Self-tanning Outcome 1 Maintain safe and effective methods of working when providing self-tanning

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Learning objectives Identify the health and safety legislation that relates to self- tanning treatment State how to maintain your equipment for self-tanning treatment Describe the correct positioning of the therapist during treatment

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (2002) PPE in the form of gloves must be worn during the application of self-tan to prevent the therapist from having dark, tanned palms of the hands. A mask may be worn by the therapist during the application of spray tanning as the particles in the fine mist may easily be inhaled and cause irritation. An apron can also be worn to protect the work wear uniform during this treatment. Disposable underwear should be offered to the client as an alternative to the client’s own underwear or to wear over the client’s own underwear to protect against product stains.

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 A COSHH risk assessment should be completed on the tanning products and a MSDS should be kept on the composition, safety, handling, storage and disposal of the products.

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) This legislation is a requirement when using any spray tan application technique, whether this is by means of a spray gun or spray tan booth. Electrical equipment should be tested to ensure it is safe to use and checked at regular intervals by a qualified electrician.

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Pressure systems safety regulations (2000) These regulations are concerned with minimising the risk when working with systems or equipment which contain a liquid or gas under pressure. An example of pressure systems and equipment is a fixed or portable compressed air system including a spray gun and spray tan booth. The main hazards relating to these regulations include the impact from the blast of an explosion, or release of compressed liquid or gas, and the impact from parts of equipment that fail.

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Maintenance of equipment: Spray gun Clogging of the spray tan gun is a common problem. It is vital that the gun is thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day that it is used. If left, the tanning solution can harden and clog inside the tubes and instruments that make up the spray gun. The gun needs to be taken apart and cleaned regularly. Ensure that it is put back together correctly. The system should be cleaned by running warm water through the tubes and gun until no more residue can be seen. Allow the equipment to dry overnight and ensure the spray gun and tubes are dry before the next use otherwise this will affect the application and final result. When the spray gun is not being used make sure that it is stored correctly. It should be clean and dry and in its correct holder.

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Maintenance of equipment: Spray tan booth The spray tan booth must be cleaned after each client to ensure the risk of cross-infection is kept to a minimum and to remove any tan remaining in the extraction filters and spray nozzles. If the booth is not thoroughly cleaned after each use the filters and nozzles will become blocked, old tan will oxidise turning green and giving off an unpleasant aroma, and bacteria could breed in the damp environment. A self-cleaning cycle should be chosen and performed after every treatment to ensure the extraction filter will work effectively and the booth will produce the desired tan. Disposable paper towels should be used to dry the wall panels. A disinfectant cleaning spray should be used on the floor and ceiling, which should be wiped over thoroughly until dry.

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Positioning of therapist The therapist needs to be aware of posture and the risks of MSDs and RSI. Unnatural and awkward posture and performing repetitive movements for long periods of time can result in long-term pain and discomfort for the therapist. The therapist should remember to observe posture, keeping the spine straight and bending from the knees. When performing a manual hand application treatment the couch should be at a suitable working height.