The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 came into being on 8th April this year. The Regulations prevent the use of sunbeds at commercial premises by children and young people under the age of 18.
The Act contains serious implications for any person that offers a sunbed for use in commercial premises they occupy, manage or control.
While those offering sunbed sessions are subject to existing health and safety legislation, this new Act specifically identifies a breach of law where any person under the age of 18 is offered the use of a sunbed or is present in a ‘restricted zone.’
An offer is made if someone has indicated they are prepared to make a sunbed available. It does not matter if payment is made or not or even if the offer is accepted.
Environmental Health Officers from the Public Health Team at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will work with businesses to ensure compliance with the Act and respond to information received.
Principal Environmental Health Officer Mrs. Susan Gow said: “The health case for this legislation is clear: skin cancer incidence is increasing and the main cause of skin cancer is over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from both natural sunlight as well as the artificial light produced by sunbeds..The European Commission Scientific Committee identified that the risk of getting the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma, seemed particularly high when sunbeds were used at a young age. The Act now specifically bans sunbed businesses from offering treatments to children and young people under 18 and this will be welcomed by parents across the country’’
The Sunbed (Regulation) Act makes provisions for fines of up to £20,000 to any person in breach of the Act. If you have any queries please contact the Public Health Department on (01685) 724674.
