAFETY OF SELF TANNING SPRAY BOOTHS AND GUNS.
Sunless Self Tanning Spray Booths and Guns are now becoming a popular alternative to the conventional UV tanning beds.
This report examines and reviews the safety of this type of equipment. It identifies the main hazards/risks associated with use of such machines, from both the employee and consumer safety perspective.
Sunless Self Tanning Spray Booths and Guns are now becoming a popular alternative to the conventional UV tanning beds.
This report examines and reviews the safety of this type of equipment. It identifies the main hazards/risks associated with use of such machines, from both the employee and consumer safety perspective.
INTRODUCTION
Sunless spray tanning machines are becoming increasingly popular within the UK. This report examines and reviews the safety of this type of equipment.
TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
Various types of spray tanning equipment are available on the market but they broadly fall in to two main types of systems, which are:
Automated Spray Tan Booths
Manual Airbrush Spray-on Tanning System
Other variations of these systems do exist and will be discussed specifically within the main body of this report.
In both systems the active ingredient in the tanning product is DH (dihydroxyacetone), this reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of skin to produce a natural tanned look.
Automated Spray Tan Booths.
This system consists of a self contained booth, usually constructed from fibre glass, acrylic or aluminium, a large air compressor and a set of spray nozzles.
Inside the cubicle there is usually a series of spray nozzles mounted on a moveable pillar system. The client stands a little distance in front of these nozzles and with the push of a button the machine is operated. This results in a sideways motion of the pillar which moves across the client, gently misting the body with a fake tan. The cubicle is designed to produce a downward flowing curtain of air which pushes the mist in to the floor pan and filter system.
The automated spray booth system usually takes a couple of minutes for a full body tan and will involve the client taking up four simple standing positions.
The cubicle also incorporates a self-cleaning system which washes down the cubicle between each client.
Airbrush Spray - 0n Tanning System
In crude terms, this system can be likened to a manual car spray system. The equipment comprises of a small compressor unit, a flexible hose, a spray gun and a small pot in which the tanning solution is held.
The spray system uses the compressor to generate pulses of air pressure. This is then used to spray the tanning product via the spray gun thus generating a very fine mist, which when applied results in a full all over body tan. The airbrush spray on system involves a 15-20 minute session for a full body tan and is applied by a trained therapist. The client is usually asked to stand either in a shower tray or on disposable sheets, laid out on the floor.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
Salons must ensure that they assess the safety of the tanning product used, in the form of a COSHH appraisal. In addition to this they should obtain the material safety data sheets to cover the liquid and its application within a spray environment. The Safety Data Sheet is a useful source of information on the safe use and handling of the product.
The safety data sheet can be obtained from the equipment supplier, although there may be no hazardous substances for the purposes of COSHH, there may be ingredients which gave cause for concern. For example one of the ingredients that has been found in a tanning product is Juglans Regia (Walnut) which can cause discomfort to persons with nut allergies.
There is a need for salons to consider possible allergic reactions to clients when using the tanning product and the need for operatives and clients to be aware of any potential side effects.
Further assessment of the data sheets may raise concerns about respiratory problems associated with the tanning equipment particularly given that the liquid is sprayed as a fine mist. i.e. manufacturers recommend clients that suffer from asthma to consult their physician before using the spray product.
The spray tan equipment manufacturers in the main recommend a skin patch test prior to the first series of applications, however this is not instigated in many salons.
Specific instructions regarding handling and storage of the tanning product must be followed. Examination of the safety data sheets may reveal specific instructions like the following:
To keep solution refrigerated when not in use; no smoking; keep away from sparks and sources of ignition; avoid freezing conditions; avoid temperatures in excess of 40 0C as it may lead to strong odour and lose its effectiveness; and in case of spillage or accidental release soak up with absorbent material.
AIR COMPRESSOR
Both the automated spray booth and manual air brush system incorporate the use of an air compressor unit and would fall within the scope of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000.
In the case of the automated spray booth system, the compressors have a capacity and operating pressure which would normally warrant a written scheme of examination.
