The University of Minnesota is home to several clinical areas that utilize Class 3B or Class 4 lasers for the treatment of patients. When operating procedures are followed, these lasers are great tools for all manner of medical care, such as surgery or physical therapy. However, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are capable of causing physical harm to personnel and patients, along with damage to clinic infrastructure if safety protocols are not followed. All healthcare personnel working within clinical areas that utilize Class 3B or Class 4 healthcare lasers are required to:
- Review the University Laser Safety in Healthcare Written Program.
- Complete clinical laser safety training (both online and in-person laser-specific).
- Register their laser(s) or laser system(s) with the Laser Safety Officer.
- Be provided with appropriate PPE, minimally laser eyewear, by the laser user or laser operator.
- Develop Policies and Procedures (P&Ps) for both the alignment of invisible laser beams and the use of lasers with patients.
- Develop and maintain Perioperative Checklists.
The above items satisfy the requirements for the safe use of lasers found within ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers (2022) and ANSI Z136.3 - The Safe Use of Lasers in Healthcare (2024). Resources on fulfilling these requirements are available using the links below.