Laser safety management (medical and cosmetic applications)
'Core of knowledge' course notes
Laser Protection Adviser (LPA)
Businesses using lasers may employ the services of a Laser Protection Adviser (LPA). The LPA is a health and safety consultant with expertise in optical radiation safety. The LPA will be able to help assess the risks and recommend appropriate safety controls.
In some circumstances (e.g. registration with the HIW, special treatments licensing), the appointment of a Laser Protection Adviser is a condition of registration/licence.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have produced a short guidance document, Getting specialist help with health and safety, which sets out a number of criteria that should be considered when choosing a specialist safety consultant (a 'laser protection adviser, LPA' in this context);
- Relevant training, formal qualifications and knowledge,
- Member of a professional body (e.g. IOSH, IIRSM),
- OSHC Registered,
- Adequately insured.
Laser protection supervisor (LPS) / Laser safety officer (LSO)
Large establishments using lasers may appoint a suitable member of staff to carry out specific duties with respect to laser safety. Traditionally, this involved monitoring that all staff read, understand and sign the laser safety procedures ("local rules").
However, the role of the LPS can be pretty much anything that suits the organisation. In some cases, an LPS is always present to effectively supervise a particular activity. Where the LPS has no management or financial responsibility, it is important to maintain that the overall responsibility for laser safety still lies with the appropriate manager.
In recent years there has been a general move away from extra titles (which can actually cause confusion) in favour of assimilating appropriate duties into those of the responsible manager or existing management structure.
Quality Assurance
It is a legal requirement for the equipment to be maintained in good order. This may include,
- Service (by a specialist service engineer)
- Maintenance (routine user checks)
Routine user checks may include,
- Cleaning
- Inspection of fibres/IPL Head
- PPE maintain in good order and cleanliness
- Calibration (if applicable)
- Blinds / Shutters / Interlocks /Warning devices (e.g. illuminated sings) working correctly
Equipment management
For those looking to purchase equipment, problems can be avoided by consideration of the following,
-Service / maintenance provision / Warranty
-Training provision.
-Equipment quality
-Call out times (if there is a problem) /UK based agent
-Compatibility with other equipment and services
-Documentation (manuals, training materials, consultation forms etc.)
-Consumables (e.g. fibres, gels, flash bulbs)
What to do in case of a laser eye injury
If an eye injury is suspected, an ophthalmic examination should be undertaken as soon as possible (nearest A&E hospital) and within 24 hours. This will enable the ophthalmologist to determine what damage has occurred (if any) and that this was due to a recent laser beam strike. Note that damage to the retina is usually permanent
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Revision Questions 1. What is a Laser Protection Adviser (LPA)? 2. What routine safety checks might be useful? 3. What action should you take after a suspected laser eye-strike? |
