Safety Advice

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010, became effective on the 8 April 2011 to help safeguard the most vulnerable by refraining under 18s from accessing sunbeds. The Sunbed Hire Directory is totally supportive of this regulation and was already promoting the refusal of hire sunbeds to Under 18’s before the act was introduced.

Every store that supplies a sunbed for rental to a customer has to make sure that they supply sufficient directions on the safe use such equipment. The directions would have to detail how to safely use the equipment, damage that can be caused from excessive use, that under 18’s must not use the equipment and also that the equipment needs to be accurately marked with warnings.

In addition to this Sunbed Hire operators need to ensure compliance with The European Standard (The General Product Safety Regulations 2005. BS EN 60335-2-27: Particular requirements for appliances for skin exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation) in which safe limits for UV radiance are mentioned, defines a limit of 0.3 W/m2

Well what does this suggest? Well essentially the guidelines state that the 0.3 W/m2 optimum irradiance cap for UV tanning devices is based on the judgement of the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP), and as a comparison it represents the intenseness of the midday sun in the summer in the Mediterranean. Simply put the safe limit is intended to match sunbed output to the optimum that human Caucasians have naturally grown to manage.

Advertisers featured on this directory are independent business operators and have a responsibility to abide by any such regulations, which may pertain to the operation of their business. The Sunbed Hire Directory accepts no liability for the failure of a sunbed hire business not following any such legislation and encourages consumers to contact their supplier prior to arranging the rental of sunbed equipment.

Question: Is sunbed use harmful?

Response: Sunbeds offer health benefits as well as some health risks if not utilized smartly. Prior to hiring a sunbed please take some time to review the info listed below.

The 4 main elements we rely upon for our lives and wellness are air, water, earth and sunshine. If we take one of these forces away, then quite simply, we would not exist! There would certainly be no life without the sunlight– but life with way too much sunlight may not be good either.

Ultraviolet Rays

UVC, UVB and UVA– are released by the sunlight. UVC rays, one of the most unsafe to the human system, are removed by the upper atmosphere but some UVB (which can cause sunburn and eye damage) and UVA, reach the earth’s surface. The strength relies on the angle of the sun– ie the geographical location, season and time of day. UV levels can increase by up to 50% between 11am and 1pm!

UV is unnoticeable. Those outdoors are exposed to varying degrees of UV and they are quite often unaware of the UV strength. Regrettably, warnings of sunburn in many cases come too late. A survey in Denmark disclosed that beach sunbathers exposed themselves for approximately three-and-a-half hours a day.

Sunbed lamps imitate the sun and release UVA and UVB but they go a stage further and regulate the result with a balance of UV to reduce the risk of burning and also maximise the tanning. As we know– no-one controls the sun! Sunbed lamp technology undergoes on-going research and development programmes to keep up with experimented proof on the impacts of UV.

A couple of extra hints and suggestions

  • Never fail to take out make-up and also cosmetics before tanning.
  • Always remove jewellery to generate that all over tan.
  • If taking medications don’t forget to check whether they influence the light sensitivity of your skin. If in doubt, consult your physician
  • Do not use sun-protection lotions.
  • Ensure the equipment is spruced up before tanning.
  • Determine your skin type as this is the basis for your highest exposure time.
  • Set the exposure period on the sunbed for your skin type. Always observe the advice of the supplier and salon operator to stay clear of sunburn and obtain that excellent tan gradually.
  • Be sure to wear protective goggles or equivalent eye protection when suntanning.
  • Do not tan on a sunbed and in the normal sun on the same day.

Sunbed Exceptions

Lots of people can use a sunbed but there are exemptions. If you reply YES to each of the questions listed below, you must NOT use a sunbed:

  • Are you aged under 18?
  • Do you normally burn in natural direct sunlight?
  • Do you have a medical problem that worsens in sunlight?
  • Do you have an excessive amount of moles and/or freckles?
  • Do you have a background of sunburn, specifically from your younger years?
  • Do you suffer skin cancer or does any member of your immediate household have/had skin cancer?

Furthermore, if you are on any kind of prescription or drugs, please contact your General Practitioner or pharmacist before using a sunbed as some drugs make the skin extra sensitive to UV light. If you are pregnant, consult your General Practitioner before use.

So you have actually completed the above checklist and replied to NO to all the questions and intend to use a sunbed because looking fine and feeling wonderful is what having a tan is all about and why 70% people in the UK want one!

Regardless of whether it’s an all-year-tan, a pre-holiday boost, vitamin D boost or you simply intend to look good for that unique event renting a sunbed may be the remedy.

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Skin Type

Reddish Hair
Light Coloured Eyes
Very Light Complexion
often with freckles

Sunburn Danger

Extremely sensitive
immediate sunburn
2% of central Europeans

Tanning

Tans very slowly if at all

Protection*

Natural Protection
5 – 10 minutes

Blond to Brown Hair
Blue, Green or Grey Eyes
Light Complexion
often with freckles

Sensitive
Almost always Sunburn
12% of central Europeans

Light Tan

Natural Protection
10 – 20 minutes

Dark Blonde or
Chestnut Hair
Grey or Brown Eyes
Medium Complexion
Very few or No freckles

Normal Sensitivity,
Sometimes Sunburn
78% of central Europeans

Good Tan, provided the skin is exposed to the sun step by step

Natural Protection
20 – 30 minutes

Dark Brown or Black Hair
Dark coloured Eyes
Brown or Olive Complexion
No Freckles

Very resistant,
seldom sunburn
8% of central Europeans

Always Brown

Natural Protection
approx. 45 minutes

Protection: This is in natural sun, NOT a powerful Sunbed. Please follow the instructions given to you on delivery