In total the three people were fined £9,987.The individuals pleaded guilty to a number of offences ranging between offences 1 to 6 under the act:
Offence 1:
Failed to verify a person is aged 18 or in contravention of Regulation 4 (1) and 4 (2)(b)(i) of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011.
Offence 2:
Failed to assist the user to assess their skin type in contravention of Regulation 4 (1) and 4 (2)(b)(ii) of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011
Offence 3:
Failed to provide guidance to a person on use of the sunbed taking into account the person’s assessment of their skin type and any skin conditions or other relevant medical conditions apparent or disclosed to them in contravention of Regulation 4 (1) and 4 (2)(b)(iii) of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011
Offence 4:
Failed to advise the person as to the safe operation of the sunbed contrary to Regulation 4 (1) and 4 (2)(b)(iv) of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011
Offence 5:
Failed to provide to a person the prescribed health information set out in Schedule 1 of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011 contrary to Regulation 7 (1) of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011.
Offence 6:
Failed to make protective eyewear available or to ensure the person has with them protective eyewear and to secure eye protection is worn, contrary to Regulation 8 (1) of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011.
Cllr Haydn Trollope, Executive Member for Environment for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said:
“We are pleased with the results. Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council will continue to undertake these investigations to ensure that sunbed operators are complying with the required legislative standards. We will take enforcement action as necessary where adequate controls to minimise the risks to health and safety are not in place. We want to remind individuals and businesses who are intending to install sunbeds for public use that they are advised to contact the Council’s environment department for advice before installing and setting up any equipment for use.”
These results follow on from previous successful prosecutions. Over the years a number of individuals and businesses who have contravened the Regulations and Act have been prosecuted. Many cases involved users suffering first degree burns as a result of the lack of regulations and assessments (age, guidance, assessment of skin) at sun bed salons. Investigations into these kinds of cases will continue and the Council want to ensure that the health risks involved are highlighted. Those who are interested in setting up or installing sun bed equipment for public use are encouraged to contact the Council for further advice and information.
Information about sunbed safety can be found on the Council’s website http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/business/health-safety/sunbed-safety/ or contact the Council on 01495 35 5116.