0.3 Tanning – What is it and how can it benefit your salon?

0.3 Tanning

What is 0.3 tanning?

0.3 tanning is the dubbed name of the regulations governing the maximum UV output of sunbeds, as approved by the EU. This output complies with all British as well as all European consumer safety regulations. This type of tanning session delivers the same tanning effect as the mid-day Mediterranean summer sun, however without the risk of burning.

First introduced to the UK in 2009, this regulatory requirement states that a sunbed's UV irradiation must not exceed 0.3W/m2. What's more, a sunbed with a UV output above this level is deemed as ‘unsafe’ due to the increased risk of tanners overexposing themselves and burning. The 0.3 legislation minimises this risk primarily by reducing the maximum UV output, and also by standardising this practice throughout the industry. Furthermore, if all sunbeds were 0.3 compliant, sunbed users could confidently use any equipment, anywhere in the UK with a much lower risk of overexposure.

What you can expect from a 0.3 tanning session?

A 0.3 tanning session delivers the same tanning effect as the mid-day Mediterranean summer sun but without the risk of burning. The main benefits of this are:

• A deeper, longer-lasting tan for your clients.
• A gentler, kinder, and more relaxing tanning process.
• Much lower risk of overexposure and burning. Customers can therefore tan for longer periods, allowing them to relax and unwind!
• Salons can also sell longer tanning sessions, increasing revenue.
• The depth of the tan that 0.3 lamps produce can also work out more cost-effectively for the customer. By using 0.3 lamps, tanners need fewer sessions to achieve as deep a tan.
• Salons eliminate their chances of fines for non-compliance with this legal requirement.

Has Brexit affected the necessity to become 0.3 compliant?

Simply put, no! 0.3 was introduced as a Standard under the Euronorm – EN-603350-2-27. This was adapted as a British Standard – BS-60335-2-27. In the lead-up to Brexit, the British Government advised all European Standards in place would remain in place as British Standards. As such, 0.3 remains a regulatory requirement in the delivery of a safe service to consumers under the General Products and Safety Regulations.

How do I become 0.3 compliant?

To become 0.3 compliant, your sunbeds' UV irradiation must not exceed 0.3W/m2. 0.3W/m2 is the amount of UV exposure that the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) set as the limit for effective irradiance. Simply put, all a salon must therefore do for compliance is swap out non-compliant lamps for 0.3 compliant lamps. Our collection of 0.3 compliant lamps come in 1.8m and 2.0m lengths. If you wish to speak to a sunbed specialist call us on Freephone – 0808 108 7778.

How can you help the industry?

Whether a salon, gym, spa, or hotel owner, you can help the tanning industry! By complying with the 0.3 legislation, you are promoting safe tanning. This may also harmonise the industry's relationship with anti-tanning supporters – improving its long-term stability. If you are passionate about 0.3 and therefore safe, responsible tanning you may wish to join The Sunbed Association. Read more about The Sunbed Association and why you should consider joining. Or visit The Sunbed Association's website here.