Cardiff Council is continuing to enforce the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 which came into effect on 8th April 2011 to prevent children under the age of 18 from using sunbeds and The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011 which came into force on 31st October 2011 requiring specific health standards to be met by businesses.
Throughout January and February 2012, sunbed operators in Cardiff will be sent letters of advice reminding them of the legislation and will then receive a visit from members of the council’s Health and Safety Enforcement Team to offer advice and make sure that they are complying with the law.
Councillor Ed Bridges, Chair of Cardiff Council’s Public Protection Committee, said: “The fashion for a tan has led to much greater use of sunbeds in recent years. Sadly this has also contributed to a steep rise in cases of malignant melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer. Experts are clear about the direct link between sunbed use and cancer, so it is vital we act to protect young people”.
Malignant melanoma is among the five most common cancers in 15-24 year olds in England and Wales. Approximately 80% of melanomas are thought to be caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) both natural (from the sun) and artificial. Each year, more than 100,000 people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in the UK as well as a further 8,000 with malignant melanoma. Every day, six people die from skin cancer in the UK. Using a sunbed once a month or more can increase your risk of skin cancer by more than half.
The Regulations cover operation and use of sunbeds and are enforced by local authorities. The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011 require:
1. The supervision of sunbed use on all sunbed businesses.
A supervisor is required to:
* verify that the person is aged 18 or over;
* assist the person to assess their skin type;
* provide guidance to the person intending to use the sunbed taking into account the person’s assessment of their skin type and any skin conditions or other relevant medical conditions apparent or disclosed to them;
* advise the person as to the safe operation of the sunbed;
* provide the users with the prescribed health information;
* ensure the provision and use of protective eyewear.
2. Extend to businesses that operate from domestic premises the requirement that sunbeds are not used, or offered for use, to under 18’s on those premises.
3. Prohibit the sale or hire of sunbeds to under 18’s.
4. Prohibit the provision or display of any material relating to the health effects of sunbed use, other than material containing health information that has been prescribed.
The penalty for not complying with the standards is a maximum fine of £20,000.
For further information, contact the Health and Safety Enforcement team on:
Tel: 029 2087 1161
Fax: 029 2087 1820
Email: Health&[email protected]
