A THIRD of sunbeds in the borough are unsafe, a Solihull Council investigation has revealed.
Council checks of 42 sunbeds in 13 salons across the borough found 36 per cents of them were unsafe – with 15 found to be emitted unsafe levels of UV rays.
The unsafe sunbeds, including one which posted a reading over three times the permitted radiation levels, pose a serious health risk to the users of the beds – including increasing their risk of contracting skin, cancers.
Staff in tanning salons can also be at risk due to the long-term exposure of excessive levels of UV radiation.
Following the checks, carried out between November 2015 and January 2016, all unsafe sunbeds were taken out of service for repairs.
They were then re-tested on a subsequent visit by the Trading Standards team before returning to use.
These checks and follow-up visits by Solihull Council have now led to over 90 percent of tested sunbeds being compliant with all required regulations.
Coun Karen Grinsell, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said: “The findings of these checks demonstrate just how important it is for us to carry out these checks in helping to protect the people of Solihull.
“Although there is no absolutely safe level of UV exposure, it is important that we carry out these tests to ensure people are not putting themselves at additional risk.
“I encourage everyone to take their wellbeing seriously and do everything possible to keep themselves safe.”
Top tips for using tanning salons:
- Look for tanning salons who advertise ‘0.3 compliant’ sunbeds.
- Ask staff when their beds were last serviced.
- Use salons that are clean and hygienic and provide cleaning equipment before and after use.
- Salons should assess your skin type and medical history in order to recommend the correct sunbed usage before you use the equipment for the first time. If they don’t offer, make sure you ask.
- Use salons that provide eye protection and ensure that you wear it.
