GUIDANCE NOTE INFORMATION GUIDE ON SELF TANNING SPRAY BOOTHS AND GUNS

Transcription

1 GUIDANCE NOTE INFORMATION GUIDE ON SELF TANNING SPRAY BOOTHS AND GUNS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Sunless spray tanning machines are becoming increasingly popular within the UK. This information sheet provides guidance to employers, the self employed and employees on best practise to prevent/minimize occupational health problems. 2. TYPES OF EQUIPMENT 2.1 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 may exist. 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. 2.2 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. 2.3 Airbrush Spray On 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 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.

2 3.0 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH SPRAY TAN SYSTEMS 3.1 Air Compressor Explosion/noise risks are associated with compressors. 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 In the case of the automated spray booth system, the compressor was noted to have a capacity and operating pressure which would normally warrant a written scheme of examination. 3.2 Manual Handling This issue is particularly applicable to the automated tanning booths. In these systems the tanning agent is supplied in 23kg drums and requires handling in to the rear enclosure of the booth, where it is attached o the spray mechanism. Staff may have to negotiate awkward steps from the store room and carry heavy containers over a distance. 3.3 Upper Limb Disorders This is particularly applicable to the manual air brush system, because it requires repetitive finger, hand or arm movements. The application of the spray to the client using the air brush may necessitate the operative to take up awkward postures with a lot of bending/stooping movements. Staff training and adequate work space is essential to safe working. 3.4 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. 3.5 Staff Training Staff should be given appropriate information, instruction and training on the use of the tanning equipment and associated products. 3.6 Slips/Trips Slips and trips was 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.

3 3.7 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. Component person and training of staff would alleviate such risks. 3.8 Legionella/Bacteria The issue of Legionella is acknowledged as a potential problem with the automatic spray booth system and requires 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 are advised to carry out a risk assessment to identify and assess potential sources of exposure. 3.9 Chemical Safety Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets for the tanning product from the supplier or manufacturer. Salons should assess the safety of the product, in the form of a COSHH appraisal and identify any potential ingredients likely to cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, e.g. some tanning solutions contain extracts of nut which can cause discomfort to clients with nut allergies. Clients that suffer from asthma are advised by the manufacturer to consult their physician before using some spray products. Ingestion of the tanning product is likely particularly with the automated spray booth system. Ingestion of some tanning products may cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhoea. Clients should be given appropriate advice before being allowed to use the booth, reliance solely on an information video is not advisable. Salon owners are advised to read the safety data sheet carefully before administering the product on clients. 4.0 Ventilation The issue of ventilation should be considered when installing spray tan systems to minimise exposure to spray particles of both the subject and spray operator. 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. Ensure that filters and extract system are maintained on a regular basis to ensure optimum efficiency.

4 With some of the manual air brush tanning systems, inhalation of the spray particles was more likely, given the fine mist being generated and the lack of adequate ventilation. In the case of manual tanning systems owners should ensure a specific site assessment is carried out where the equipment is likely to be used in order to ensure sufficient and adequate ventilation. You should obtain manufacturer s instruction in this regard. 4.1 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Where gloves and masks are used, particularly with the manual spray on system you should ensure that protective equipment is of the approved type and replaced as required. 4.2 After Care Advice Appropriate after care advice should be given to the client after treatment. The advice should underline any precautions required when using UV Sun Beds, having used sunless spray tan systems. LEGISLATIVE REQUIERMENTS The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 The Work Place Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Should you require any further information please contact: Consumer Wellbeing and Protection Town Hall Lytham St. Annes Lancashire FY8 1LW Telephone: Fax: Web:

5 Checklist Key issues: Risk Assessments COSHH/Data sheets Product storage Labelling/Ingredients Check active ingredient: dhydroxyacetone. Knowledge of potential risks/health effects Technical specifications Ventilation requirements Operating manual Training of staff Cleaning of equipment Waste disposal Client history Asthma Allergies: Juglans Regia (walnuts) Physician consultation Skin patch test Air compressor: Pressure Systems Safety Regs 2000 Manual Handling: Some tanning agents 23 Kg drums Waste disposal: Trade effluent/licence Ventilation PPE: (Manual air brush) Slips/Trips Electric Shock Legionella/Bacteria