scope:

This part of IEC 60825, which is a Technical Report, serves as a guide to the employer, the RESPONSIBLE PERSON, the LASER SAFETY OFFICER, the LASER USER and other persons involved, on the safe use of lasers and laser equipment classified as laser class 1C, 3B or 4 in interventional applications of laser beams on humans, excluding use of consumer products.

NOTE Premises where lasers are used include, but are not limited to, health-care facilities, dental-care practices, physiotherapy, beauty-care and cosmetic facilities.

This document explains the control measures recommended for the safety of the LASER USER, patients, clients, staff, maintenance personnel and others. Engineering controls which form part of the laser equipment or the installation are also briefly described to provide an understanding of the general principles of protection.

The subject areas covered in this document include

- BEAM DELIVERY SYSTEMS;

- biological effects of laser radiation;

- reporting of ACCIDENTS and dangerous situations, and

- checklists.

The object of this document is to enhance the protection of persons from laser radiation and other associated hazards by providing guidance on how to establish safety procedures, precautions and user control measures.

Medically relevant advice such as about treatment indications, counter-indications, patient or client condition, medical or beauty-care treatment procedures, patch testing, medication, adverse tissue or skin conditions and follow-up controls is beyond the scope of this document.