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Big Nick  
#1 Posted : 27 March 2012 15:28:11(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Big Nick

As I understand it the Sunbed (Regulations) Act 2010 stipulates that no under 18's are permitted to use sunbeds, information is to be displayed and eye protection provided. I have been informed that it would be a good 'duty of care' issue to resrict users to 'X amount' minutes use in a 24 hour period. Is this going over the top and pandering to the 'Health & Safety Monster' or should we let the customer make their own informed decision. Any thoughts?
Safety Smurf  
#2 Posted : 27 March 2012 15:36:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Nick, I'd be inclined to say it's nothing to do with H&S, public health perhaps but nothing to do with a workplace or work (save what semantics can do to make a connection).
Ron Hunter  
#3 Posted : 27 March 2012 15:36:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

The risk of skin cancer is a real one. Many local authorities make additional licence stipulations (Civic Government Legislation). Some Authorities have taken the decision not to allow (via licensing regime) such operations. Some others have claimed the moral high ground and removed sunbeds from municipal facilities. Further info. via The Sunbed Association (TSA) Code of Practice.
chris.packham  
#4 Posted : 27 March 2012 15:37:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

I have lots of thoughts, most of which would result in the moderators almost certainly blocking my posting! I suggest you take a look at the charity on this at www.skcin.org. Go to the section on sunbed facts and you will find all the information you need. Chris
chris.packham  
#5 Posted : 27 March 2012 15:39:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

Just one further thought. You suggest that customers should make their own 'informed decision'. How are you going to ensure that customers are correctly informed. Most, in my experience, have little knowledge of the real hazards. Some even believe that by getting a sun tan on a sun bed they will not need protection against the {Mediterranean) sun when they go on holiday in August!!! Chris
johnld  
#6 Posted : 27 March 2012 16:11:37(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
johnld

When I was employed in the HE sector, before I retired, there were a number of sunbeds installed in our Sports Centre and Hotel. When the issue of over exposure and the harmful effects were established well over 12 years ago we did introduce a sign up procedure for the use of sunbeds. We followed the guidance give in INDG209 which was first published in 2000. This has now been revised several times. The users were given an information leaflet and then required to sign in when they booked a session using the sun beds and were only permitted as set number of sessions. Over reaction some might think, but after attending a number of scientific seminars covering the use of sunbeds, myself and my colleagues were entirely happy with the decisions we had made. As the sunbeds came to the end of the useful life or required a bulb change they were not replaced. My own personal option is that the use of sunbeds should be banned other for medical purposes . Who after all would now condone some of the radiation treatments which could be purchased by the public in the early 1900’s
Big Nick  
#7 Posted : 27 March 2012 16:14:27(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Big Nick

Thanks for the link Ron. Chris - The information for the customer would come from the HSE poster and an induction. They would also carry out a type of Health Questionaire. The sunbed in question is used by staff as well as guests. The question is do I need to put restrictions on use in place or do I let staff/guests use it when they want, and if I don't put restrictions in place am I breaching duty of care.
Big Nick  
#8 Posted : 27 March 2012 16:21:14(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Big Nick

johnld wrote:
My own personal option is that the use of sunbeds should be banned other for medical purposes . Who after all would now condone some of the radiation treatments which could be purchased by the public in the early 1900’s
I agree with you john, unfortunately it isn't my decision to make. I suffer from melanoma myself after being badly burnt when I was 8 years old back in the 70's. I would never think of using one myself.
chris.packham  
#9 Posted : 27 March 2012 16:55:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

I listened to a talk by a legal expert not so long ago. From what she said, I think the answer is that so long as you have made them aware of the risks and potential consequences and made it clear that they use the facility as a result of their own decision and at their own risk, then you would be in the clear. You might consider making them sign to confirm this. Given the risks I don't think that this would be OTT. It is a bit like smoking. If you provide a smoking shelter could the users hold you responsible for their lung cancer? I think not. Chris.
SpaceNinja  
#10 Posted : 28 March 2012 08:33:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
SpaceNinja

The CIEH published a copy of a speech about skin cancer and sunbeds earlier this week: http://www.cieh.org/Work...howcontent.aspx?id=41548 With regards to limiting the number of minutes on the sunbed, would this really be effective or would members of staff / the public simply go around the corner to TanTastic sunbed shop instead, whilst this clearly would not be your problem in terms of being held liable, from a wider public health point of view it is just moving the problem rather than solving it. I agree with the other posters that the provision of information and education allowing them to be made aware of the risks, helping them make an informed choice, is the best route to address the issue (well, legislation banning sunbeds is the best route, but that's not an option available to you!). You probably need to decide why this has been raised as an issue, is it purely for being held liable, etc. or does it fit into a wider Corporate Social Responsibility / public health initiative?
Xavier123  
#11 Posted : 28 March 2012 11:52:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Xavier123

Its also worth while making mention of the fact that the Sunbed (Regulations) Act 2010 does NOT actually require the provision of information or of eye protection. Its makes provision for future regulations concerning these items (which seems unlikely given the current target of a arbitary 50% reduction in the number of regulations). http://www.legislation.g...k/ukpga/2010/20/contents In Wales and Scotland the requirements differ again and some have brought these powers into play - Northern Ireland is shortly about to do so too. Devolution in action.
Xavier123  
#12 Posted : 28 March 2012 11:55:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Xavier123

Additionally and, somewhat more to the point of the post, I agree with Chris above that there is a limit to how far your liability can extend. I think if you were actively encouraging people to use the sunbed and failing to provide appropriate warnings etc. then you'd be on shaky ground but otherwise the sensible approaches described above seem quite reasonable. That's my two pennies worth.
Xavier123  
#13 Posted : 28 March 2012 12:31:07(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Xavier123

....and had yet another thought. I don't know how close to quoting the actual advice you were being given about x minutes in 24 hours but current best practice is to rest the skin for 48 hours (at least for most skin types as some can 'get away' with it) between sessions - although you'll find lots of conflicting advice about this out there if you look. I'm sure the HSE used to advise no more than 20 hours (or was it sessions?) a year - but this seemed to disappear in their most recent guidance revision: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2009/e09038.htm The Sunbed Association talk about not more than 60 sessions a year....and 2-3 times a week. The maths don't add up but you get the general picture.
Big Nick  
#14 Posted : 28 March 2012 14:38:21(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Big Nick

Thanks to you all for your input it has been very useful. Just for your information a LA EHO was asking a sister site of mine how they manage the number of visits/time that persons use our machine to be tanned. Thanks again to you all for your help.
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