Following the growing number of accidents that occur during the use of saunas, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has decided to develop standards that operators will follow.

According to UNBS, the use of saunas, steam baths, and whirlpools has of late become harmful to consumers and has sometimes led to death.

“UNBS is in the process of developing a Uganda Standard for saunas, steam baths and whirlpools,” a statement issued by the Government Citizen Interaction Centre said.

Since sauna facilities offer favourable conditions for microbial growth, UNBS urged operators to keep everything clean – from dressing rooms to the steam room.

Guidelines set

In the meantime, UNBS has set guidelines that persons operating saunas should follow. Among them, hygiene should be always kept, and there should not be barefoot access to the facilities.

Users should have wrappers for privacy, shower before and after use, sit on a towel during use, and towels/wrappers should be washed after every use.

“Surface of walls, floors and ceilings in the sauna, steam, or whirlpool rooms shall be made of impervious materials that are smooth, easily cleaned and disinfected daily and regularly following frequency of usage and national standards,” the guidelines read in part.

The facility shall provide timers, clocks, and alarms to automatically disconnect all heating elements from the supply source, warning and caution signs for public sauna rooms and bathrooms and changing rooms.

 Recent sauna accidents

In July this year, one person died on the spot and three others were critically injured after the Sauna in which they were warming themselves burst. 

The incident happened at the Experience Inn at Kayunga in Wakiso town council, Wakiso district. 

The deceased was only identified as Herbert, who was said to be one of the workers at Experience Inn. Another victim also later died of burns.

In September 2019, five people were left critically injured following a sauna explosion at Marcos Gym in Naalya, Kampala.