Edition 76, March 2010

Tanning regulations for ACT

Tanning regulations for ACTSolaria and tanning units will need to be registered and their owners and operators licensed under new regulations being developed by the ACT Government.

The ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, said the amendments to the Radiation Protection Regulation 2007 would be based on proposed national standards.

Under the new amendments, expected to be completed in May 2010:

  • operators of tanning units will need to be appropriately trained
  • the use of tanning units by persons under 18 will not be permitted
  • the use of tanning units by people with a skin type that burns rather than tans (pale white skin) will also not be permitted
  • all persons using tanning units will need to sign a consent form that advises them of the risks associated with use of the units and precautions to be taken.

"The ACT Government has been a strong supporter of national consistency in the regulation of all forms of radiation and sources of radiation, including solaria," Ms Gallagher said.

"I have, however, decided to progress these regulations in the ACT given the development of a nationally consistent approach to solaria has taken longer than anticipated.

"National consistency is achieved through amendments to the National Directory for Radiation Protection. This requires endorsement by several committees, and approval by the Australian Health Ministers' Council.

"As there has been no decision on national regulation of solaria from the Australian Health Ministers' Council, the ACT Government has decided to move ahead with the amendments, anticipating that the national model will be endorsed some time in 2010. This will ensure the ACT is well placed when the national model legislation is passed," MsGallagher said.

The ACT Government is working to ensure any new regulations on solaria are as consistent as possible with both the national agenda and with our New South Wales, which has now enacted similar legislation. This should maximise cross‑border consistency in regard to obligations and penalties imposed on owners and operators of solaria.

Consultation with businesses affected by the new regulations will be conducted during the development of the regulations to ensure a workable date for commencement is achieved.

For more information visit www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=9324&m=52

This page was generated on 13 April, 2010

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