The practical implementation of a laser-safety program, which includes a laser-safety training program, cannot be treated in detail here. Other reviews of the subject treat these aspects in detail [1,4,10-18]. Clearly, the design of a safety program depends largely on the size of the institution and the variety and the number of lasers in use. An office practice might only have a safety SOP and a designated LSO; a large institution frequently benefits from a laser-safety committee. In the end, the importance of a well-trained staff cannot be over emphasized. Accidents can only be prevented by a well-trained staff and an administrative policy that encourages a sustained effort toward safe laser use.
The potential exposure levels to the eye and skin from scattered IPL and laser radiation from most dermatologic laser applications are substantially below a threshold for injury, and only the direct beam or specular reflections are of concern. Only with UV lasers should one be seriously concerned with chronic exposure and delayed effects. The cosmetic laser and IPL user can be assured that today a consensus exists almost worldwide regarding the appropriate laser-safety measure to preclude injury from acute or chronic effects. Procedural controls requiring the use of appropriate eye protection when needed, and control of vaporized tissue byproducts requires both a well-trained operator-user and any assisting staff. As with many other applications of lasers in industry and research, laser-safety training is of crucial importance.