Are Sun Bed Businesses Following The Rules?

The Public health Scotland act came into effect in 2009 but whilst it is a useful tool against the use of Sun beds and their damaging effects on those who use them, are the rules being followed to the letter by sun bed owners?

The acts objective was to protect the public from the risk of skin damage and the increased risk of developing skin cancer as a result of sunbed use by ensuring that those who intend to use a sunbed are fully informed of the risks involved. This was done by making sure that those who own commercial sunbeds made their customers aware to not use sunbeds if they are:

•  Under 18;
• Have fair sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly;
• Have a history of sunburn, especially in childhood;
• Have a large number of freckles and/or red hair;
• Have a large number of moles;
• Taking medicines or using creams which may sensitise the skin to sunlight;
• Have a medical condition that is worsened by sunlight;
• Have had or anyone in your family has had a skin cancer in the past.

The legislation also covers the banning of coin operated sun beds and the sale of UV tanning equipment to those under the age of 18. However, it should be noted that age isn’t a factor when it comes to Sun Beds. Just because you are of legal age to use them it doesn’t make them safe.

For many local Environmental Health officers, the misuse of sunbeds isn’t at the top of their priorities. Therefore we call on you, the public and our supporters to alert MASScot of any commercial sunbed owners who are failing in their duty. Contact us by telephone or email if you have any stories or have seen sunbed owners failing to meet the standards set in the Public Health Scotland Act. (2009)

Contact us at Leigh@masscot.org.uk or on twitter @MASScot1