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Information for solaria users

This section outlines what a customer needs to know when they visit a commercial establishment for the purpose of exposing themselves to UV radiation from a cosmetic tanning unit.

I use a tanning unit, what should I know?

If you decide to use a tanning unit at a commercial establishment there are a number of things you should know about before and during your tanning session. These are outlined as follows:

Skin assessment

The first thing a tanning unit operator should do is determine your skin type. They will complete an assessment of your skin to determine if you are permitted to use a tanning unit and if so, the maximum time you can be exposed to UV radiation from a tanning unit. You may provide the operator of the tanning unit with a certificate from a medical practitioner that certifies that the medical practitioner has assessed your skin type in accordance with the Fitzpatrick Skin Photo Type classification system and states the results of the assessment. If you are determined to be a Skin Type I you will not be permitted to use a tanning unit, if the operator does allow you to use a tanning unit they are in breach of the Regulation.

Consent

You should be asked to complete and sign a consent form before using a tanning unit; it outlines the risks associated with UV radiation. The consent form must also be signed by the operator. Each time you have a solaria session you should sign consent. This means either completing a new consent form, signing the back of the initial form, signing a daily register or by electronic signature.

Frequency of tanning unit use

You may have one tanning session in any 48 hour period. The solaria business must ensure a process is in place so that you are not able to exceed this limit on exposure.

Eyewear

You must wear protective eyewear that complies with the Australian Standard: Solaria for cosmetic purposes (AS/NZS 2635:2008). The operator must ensure that you have eyewear that complies, they can either supply eyewear for you to use or buy or you may bring your own. In the past some solaria businesses have supplied disposable eye stickers to clients. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) considers that disposable eye stickers cannot be demonstrated to conform with the Australian Standard, as their effectiveness depends on how they are applied.

Warning notices

A warning notice must be displayed in every tanning unit cubicle and within immediate view when entering the premises.

Supervision

You must be supervised using a tanning unit. For example the operator will make sure you have a skin assessment, that you sign consent for each tanning session, ensure you have not had a tanning session within the last 48 hours, the operator will set your exposure time and that the operator is able to see or hear you if you call for assistance for any reason. 

Operation of tanning units

You must not adjust the time on the tanning unit as set by the operator to have a longer session than they determined. When the session time is reached the tanning unit must switch off and you must not have another tanning session for 48 hours. The tanning unit must have a method to stop the session at any time if you choose to do so.

Contact

If you have any concerns regarding the operation of tanning units at the business you attend, please contact the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Environment Line by phone on: 131 555

OEH treats as confidential the details of any person who provides information in relation to the enforcement or administration of the environmental laws.