Medical Laser Safety > Core of Knowledge Training

Core of Knowledge Training for Clinics Using Lasers & IPL

See also: Healthcare Commission Registration

This course is intended for operators and other staff in Clinics using Lasers & Intense Pulsed Light systems for hair removal, skin toning, dentistry, tattoo removal and other similar procedures. It is designed both to provide a grounding in the basics of the safe use of lasers & IPL systems, and to satisfy the training requirements of the Healthcare Commission.

The course is based on the recommendations contained in the "Guidance on the safe Use of Lasers in Medical and Dental Practice" (MDA 1995) and will cover the 'Core of Knowledge for Laser Users' defined in Appendix C of the Guidance (this also applies to IPL systems). It will include the following topics:

• Laser / IPL Radiation Characteristics
• Radiation generation
• Laser & IPL radiation - tissue Interaction
• Eye and skin exposure
• Precautions to keep exposure below maximum permitted levels
• Reflection and Absorption hazards
• Hazards to Patient
• Laser / IPL safety Management
• Risk assessment
• Incidental hazards
• Relevant standards
• Quality Assurance
• Equipment management

By concentrating on these aspects the requirements of Standards P2.1 & P3 of the independent Health Care Regulations 2001 will be covered as will some parts of Standard P1.

All ‘in-house' training courses will be tailored to the particular needs of those concerned. The course lecturer will contact the organiser prior to the course to ascertain what types of laser are used and which procedures are carried out by those attending the course. Please have this information available as this will enable us to provide training that is most relevant to the participants.

At the end of the course participants should be familiar with the hazards of Laser & IPL use within a clinical environment and how these hazards are controlled, and will therefore be able to participate fully in procedures using lasers & IPL. They will also be able to read and understand more clearly the Local Rules provided by the Laser Protection Adviser.

NB This is a laser & IPL core of knowledge safety training course and does not address treatment protocols or Clinical Training.

Lasermet Core of Knowledge Training for Laser & IPL Clinics is normally led by:

Prof John Parsons

Laser Protection Adviser,

Laser / IPL Safety Consultant,

Lecturer,

Expert in Medical Laser Safety

Prof Parsons is one of Lasermet's medical laser safety team and specialises in acting as a Laser Protection Adviser and conducting laser safety training courses for theatre nurses, ODPs, Surgeons and laser & IPL clinic staff. His extensive experience in this field includes:

• 25 years experience in medical laser safety
• Head of Departments of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth 1982-2003.
• Laser Protection Adviser to a number of NHS Health Authorities since 1985
• Founder member of British Medical Laser Association in 1982
• Member of BSI laser safety standards committee since 1987
• UK delegate to the International laser safety committee since 1995
• Member of Medical Devices Agency Working Party producing revised document "Guidance on the Safe use of Lasers in Medical and Dental Practice" 1993-1995.