Tanning facilities
Information about the legal requirements for facility operators.
For full operational requirements refer to:
Requirements for owners and operators
Age restriction
The operator is responsible for ensuring that persons under the age of 18 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.
Signage
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
Protective equipment
Operators must ensure that clients have access to and use acceptable protective eyewear when using tanning equipment.
Cleaning and disinfection
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 a 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.
A fine may be issued by a Peel Public Health Inspector or a municipal by-law enforcement officer for any infraction of the by-law or the Skin Cancer Prevention Act.
Tanning equipment refers to ultraviolet or other lamps intended to induce skin tanning through the irradiation of any part of the human body with ultraviolet radiation and equipment including ballasts, starters, reflectors, acrylic shields, timers, and airflow cooling systems. It does not include equipment used for spray tanning.
The risk of spreading infections is low. If a tanning bed is not properly disinfected between each use, there is a potential for certain organisms to survive on the surfaces and spread infections. Examples are aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The risk increases if a person has any skin abrasions.
Eye infections can also result from the use of shared protective eyewear that has not been properly disinfected.
Inspections are usually unannounced. Region of Peel Public Health Inspectors and By-law enforcement officers carry photo identification. Do not hesitate to ask to see the ID of anyone coming to inspect your facility.
The inspector may ask to see documents, ask the operator questions, and will need to inspect certain areas in the facility. They will then provide the operator with a written report and explanation. They will address any questions the operator may have. Failure to follow directions from a Public Health Inspector may result in charges being laid.
