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.
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 found to have Type I skin, 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 Radiation Control Regulation 2003.
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 are allowed 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 Environment Protection Authority (EPA) considers these 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 when using a tanning unit. For example the operator will make sure you have a skin assessment, that you sign consent for each tanning session, and ensure you have not had a tanning session within the last 48 hours. The operator will set your exposure time and be 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, contact the EPA's Environment Line on (02) 9995 5000 or 131 555.
The EPA treats as confidential the details of any person who provides information in relation to the enforcement or administration of the environmental laws.
Page last updated: 03 April 2013
