Sunbeds
Sunbed Standards
The Sunbed (Northern Ireland) Act 2011 came into operation on 1 May 2012. This legislation was brought in to protect the public because of the risks associated with the use of sunbeds, particularly for young people.
The Act places a duty on each district council to enforce the legislation and includes measures to:
- prohibit the use of sunbeds by anyone under 18 years of age
- prohibit the sale or hire of sunbeds to anyone under 18 years of age
- prohibit unsupervised use of commercial sunbeds
- ensure adequate protective eyewear is provided
- ensure a public information notice on the health risks is displayed
- ensure users are provided with written information on the health risk
- prohibit making unfounded/unproven health benefit claims of sunbed use
If you have any concerns about the safety standards at a business with sunbeds contact the Environmental Health Department of your local council.
CARE IN THE SUN
RISK FACTORS
Anyone can develop skin cancer, whatever their skin colour. However, certain skin types are more at risk from the effects of UV radiation than others.
SKIN PROTECTION
Too much ultraviolet (UV) light, either from natural sunlight or from artificial sources such as sunbeds, is the main cause of 80% of skin cancers.
SUNBEDS
Sunbeds, tanning booths and sun lamps give out ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin and can make it look wrinkled, older or leathery.