Support Staff Training

Training in laser safety for physician and technical support staff, such as LSOs and equipment service personnel, is different from the training recommended for learning the techniques of laser procedures. However, every effort should be made to eliminate any discrepancies between the training provided for these staff members and the training provided for physicians.

These laser safety training programs should focus on an overall understanding of operational characteristics of the equipment, biologic and physical properties of laser-tissue interactions, potential hazards associated with laser use, and the procedures and equipment required for a safe laser environment. In addition, everyone working in a laser room should understand the administrative infrastructure in order to better understand their responsibilities during laser surgery.

LSOs

In addition to the training requirements for all support staff, training programs for LSOs should also:

• Include information on practical procedures and equipment.
• Provide a basic understanding of federal, state, and local requirements.
• Explain the concepts and applicability of manufacturer-certified and classified lasers.
• Outline the procedures for performing safety audits.

Adequate training is required for all technical support staff, including both in-house and contracted staff. Training for equipment service personnel should include:

• An emphasis on the practical techniques and procedures necessary when hazards are great, such as when portions of a laser system's protective housing is removed for optical alignment
• Information about all potential electrical hazards of the equipment
• Information about the hazards related to eye and skin exposure from both direct and reflected beams

Note that even though equipment service personnel are not required to receive in-depth training on the safety aspects of medical, cosmetic, and surgical uses of lasers, they must understand and comply with all facility policies regarding safety, documentation, and other related activities when working in medical settings.

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