Use of sunbeds

Under 18s should not use sunbeds and coin operated salons should be supervised by trained staff – these are the two key changes appearing in the revised guidance from the Health and Safety Executive on the safe operation of tanning equipment.

Guidance

The new advice, produced in support of the Department of Health’s Cancer Reform Strategy, provides recommendations on how to operate ultraviolet tanning equipment safely, including advice about potential hazards and risk assessments.

Although the guidance is not enforceable, operators of UV tanning equipment must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Operators must assess the risks from all their work activities, including UV radiation, on their staff and customers. They must then put appropriate control measures in place. They must ensure that staff are trained in the control measures and are competent to act on any dangers.

Reducing health risks from the use of ultraviolet tanning equipment – Leaflet and poster INDG209(rev1) (single copy free or priced packs of 10 ISBN 978 0 7176 6321 7).