Wrexham Sun Beds Tested To Ensure Safety

Sunbeds in tanning salons, gyms, hotels and other outlets across Wrexham have recently been tested by Trading Standards to ensure that they are safe.

Health and Safety Officers from Wrexham Council and Trading Standards have tested sunbeds across the Wrexham area to make sure they comply with the European Safety Standards permitted safe ultra violet level of 0.3W/m2.

Surveys and enforcement initiatives already conducted at tanning salons and similar establishments across the UK had shown over 80% of sunbeds did not comply with the European standards. any business found to continually breach Trading Standards and Health and Safety legislation appropriate enforcement action will be taken

In 2013 31 sunbeds were tested in the Wrexham area and there was a high failure rate (77%), in line with the rest of the UK, this was followed up by appropriate enforcement action to secure compliance. The sunbeds that failed had their tubes replaced with 0.3 compliant tubes. They were subsequently re-tested and found to be within the permitted safe UV limit. The remaining sunbeds were given advisory notices for the business to take steps to ensure compliance.

In 2014 48 sunbeds were tested and the failure rate had reduced to 24%. These sunbeds were withdrawn from service, their tubes replaced and were re-tested and found to be compliant.

As a result of these procedures, prosecution for the supply of a non-compliant sunbeds has not been necessary

Trading Standards are aiming to secure 100% compliance in 2015.

If consumers have concerns about the safety of sunbeds please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.