Injury lawyers call for ban on sun-beds for under-18s
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and other health and safety lawyers are calling for a ban on under-18s using sun-beds.
The Association has told the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that allowing under-18s to use sun-beds or other UV tanning equipment should become a legal offence. They say it is crucial to protect young people from the harmful effects UV rays can have.
APIL chief executive, Denise Kitchener, said: "There are serious health risks for anyone using UV tanning equipment, but we are particularly concerned about young people. While we welcome the HSE's move to change the recommended minimum age from 16 to 18, we firmly believe youngsters will only be fully protected if this becomes law, which is what is proposed in Scotland. The HSE's suggestion that operators should provide customers with advice does not go far enough. We want to see warning signs in every sunbed cubicle and in full view of customers walking into a salon. Customers should also be asked to read and sign a consent form to ensure they understand the risks involved. It is essential people are given enough information to make an informed and educated choice."
Updated on 22/07/2008