Sunbed users are warned to think of their health after checks by a consumer watchdog found the industry lacking in safety.

Consumer NZ advises people not to use sunbeds after a “mystery shop” showed just 11 out of 66 operators met all the safety requirements it was looking for.

The poor results included three operators providing broken goggles and only about half giving a formal skin assessment to customers.

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin says “enough is enough”.

“Sunbed operators aren’t complying with the voluntary standard and it’s time to make that standard compulsory and to license all operators.”

Ms Chetwin says when using sunbeds it’s important to wear protective goggles, as without protection UV rays can damage eyes and increase the risk of getting cataracts.

One sunbed operator told a customer wearing goggles was optional, while eight others provided goggles that were loose fitting, and three provided broken eyewear.

Consumer NZ wants warning notices placed in all sunbed cubicles specifying the risks of exposure to UV rays, and to warn specific groups about their higher risk.

It says customers should be given a consent form that spells out the risks of sunbed use, emphasising who’s at higher risk and the importance of wearing goggles.

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