Page 116 - LASERS & IPLS IN MEDICAL/AESTHETIC APPLICATIONS

Local Rules
Chapter 1 – Fundamentals of Medical/Aesthetic Lasers and IPLs v1.1
Plume generated by laser/IPL treatments
There is currently a growing concern about the plume generated during some laser procedures. These plume may consist of ablative tissue particles (hair, skin, viruses, bacteria), gases and high-speed tattoo particles. Research in the USA indicate that some of these plumes may be toxic to humans. It is known, for example, that some CO2 laser operators have become infected with viruses following treatment of warts and verruca.
Given these concerns it is prudent to take some simple precautions during laser procedures. Using gloves and facemasks will help to minimise exposure to laser plumes. Ideally, an air extraction system should be considered if treatments such as laser hair removal are carried out routinely. To minimise contamination of the air, a smoke evacuator applied at the site of the laser treatment on the skin would prove very useful. More information is available from ukcsp.co.uk.
Local Rules are a set of rules usually drawn up by a Laser Protection Adviser which must be followed by all laser operators to ensure correct and safe operation of the laser equipment.
In all EU countries any laser with the classification 3B or 4 MUST have a set of Local Rules with it, by law. In many countries the insurance companies require that all laser operators read, understand and sign against these Rules (otherwise their insurance may not be valid!!).
The Local Rules should include:
The management safety structure
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Chapter 1 LEVEL A Fundamentals of Lasers/IPLs
© The Laser-IPL Guys 2021
Mike wrote an article on the hazards of laser plume in the Aesthetics journal.
In this article he discusses the various PPE which can help to protect against this particular hazard.
Click here to read it.