Biomedical engineer and laser protection advisor (LPA) Rob Knowles explains why you need an LPA and how to make an appropriate selection
A large and growing number of clinics in the UK now work with high power lasers
or intense pulsed light (IPL) systems, and are required by law to employ the services of a laser protection advisor (LPA) as an external consultant to oversee laser safety.1
Those performing aesthetic treatments, such as hair and removal, will presumably be operating a class 3B/4 laser or IPL system, which, without professional LPA support, would be in violation of the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR) at Work Regulations 2010.1 Consequently, their business would be exposed to the potential for significant financial and commercial damage. This could be through the loss of their treatment licence, a claim as result of an adverse incident that could have been avoided, or a fine.1 The role of the LPA is to provide advice on matters relating to the evaluation of optical radiation equipment hazards, and have responsibility for advising on their control. This includes guiding on laser safety training, the suitability of personal protective equipment, and producing a risk assessment with a corresponding document outlining day-to-day laser safety…
