SUMMER 2015 NEWS Burning issue Sunbed safety Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers have been conducting joint visits to tanning salons to check on the safety of sunbeds. Tanning sunbeds use ultraviolet lamps to provide a cosmetic tan. The statutory limits stipulated by the British Standard are equivalent to the UV radiation emitted by the midday Mediterranean sun. The maximum irradiance level for UV tanning equipment should be 0.3 W/m2 and any equipment that exceeds this level is deemed to be unsafe. NEWS Sunbeds are tested to ensure that the uorescent lamps are not too strong and that only lamps within the legal output level are being used. High levels of ultraviolet radiation can result in injuries and ill health for those exposed to it. The short-term effects include sunburn and conjunctivitis. There is increasing evidence, however, that cumulative exposure to UV radiation raises the risk of skin cancers, so sunbed use in addition to natural exposure to the sun would increase that risk. In 2011, 13,348 people in the UK were diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer. Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers are working with high-street salons to improve safety for sunbed users. Traders should be aware that high-powered sunbeds with emissions above the legal limit could cause serious longterm damage to users. The trade has responded positively to the officers visits and most have been able to demonstrate robust procedures to ensure equipment is safe, and that clients sunbed use is monitored. FIND OUT MORE Salon Guidance on the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 owners are is available here. The Department of Health has also being also released information specically for sunbed businesses. advised to check the ages of their sunbed users. The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 prohibits use by under-18s, so salon owners must be vigilant in checking the ages of young people who wish to use their sunbeds. Credits: Marion Wilson Images: dotshock / Shutterstock