scope:

This Standard provides guidance for the safe use of medically applied laser systems, hereinafter referred to as medical lasers, for diagnostic, therapeutic, and medical research purposes in health care facilities. It is intended for use by all persons associated with the administration, installation, operation, maintenance, and service of medical lasers.

This Standard presents the engineering, procedural, and administrative controls necessary to ensure the safety of patients and persons at risk in the vicinity of a medical laser. These controls are based upon

(a) evaluation of the potential hazards presented by lasers;

(b) unique problems related to laser-controlled areas, outpatient clinics, private medical offices, medical research facilities, laboratories, and other areas of laser application for medical purposes; and

(c) exposure risks in the vicinity of medical lasers.

The control measures described in this Standard do not preclude the use of laser systems, of any type, that may be intentionally administered for diagnostic, therapeutic, or medical research purposes. However, those persons administering and assisting in the administering of the laser systems, as well as the patient, where applicable, should be protected through the implementation of appropriate control measures and other provisions described in this Standard.

This Standard applies within hospitals and areas or spaces outside of hospitals that are intended to be used to provide patient diagnosis or treatment involving the use of medical lasers.

Notes:

(1) The areas or spaces outside hospitals to which this Standard applies include physicians' offices, dentists' offices, medical clinics, and medical laboratories.

(2) While veterinary teaching hospitals and veterinary clinics are not specifically included in this Standard, the requirements of this Standard may be applied in such settings.

This Standard does not comment on the medical purposes, risks, or benefits of procedures or equipment, as they are the professional responsibility of health care practitioners. This Standard does, however, offer general guidelines to ensure the safe use of medical lasers. The requirements of this Standard reflect current practices and technologies.

In this Standard, "shall" indicates a mandatory requirement; "should" indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not mandatory. Notes accompanying clauses do not include mandatory or alternative requirements. The purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material that is not properly a part of the Standard. Notes to figures and tables are considered to be part of the figure or table and are written as mandatory requirements.