Trading Standards remind residents and businesses about sunbed safety

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards team is reminding residents to choose salons that meet current sunbed safety standards and to be aware of the laws that protect consumers from unsafe UV exposure.

To ensure a salon is operating safely, consumers should check that it has been inspected by Trading Standards and that its sunbeds’ UV output is within legal limits.

The UK safety standard limits a sunbed’s UV output to 0.3 watts per square metre (W/m²) equivalent to the strength of the midday summer sun in the Mediterranean. Introduced in 2009, this limit is a legal requirement under UK consumer safety laws. Sunbeds exceeding this level are considered unsafe.

Trading Standards has noted an increase in the number of new sunbed salons opening across Carmarthenshire. Anyone considering offering this service is encouraged to contact the Council before starting, as advice from the Environmental Health team will be required on essential health and safety measures.

Under the Sunbed (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011, operators must ensure that:

• Under-18s are not permitted to use sunbeds.
• The facility is properly managed.
• Users are helped to identify their skin type and receive guidance on correct use.
• Prescribed health information is displayed and read by users.
• Suitable client records are maintained.
• A warning poster is clearly displayed.
• No health benefits of sunbeds are advertised.
• Appropriate eye protection is provided, and staff receive suitable training.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Consumer Affairs, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said:

“These standards exist to protect people from overexposure to UV radiation, which can have serious health effects. By choosing salons inspected by our Trading Standards team, residents can tan more safely and responsibly.”

If you are unsure about the standards of a salon, or are considering offering sunbed services, please contact Carmarthenshire County Council on 01267 234567 for advice.

For further information on sunbed safety regulations in Wales, visit: https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-04/the-sunbeds-regulation-act-2010-wales-regulations-2011.pdf