MANUAL HANDLING
This issue is particularly applicable to the automated tanning booths. In these systems the tanning agent is supplied in 23 kg drums and requires handling in to the rear enclosure of the booth, where it is attached to the spray mechanism.
Attention should be drawn to staff who have to negotiate awkward steps or carry heavy containers over a distance.
STAFF TRAINING
Staff shall be proficient in operating the equipment and carrying out the treatment, and have good knowledge in relation to safety. Sprayers should always use masks when operating the equipment and should be aware of any potential risks.
WASTE DISPOSAL
The waste generated with these systems is classed as trade effluent and requires trade effluent license from the local water authority. The waste is normally collected in filters located in the floor pan and requires regular cleaning.
VENTILATION
The product is used in a spray form and there is the potential of product particles being inhaled through the nose.
In the case of the automated spray booth system the equipment is designed to produce a downward flowing curtain of air around the subject being sprayed so that any particles will be drawn downwards and captured in the filters/drain within the booth thus reducing the potential for inhalation of the spray particles.
With some of the manual air brush tanning systems, inhalation of the spray particles is more likely when there is a lack of adequate ventilation due to the fine mist being generated. The following are examples of salons which have the air brush system and present potential risks of chemical exposure through inhalation.
A salon owner had purchased an airbrush tanning equipment from a local trade show exhibition. The tanning was conducted in a room with a small window cited some distance away from the treatment area. The client was asked to stand in a shower tray where they were sprayed with the tanning product. It was pointed out to the salon owner that the ventilation in the room was inadequate. This was acknowledged when the salon owner revealed she tended to suffer from shortness of breath and tightening of the chest, particularly when a number of clients were treated consecutively.
Another salon, which had also acquired the airbrush system, used a treatment room, which consisted of a fully enclosed room and no windows. In this case the client was asked to stand on disposable paper sheet laid out on the floor. The salon owner was not aware when questioned about the ventilation requirements and had received no instructions/guidance from the supplier/manufacturer in this regard. A conventional mask was being used by the sprayer, but was not of the approved type and did not afford full protection.
EXPOSURE CONTROL / PERSONAL PROTECTION
The issue of personal protection should be particularly evident with the manual air brush systems. Disposable gloves of the approved type and masks should be used.
SLIPS AND TRIPS
Slips and trips are highlighted as a potential hazard, particularly given that the liquid is sprayed as a fine mist and tends to settle on the floor where ventilation is at a premium. The use of anti slip matting and regular cleaning of the booth would reduce these types of accidents.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
The automated spray booth system is mains operated from a 240v supply.
This type of equipment requires regular cleaning of the cubicle, checking of pressure gauges, fluid tank levels, replenishing tanning solution. The procedure involves accessing the service compartment, which houses the electrical circuitry and may present risk of electric shock, to persons who either tamper/or inadvertently come in contact with the electrical components. Competent person and training of staff would alleviate such risks.
LEGIONELLA BACTERIA
The issue of legionella is acknowledged as a potential problem with the automatic spray booth system and should be given due consideration.
The spray booth equipment incorporates an automatic wash cycle which cleans the cubicle after each session. The booth is connected to the mains water supply and the water is stored in small holding tanks. These tanks may provide the ideal conditions for legionella bacteria, as they can multiply in hot/cold water systems/storage tanks and in this case they may spread through the spraying mechanism.
Although the generally high throughput and relatively low volume of water held in these small water systems reduces the likelihood of the bacteria reaching dangerous concentrations, salon owners were advised to carry out a risk assessment to identify and assess potential sources of exposure.
CONCLUSION
Salons must assess the safety of the product, in the form of a COSHH appraisal and give consideration to potential allergies, respiratory problems (legionella), adequate ventilation of treatment area, protective equipment, handling/storage of the tanning product.
Salon owners should be able to demonstrate suitable systems for maintaining equipment in good working order (air compressor unit) and ensuring competence of operatives. Owners and staff must have a good appreciation of the factors that need to be taken into account when installing spray tan systems to minimise exposure to spray particles of both the subject and the spray operator.
.. not many mobile spray tanners would take one of them to an appointment... :lol: 
