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Laser Safety Checklist

A daily pre-use checklist for an aesthetic laser or IPL room. Before the first patient, check the controls that prevent eye injuries, burns and fires, and initial each one. One column per treatment day.

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Laser Safety Checklist

MedSpaBinder

Clinic / room

Laser or IPL (make, model)

Wavelength(s) nm

Laser safety officer

Eyewear must be rated for this device's wavelength and optical density. Follow the maker's manual and ANSI Z136.3.

Check before the first patient
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Laser warning sign posted on the door
Door closed; windows covered if the beam could pass
Eyewear for staff: right wavelength and OD, undamaged
Patient eye protection ready (goggles or shields)
Reflective jewellery and objects removed
No alcohol or flammable prep on skin; skin dry
Water and fire extinguisher at hand
Plume / smoke evacuator on (if needed)
Device self-test passed; fibers and handpiece OK
Footswitch in place; standby when not firing
Key removed and secured when not in use
Treatment settings reviewed for the patient
Checked by (initials)

Reviewed by laser safety officer: ______________________ Date: ____________

Laser safety basics

Most aesthetic lasers are Class 4, the class that can injure eyes and skin directly and from reflections, and can start fires. OSHA doesn't have a laser-specific standard for general industry, but it points to the ANSI Z136 series; ANSI Z136.3 covers lasers in health care. It expects a designated laser safety officer, controls around the room (the nominal hazard zone), wavelength-specific eye protection, and training.

What the daily check covers

  • Eyes: everyone in the room wears eyewear rated for this device's wavelength and optical density. Eyewear for one laser may not protect against another.
  • Access: a warning sign on the door, the door closed, and windows covered where the beam could pass through.
  • Fire: no alcohol or flammable prep left on the skin, and water and an extinguisher within reach.
  • Plume: a smoke evacuator for treatments that create a plume, as your device maker and medical director advise.
  • Control: the key removed and secured when the device isn't in use, so no one can fire it untrained.

Questions

Does a med spa need a laser safety officer?

ANSI Z136.3 calls for a laser safety officer wherever Class 3B or Class 4 lasers are used, and many states require one or a similar role. It can be a trained staff member; the role is to oversee the controls on this checklist.

Can IPL use the same checklist?

Yes, with IPL-specific eye protection. IPL isn't a laser, but it carries similar eye and burn risks, and many states regulate it alongside lasers.

Sources

General guidance, not legal or medical advice. Requirements vary by state; follow your medical director and product labels.