With our 25 years of experience working with all medical and surgical specialities, we can provide you with:
SERVICES
Laser Safety Adviser Services for Hospitals
Your Hospital laser safety program will include robust policies and procedures that will reduce the risks associated with lasers and ensure compliance with legislation and best practice standards. We work closely with each medical or surgical team to ensure that their laser safety controls are appropriate for their laser service.
Your Hospital safety program and what we do
-
Laser Protection Advisers
Expert laser safety advice and services from registered Laser Protection Advisers, working within your Hospital’s risk management structure, to develop your Hospital laser safety program.
-
Responsive Support
Responsive support to all staff involved in providing laser services, helping them ensure consistent implementation of their laser safety controls.
-
Awareness Training
In-service laser safety awareness training tailored to each medical/surgical team, and laser operator laser safety training following the Core of Knowledge syllabus that is tailored to each speciality.
Our experience
We have experience of all medical, surgical, and diagnostic lasers, including introducing lasers into new services and helping Hospitals navigate the new Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation laser standards successfully.
Register for a free consultation to discuss how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospital Laser Safety
Who is responsible for laser safety in hospitals?
The hospital, as the employer, holds legal responsibility for laser safety under the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive and S.I. No. 176 of 2010. This includes ensuring that risks are assessed, control measures are implemented, and staff are appropriately trained. These responsibilities are managed through the hospital’s laser safety programme.
A Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) provides independent expert advice and support on laser control measures and compliance. The LPA carries out laser risk assessments, supports the development of the laser safety programme, and delivers training aligned with identified risks, working alongside the hospital’s governance structure.
What does the legislation (AORD, SI 176 of 2010) require hospitals to do for laser safety?
The AORD requires hospitals to assess and manage the risks associated with artificial optical radiation, including laser systems.
This includes carrying out suitable and sufficient risk assessments by a competent person, implementing control measures to reduce exposure, and ensuring that staff receive appropriate training. The AORD requires suitable training for anyone who may be exposed to artificial optical radiation.
Hospitals must also maintain appropriate documentation to demonstrate compliance and support safe clinical practice.
What training is required for hospital staff working with lasers?
Clinical staff using lasers, in addition to their clinical training, are expected to complete Core of Knowledge laser safety training alongside device specific training provided by the manufacturer.
Clinical staff who assist in laser procedures require awareness level training based on the risks identified in the risk assessment and the specific applications in use.
What should be included in a Hospital Laser Safety File?
A Hospital Laser Safety File should contain the key documents that demonstrate how laser risks are being managed.
This typically includes laser risk assessments, the hospital’s Laser Safety Policy, Local Rules for each department where lasers are used, training records, laser and Authorised User logs, laser fault logs, and incident reporting documentation.
The structure and content of the file should reflect the scale and complexity of the hospital’s laser use and support clear governance and audit readiness. The file should be maintained in a structured and accessible format to support internal governance and external inspection.
Who should carry out laser risk assessments in hospitals?
Laser risk assessments must be carried out by a competent person with appropriate knowledge of laser hazards, control measures, and relevant standards.
In a hospital setting, this is typically undertaken by a Laser Protection Adviser (LPA), who has the expertise to assess clinical applications, evaluate exposure risks, and define appropriate control measures.
Risk assessments should reflect the specific laser systems in use, the clinical procedures being performed, and the environment in which they are used. They form the foundation of the hospital’s laser safety programme and inform training, Laser Safety policies and Local Rules, and control measures.
When should a hospital engage a Laser Protection Adviser?
Hospitals should engage a Laser Protection Adviser when introducing new laser systems or Laser Controlled Area, when reviewing or updating existing safety arrangements, or when there is uncertainty around compliance.
An LPA should also be consulted following incidents, during preparation for audits, or when independent verification of risk assessments and control measures is required.
Engaging an LPA ensures that laser safety arrangements are based on current standards, including EN 60825-14, and are appropriate for the specific clinical environment.
