Laser Room Set Up Checklist

We are all mandated to abide by workplace health and safety legislation and laser safety is paramount. Here we've made safe practice easy for you by putting together a checklist to make your laser room set up a breeze.

Staff Training and Access

1. Limit access to the laser room to trained and authorised personnel only.
   
   
2. Verify that all staff members are recently trained in both laser safety and emergency procedures (e.g. CPR, first aid, fire). 

Laser Treatment Room

1. Ensure the room is enclosed on all sides, with doors, walls, floors, and ceilings that do not reflect laser beams.
   
   
2. Ensure windows are covered with opaque curtains or blinds.
   
   
3. Remove or cover mirrors.
   
   
4. Close doors to prevent accidental entry during treatments.
   
   
5. Place approved warning signs on all of the access doors indicating when the laser is active. Remove them when it is not in use.
   
   
6. Ensure room lighting is adequate to maintain clear visibility during procedures.
   
   
7. Provide an additional pair of laser safety eye wear outside of the room for those who may wish to enter during procedure. 

Safety Equipment

1. Provide appropriate laser safety eyewear for both practitioners and clients, specific to the laser wavelength used.
   
   
2. Provide appropriate masks for practitioners.
   
   
3. Ensure the emergency stop button on the laser is working.
   
   
4. Place a fire extinguisher suitable for electrical fires in the room or as close to it as possible.
   
   
5. Have a bowl of water within easy reach in case of a fire.
   
   
6. Have a receptacle for biohazardous waste if required.

Ventilation

1. Ensure the room has proper ventilation and/or an air filtration system/evacuator to remove any laser plume or smoke generated during treatments.

Laser Machine Setup 

1. Position the laser machine on a stable, flat surface to prevent tipping or movement during use. Ensure if it is on a trolley, that it is secure.
   
   
2. Connect the machine to a dedicated power source, avoiding the use of extension cords or power strips. 
   
   
3. Perform a machine safety check, ensuring all cables, connectors, and components are in proper working condition.
   
   
4. Ensure the beam is calibrated by doing a test-firing procedure.
   
   
5. Position the laser foot pedal where the practitioner can easily and safely access it without tripping.

Documents and Record Keeping

1. Maintain a record of each laser treatment, including the date, settings used, and any incidents or observations during the session.
   
   
2. Keep records of laser safety checks, calibration, and maintenance schedules.

Safety first! When you have a systematic approach to room set up and have followed the points listed above, you are safe and compliant and minimise the risk of laser related incidents or accidents.