A crackdown on sunbeds by Cheshire East Council has made them safer, new figures suggest.
Officers from the Council’s regulatory services and health team went to 34 sunbed outlets between June and December 2014. Initial inspections found that just 32 sunbeds of a total 90 (36 per cent) met European safety standards, but when inspectors visited again, a total of 78 (87 per cent) passed the test.
To test how safe the sunbeds were, a solarmeter was used to analyse whether it was within a safe limit of 0.3 of UV radiation per square metre (W/sq m). In sunbed outlets where the machines emitted more than 0.6 W/sq, staff were ordered to switch them off until they had been tested again and complied with the required standards. Companies which committed less serious breaches were instructed to correct the problems as soon as possible and told that they would be inspected again.
Business owners were warned that they may face enforcement action should they not comply with the sunbed standards or be ‘named and shamed’ for their failings.
The European safety standard was introduced In the UK as a result of increasing rates of skin cancer. The risk of developing cancer as a result of sunbed use is more than twice that of spending the same amount of time in the midday sun and it is estimated that 100 people die every year as a result of using sunbeds.
Chris Woods, solicitor at Russell Worth, said the action taken by Cheshire East Council should set an example to others across the country.
“Cheshire East Council has taken great steps in tackling a growing problem in the UK and should be an example to others in the UK to step up and follow suit,” he said.
“We are seeing soaring numbers of people with horrific burns seeking compensation. Sunbeds can be extremely dangerous and need to be properly regulated in all outlets across the UK to minimise the risk posed to users.”
If you or your loved one has suffered as a result of an unregulated sunbed and you would like to speak about your legal options, we can help you. Give us a call on 0800 028 2060 or contact us online here.