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28 January 2005 - Beware of Sunbed
Operatives Lack of Health and Safety Compliance
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As the holiday season will soon be with us, many people will
perhaps be visiting sunbed salons prior to jetting off to sunnier destinations.
However, Warrington Council EHP's have revealed some risk factors which the
public should be aware of.
Warrington Council EHP's investigated 42 sunbed establishments.
EHP's posing as clients were used, (the first survey of it's kind) to
investigate the means by which customers were given information and advice on
health risks and the provisions, within these establishments, for the safe use
of equipment by members of staff.
The survey exposed many operators not to be complying with
health and safety rules, with significant failings in minimising risks for their
customers.
Some of the failings identified by the survey were as follows:
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None of the 42 premises visited complied adequately with health
and safety requirements.
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Based on a score out of 100, more than half the premises
visited scored less than a third out of 100.
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Basic cleanliness was found to be lacking.
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Protective goggles were found to be inadequate.
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Assessment of skin types and exposure times were poor to
non-existent.
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Equipment usage found to be unsafe.
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Lack of warning notices.
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Staff training inadequate.
Mr. Albert Gilbert, Assistant Director for Environmental Health
and Public Protection, after highlighting the high demand for tanning salons
from young women within Warrington, further commented:
"Sunbed operators who do not identify people with vulnerable
skin types and who do not monitor how often people are using facilities are
failing in their duty to provide adequate health and safety measures.
"The results are extremely concerning. We would advise anyone
considering using suntanning equipment to get advice on their skin type,
including things such as moles and freckles and medical conditions, as these
factors will affect health risks. If in doubt, they should not use the
facilities.”
Warrington's Executive Member for Community and Wellbeing, Mr.
Mike Hannon, also commented:
“Operators of cosmetic tanning equipment have a duty to
ensure they take all the steps necessary to minimise risks. This survey tells us
that most operators are not doing this. It is vital that the public is fully
informed about the potential dangers.”
A second formal visit from EHP's will take place early this year
for discussions as to what improvements are required,in order to adhere to
compliance of health and safety within these establishments.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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