Endolift laser safety: goggles, controlled areas and laser protection advisers

Run an Endolift laser as a high risk laser. Use eye protection marked for the wavelength, limit access to the treatment room, control the key, write local rules and take advice from a laser protection adviser. Check the goggles supplied with any used unit.

General information only. Your risk assessment and your laser protection adviser decide what is right for your clinic.

Why the risks are real

Medical diode lasers of this power are generally treated as Class 4. Direct or reflected beams can injure the eyes and skin, and the 1470nm beam is invisible, so you cannot rely on seeing it. The red aiming beam shows where the fibre tip is, but it does not make the treatment beam visible.

Eye protection

Everyone in the room needs protective eyewear rated for the laser in use, including the patient. Goggles should be marked with the wavelength and protection level they cover. Do not assume a pair of goggles that came with a machine suits the current setup. Check the markings and the condition, and replace damaged pairs. Our unit includes protective safety goggles, which you are welcome to check at an inspection.

A controlled treatment area

• Warning signs at the door and a clear indicator when the laser is in use.
• Restricted access while the laser is on, with doors that cannot be opened unexpectedly.
• Windows covered or the beam path controlled.
• No reflective instruments near the beam.
• The key removed and stored securely when the laser is not in use.

Laser protection adviser and supervisor

A laser protection adviser is an expert who helps you assess the risks and set up safe working. Many clinics appoint one, and many insurers and local authorities expect it. A laser protection supervisor is a person in the clinic who looks after day to day safety and the local rules. The adviser will usually help you write local rules, run training and keep records.

The law

Under the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010, employers must assess and manage risks from artificial optical radiation, including lasers. See our overview of licensing and registration for London clinics.

What to check on a used laser

• The classification and warning labels are present and legible.
• The key switch, emergency stop and footswitch work properly.
• The aiming beam and cooling work during a test.
• The goggles are marked, clean and undamaged.
• A service record exists.

Our used Endolift laser checklist covers every step. To see a machine in person, request an inspection of our London Endolift laser.