Chapter 12
Equipment Sanitation

Equipment Sanitation
Disinfecting your equipment is of utmost importance because of the rise in communicable diseases. The most widely publicized of these today is the HIV virus (AIDS). There are other forms of bacteria and other viruses to think about. Doctors claim that toilet seats, Jacuzzis and shower rooms do not play host to the HIV virus. They are not so certain about more intimate items such as toothbrushes, razors, and in a tanning facility perhaps the protective eyewear

Considering that indoor tanning is a fairly intimate industry, a salon owner/operators need to know how to respond to inquiries about AIDS and tanning units. They also need to know more about equipment maintenance and sanitation to ensure that hygiene problems of any kind are kept at bay. Most microorganisms' die immediately upon exposure to ultraviolet light, but when left on handles and the sunbed frame, they can live for an unspecified time period.

Some infectious diseases to be aware of include: hepatitis A and B, influenza viruses and conjunctivitis (pinkeye). One thing salons often neglect to disinfect is the tanning pillow. If the vinyl on a pillow is split, bacteria and viruses can live inside the warm foam. Any split or cracked pillow should be replaced immediately, and all pillows should be disinfected after every use.

Tanning salon employees must be responsible for disinfecting the entire tanning room rather than leaving it up to your customers. Your customers don’t know all the cleaning/disinfecting methods and don’t really want to be bothered with it anyway. In some states regulations prohibit customers from cleaning/disinfecting the tanning room.

Another critical area of sanitation is protective eyewear. Because of the risk of infectious diseases (i.e. impetigo, viral and bacterial infections, conjunctivitis etc.) goggles must be cleaned, then disinfected between each use.

Remind clients that the risk of infection does not only come from other people, but it is possible to continually re-infect yourself if you have some type of virus or infection. The cleaning solution used should be designed for protective eyewear specifically. Make sure it has been mixed properly to prevent eye irritation.

The solution needs to be non-toxic and not leave a film or residue behind after drying. It must clearly state on the product label that it will effectively kill all leading germs and bacteria. The solution must not destroy the plastic in the goggles and make the plastic fall below FDA standards.

State, local and FDA regulations that apply to sanitation vary from area to area and must be complied with in all cases. Check with the regulating body(s) in your area to be sure you are in compliance.