Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are methods or instructions that regulate work practices. They may implement or supplement engineering controls, and they may require the use of personal protective equipment. Other examples of administrative controls include appointing an LSO, organizing a safety committee, and developing documentation tools. Administrative controls must be in place before a laser can be used, and it is the LSO's responsibility to ensure that they are carried out.

Note that these control measures are the ones most frequently reviewed by outside inspection agencies such as OSHA and state health departments.

Policies and Procedures

Health care facilities should establish policies and procedures that include checklists for the three stages of surgery (pre-, intra-, and post-operative) and approved operation and maintenance procedures. The LSO should ensure that these policies and procedures are maintained and readily available.

To learn more about LSO visit our Medical Laser Safety Officer Online Training web page.