Procedural Controls

Procedural controls fall under the category of administrative controls. They should be established by the LSO and should be used to avoid hazards associated with Class 3B and Class 4 HCLSs. These controls include:

• Adhering to written policies and procedures
• Assigning a dedicated person to operate the controls when appropriate
• Maintaining a list of authorized laser users and HCP
• Requiring storage or disabling of an HCLS where unauthorized operation is a concern
• Ensuring that operators know the location and operation of emergency stop controls
• Ensuring that the ready function is enabled only when a user is ready to treat target tissue
• Using only diffusive reflective materials or instruments with low reflectance in or near a beam path
• Taking steps to avoid confusion encountered during surgical procedures when more than one floor pedal is in use

Education and Training

It is the responsibility of management and the LSO to ensure that all employees working with or around a laser have been properly trained in the facility's policies and procedures as well as standard operating procedures, including required personal protective equipment.

It is the employee's responsibility to follow all recommended policies and procedures and to make every effort to put safety first when working with or around laser equipment.

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