EPU8: Behind the Beam: How Industrial Hygiene Supports Medical Laser Safety
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
USA
Tue, 6/2: 11:15 AM - 11:40 AM CDT
Pop-Up Education Sessions
Pop-Up Education Sessions
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Room: Exhibit Hall, Booth 516
Description
Medical lasers are used for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as for aesthetic, therapeutic, and regenerative purposes. They come in a variety of types (gas, solid-state, liquid, and semiconductor), depending on the application.
At a large academic medical center, it is not uncommon to have several dozen lasers of varying types used by Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology, Cardiac Catheterization, and General Surgery. The majority of medical lasers are considered Class IV high-powered lasers by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), presenting acute hazards to the eyes and skin, as well as an increased risk of fire.
This session will discuss common laser types and the risks associated with each. Lasers used to destroy tissue present an additional risk related to surgical plume inhalation. The role of the Industrial Hygienist is critically important to the safety of both the medical team and the patient. By applying knowledge of risk identification and control measures, the Industrial Hygienist supports the development of a comprehensive laser safety program.
Educating staff on and leveraging the Hierarchy of Controls is an effective method for ensuring safe practice, including the use of engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE) controls. This session will review various control measures, such as surgical plume evacuation (local exhaust ventilation), substitution of reflective instruments, laser-protective window shades, equipment grounding, fire prevention and response procedures, warning signage, laser-protective eyewear, staff education, respiratory protection, and safety time-outs.
A proactive laser safety program, guided by an Industrial Hygienist, can identify and reduce the risk of harm. We will also review the importance of engaging key stakeholders in shared program development and accountability to foster a positive culture of safety.tribute to a positive culture of safety.
At a large academic medical center, it is not uncommon to have several dozen lasers of varying types used by Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology, Cardiac Catheterization, and General Surgery. The majority of medical lasers are considered Class IV high-powered lasers by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), presenting acute hazards to the eyes and skin, as well as an increased risk of fire.
This session will discuss common laser types and the risks associated with each. Lasers used to destroy tissue present an additional risk related to surgical plume inhalation. The role of the Industrial Hygienist is critically important to the safety of both the medical team and the patient. By applying knowledge of risk identification and control measures, the Industrial Hygienist supports the development of a comprehensive laser safety program.
Educating staff on and leveraging the Hierarchy of Controls is an effective method for ensuring safe practice, including the use of engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE) controls. This session will review various control measures, such as surgical plume evacuation (local exhaust ventilation), substitution of reflective instruments, laser-protective window shades, equipment grounding, fire prevention and response procedures, warning signage, laser-protective eyewear, staff education, respiratory protection, and safety time-outs.
A proactive laser safety program, guided by an Industrial Hygienist, can identify and reduce the risk of harm. We will also review the importance of engaging key stakeholders in shared program development and accountability to foster a positive culture of safety.tribute to a positive culture of safety.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion the participant will be able to:
• Describe common risks associated with medical lasers
• Apply the Hierarchy of Controls to protect medical staff and patients.
• Describe common risks associated with medical lasers
• Apply the Hierarchy of Controls to protect medical staff and patients.
Core Competencies
Radiation (Ionizing and Nonionizing)
Personal Protective Equipment
Radiation (Ionizing and Nonionizing)
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Keywords
Personal protective equipment
Radiation protection and monitoring
Respiratory protection
Risk assessment and management
Ventilation
Session Availability
In-person
OnDemand
Targeted Audience
Professional