Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 17.8
Laser-Generated Airborne Contaminants (LGAC)
Purpose
: To effectively remove the biohazard of plume from the laser energy impact site, in order to reduce the risk of occupational exposure
Policy
: A plume evacuation system will be used whenever the potential for the release of gases and/or tissue particulates, associated with
the removal of hair or other tissues is anticipated.
Procedures
:
1. Position the plume evacuator in the room whenever a laser is set up and plume is anticipated.
2. Check the operation of the unit and document on the log sheet.
3. Check the fi lter, and if needed, install a clean fi lter.
4. Hold the distal collection tube not further than 2 cm from the point at the impact site.
6. High-fi ltration masks will be worn by all personnel in the room, and will be fi tted properly, leaving no gaps around the face.
7. Universal precautions will be observed throughout all phases of handling LGAC and evacuation equipment.
8. Biohazard disposal procedures will be followed for all materials involved in collection of LGAC.
Date Approved:
Approved By:
Table 17.9
Ocular Safety
Purpose
: To prevent injuries to patients receiving laser treatment, or to personnel in the laser treatment room during the use of laser
equipment.
Policy
: All personnel will adhere to eye protection procedures during all laser operations. Service personnel, technicians, and those
involved in demonstrations, labs, or other nonclinical uses of the lasers, will adhere to eyewear policies as stated.
Procedures
:
1. The LSO will assure that only properly tested and labeled laser safety eyewear stating the wavelength and an optical density of no less
than 4.5 will be used by all personnel in the room during laser procedures.
2. Eyewear will have side protection, and will fi t comfortably over prescription eyewear.
3. Each laser team member will be responsible for examining eyewear for defects in the optical coating, or other damage to both lenses
and frames, before using them for laser protection. If damaged, eyewear is to be sent to the LSO for replacement or repair, and must
NOT be worn.
4. Fluid or splash protectors are not to be worn for laser protection.
5. Patients receiving local or regional anesthesia will wear safety goggles that are secured to the face for the duration of the procedure.
6. Eyewear will be cleaned with only alcohol-free soaps, and returned to the individual storage cases, which are then placed in the laser
supply cart, after each use. Responsibility for both staff and patient eyewear lies with designated facility personnel.
Date Approved:
Approved By:
Table 17.10
Electrical Safety
Purpose
: To prevent electrical accidents involving laser equipment.
Policy
: All personnel handling, operating, or providing maintenance service, or demonstration of laser equipment in this facility, w ill
comply will all procedures as stated.
Procedures
:
1. Personnel will review hospital policy regarding the use and handling of electrical equipment in a patient care area.
2. All lasers and plume evacuators will be checked for electrical leakage semiannually during routine audit, and whenever brought into the
hospital for demonstration, evaluation, or other nonclinical activities, and will be labeled according to biomedical policy.
3. No extension cords will be used on lasers.
4. Daily inspection of the footswitch connectors, circuit breakers, and power cords will be conducted by the laser operator, and charted on
the log sheet, prior to use of the equipment.
5. Solutions will not be placed on or near the laser.
6. Defects or damage to electrical components will be properly repaired and documented prior to laser use.
Date Approved:
Approved By:
