Whether it is protecting your eyes from the sun or using armbands and life jackets in the water, holidaymakers are being urged to check the standards of the products they are using over the summer months.

According to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), if products do not meet certain standards, they could have ‘a profound impact on your health and safety this summer'.

"Whether people are at home or abroad this summer, standards should be at the forefront of your mind when buying typical holiday items to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. For example, you should ensure that the sun cream you buy protects against UVA as well as UVB rays or if you're one of the 800,000 music lovers attending a festival or concert this summer, look out for the CE mark and standards on tents and camping equipment before you purchase," commented NSAI chief executive, Geraldine Larkin.

The NSAI has published six tips to help consumers make the right decisions this summer:

-Protect your vision: Consumers should ensure their sunglasses meet the ISO 12311 and ISO 12311 standards. This symbol on sunglasses ensures that they offer protection against solar radiation or ultraviolet (UV) rays. Eyewear that does not offer this protection can damage your eyes

-Look for the UVA standard on your sunscreen: When first created, sunscreens only filtered out UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, as the dangers associated with UVA (ultraviolet A) rays were unknown. Today, sunscreen offers protection against both. Check what level of protection your sunscreen offers. A four or five-star rating offers the best protection against fair skin

-Check armbands and life jackets: These products should display the CE mark, which shows that they have achieved specific EU health and safety requirements. If you will be spending some time out on the water, always wear a life jacket that meets the ISO 12402 series of standards. The EU has standardised the classifications for lifejackets and buoyancy aids into four classes - 50N, 100N, 150N and 275N. This helps water sports and boating enthusiasts by providing a clear indication of the most suitable type of lifejacket for any particular activity

-Pay attention to safety signs at beaches and swimming pools: Always supervise children around water. There are three main warning signs related to swimming areas. The first is ‘prohibition', meaning something is not allowed, such as swimming or diving. The second is ‘warning', which indicates there may be a danger, such as a change in water depth and the third is ‘mandatory', where certain procedures must be followed, such as wearing a life jacket.

-Check the CE Mark on trampolines and bouncy castles: Trampolines should display CE marking and come with a safety net and a protective pad around the springs. Bouncy castles should meet the standard I.S. EN 14960, which ensures that the materials, design and structural integrity are safe and reliable for use. Always make sure the inflatable is securely anchored to the ground with a minimum of six anchorage points

-Look for CE mark on tents: If you are going on a camping holiday or camping at a music festival, make sure your tent carries the CE mark. This will ensure the design, structure and fabric used in your tent is reliable, secure and flame retardant.

"The products we encounter this summer and the services we use will all be governed by standards, but what many people don't realise is that standards for many items are voluntary. Therefore I would encourage people to pay particular attention to the products they buy, look out for standards logos and symbols, and don't be afraid to ask questions," Ms Larkin said.

For more information on standards and the NSAI, click here