Utah is phasing in a law requiring a source capture system at workstations where acrylics are applied. These regulations went into effect July 1 of this year for nail salons and schools under new construction or being remodeled. By July 1, 2020, a source capture system will be required at all nail stations where acrylics are done. Source capture systems pull dust and vapors away from the nail tech and into a filter before she breathes them in.

The amendments to Utah’s State Construction Code General Provisions require that in a salon or school “where a licensed nail technician files or shapes an acrylic nail, there shall be provided a source capture system capable of filtering and recirculating air to inside space not less than 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm); or a source capture system capable of exhausting not less than 50 cfm per station.” 

They also amended the Barber, Cosmetology/Barber, Esthetician, Electrologist, and Nail Technician Licensing Act to make failing to provide, maintain, and clean a source capture system’s air filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions unlawful conduct effective as of July 1 of this year.  

“The Utah code change brings it into alignment with the International Mechanical Code in regard to source capture,” says Benjamin Bell, architectural director at CESO, Inc. “Any source capture method that meets the IMC will also meet Utah’s law — vented tables and many of the other options available will all work, as long as they have a minimum exhaust capacity at the point of capture of 50 cfm. The fumes can be exhausted to the exterior of the building, or filtered and recirculated into the salon, as long as that airflow of 50 cfm minimum is maintained. If filtration is used, it needs to meet the appropriate standards as well.”