Solarium operators have been put on notice - comply with NSW Government regulations or face the full force of the law.
A World Health Organisation study last year placed solariums in the same cancer risk category as tobacco smoking. That followed a 2007 Queensland Institute for Medical Research study that found solarium use by people under 35 increases their risk of developing melanoma by 98%.
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Frank Sartor today said the NSW Government will not tolerate solarium operators failing to comply with new solarium regulations introduced in 2009.
Mr Sartor said the tough stance follows a compliance audit last year which found that 87 of 89 Sydney metropolitan solariums failed to comply with solarium regulations.
“The solarium industry should consider itself on notice – either adhere to safety standards or find another business,” Mr Sartor said.
“Late last year my Department audited 89 solariums and the level of compliance with safety regulations was appalling.”
Minister Sartor said that in early 2010 compliance officers will revisit all businesses which failed the audit and take action against those that are still not compliant. This could include fines up to $11,000.
“I have instructed follow-up audits to be conducted and I have ordered that solarium operators who are still flouting regulations be penalised to the full extent of the law,” Mr Sartor said.
“As Minister for both Climate Change and the Environment and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) I’m committed to ensuring this industry is forced to reform.”
Compliance officers will also visit the 50 solariums in regional NSW as part of a broader audit.
In May 2009 the NSW Government introduced tough new regulations for solarium operators.
Non-compliance issues discovered in the recent audits of metropolitan solariums ranged from administrative problems, incorrect size or placement of warning signs and not conducting appropriate skin assessments.
Other non-compliance issues included:
- exposure times not being set in accordance with skin type
- skin assessments not conducted in accordance with the Fitzpatrick Skin Photo Type Classification System
- the use of eye protection not consistent with the Australian Standard
- lack of supervision of tanning sessions, particularly where units are located a distance from the main reception area
- businesses using warning notices based on out-of-date information.