Safety of the Surgical Staff

Nurses, technicians and other assisting family or staff are potentially exposed to misdi­rected laser beams. Lasers and IPLs have been accidentally initiated when the beam-deliv­ery system was directed other than at the patient, a foot switch was accidentally pressed, or similar errors have occurred, and the beam has been directed at a person. Accidental firing of a laser has also occurred because of confusion created by multiple foot switches employed with other equipment positioned below the system. If a foot switch is employed, it should be covered and clearly identified. The IEC Standard 60601-22 requires that any “foot – operated laser emission control switch shall be shrouded” in order to prevent unintentional laser operation. Assistants are potentially exposed to secondary reflections from the treat­ment site, but these seldom extend to a distance greater than 1-2 m.