Lamp Equivalency Documentation

Lamp equivalency documentation is important paperwork to establish that a tanning bed is compatible with the lamps being used. It is vital to use equivalent lamps in a tanning bed to ensure that the consumer is not being overexposed to UV radiation. This documentation must be maintained by the tanning salon if lamps other than those recommended by the manufacturer are in use and will be requested by an inspector during an inspection. Lamp equivalency documentation can be found in the user manual for your equipment or it can be requested from your tanning lamp vendor.

Protective Eyewear

Protective eyewear must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's design. If the eyewear is manufactured to use straps, it must be used with straps to ensure protection from UV light. If your facility would like to offer strapless eyewear, there are FDA-compliant brands available that are manufactured to be used without straps and still offer maximum protection.

Cracks in Acrylic

Over time, acrylic in tanning beds will become cracked and develop crazing (spiderweb-like cracks) from use and pressure, particularly beneath the pillow. Often these cracks are within the acrylic and are acceptable. However, you should replace any acrylic with displays cracks on the outer surface exposed to the client. These cracks compromise the effectiveness of sanitation and pose a health hazard. Regularly check your equipment for cracks. If a DHEC inspector finds cracks in outer acrylic during an inspection, you will be cited.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Equipment

The cleaning agents you used in your home can damage the acrylic of your tanning equipment and possibly irritate your clients' skin.

Our regulations state that you must use a sanitizer that is approved for use on tanning equipment and eyewear. Some brands of sanitizer are approved only for the acrylic or only for the eyewear; others are approved for both eyewear and acrylic. Please ensure that your facility is using an appropriate sanitizer and mixing it according to the label. If we inspect your facility, we will check to make sure the sanitizer used in your facility is the right kind and mixed properly.