Fire & Explosion Hazards

There are a variety of fire and explosion hazards associated with HCLS. The most common is the use of flammable liquids in conjunction with lasers. However, fires can occur as a result of oxidizing gases, electrical equipment failure, broken laser fibers, and inadvertent impact of direct or reflected beams on non-targeted objects. Even the materials used to make laser systems, such as plastic parts and tubing, can spread a fire.

Note that fire hazards also exist inside patients undergoing laser surgical procedures as a result of the beam interacting with materials in the body, such as methane gas in bowels.

To reduce the risk of fire hazards, potentially flammable items such as sponges, gauze pads, and foam positioning devices located near the operating field should be eliminated or kept wet if elimination is not possible.

Fire extinguishers must be present and located somewhere with easy access. The LSO should establish rules for placement and periodic inspections. Water for putting out non-electrical flames should also be immediately available when using laser systems. Finally, ensure that high pressure flashlamps, arc lamps, and filament lamps are enclosed in housing that can withstand the maximum explosive pressures resulting from lamp disintegrations.

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