Regulation of Sunbed Businesses
The incidence of skin cancer is increasing with malignant melanoma being among the five most common cancers in 15-24 year olds.
Approximately 80% of melanomas are thought to be caused by exposure to ultra violet light, both natural (from the sun) and artificial. The Sunbeds (Regulations) Act 2010 makes provisions for the use and supply of sunbeds. A sunbed is defined as an electrically powered device designed to produce tanning of human skin using ultra violet radiation.
A person who carries out a sunbed business must ensure that:
- no person under 18 uses a sunbed on the business premises or any premises relating to the business
- no person under 18 is present at any time other than for working on behalf of the business in a restricted area.
- no offer is made by the business or on behalf of the business to make a sunbed available for use to someone under18.
If a business fails to comply with the above conditions they are liable, if found guilty, to a fine not exceeding £20,000. However, it is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to show that all reasonable precautions were taken and they exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
An exemption applies if the use of the sunbed is solely for the purpose of medical treatment under the supervision or direction of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
The use of sunbeds must be appropriately supervised and information about the health risks associated with using them must be made available.
Suitable protective eyewear must be made available and the business should as far as possible make sure that customers wear the protective eyewear provided.
Businesses can be fined if they don’t allow authorised officers to inspect their business.
For further information contact our Health and Safety team (details below).
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