Once the laser, IPL or LED hazards and the controls to reduce the risk of them occurring are identified in the risk assessment, the controls must be documented in the Local Rules as part of your safety program.

These Local Rules document the safe working practices that must be followed when operating the laser, IPL, or LED to ensure that everyone is working in a safe environment, and that clients and patients are treated safely. Having Local Rules specific for each device will help ensure that the relevant controls are followed and implemented, and are also required to comply with the Health and safety Legislation.

They should be readily available in the treatment rooms where the laser, IPL or LED are used, and regularly reviewed and updated, generally with the risk assessment. These reviews will take into account any changes in work practices, and ensure that the controls documented are still effective.

In addition to the controls that must be followed to ensure the safe use of the laser, IPL or LED, they will, for example, outline roles and responsibilities, training requirements, pre-use safety checks, and safety procedures to follow when loan devices are bought in and when engineers come to service the device. The Local rules will also contain other important information such as what to do in the case of accidental exposure to the eyes.

We are developing a laser safety management tool for healthcare and aesthetic businesses that will help you draft your Local Rules, and hold them online in your laser safety file. To ensure that this tool meets all your needs and wishes please complete our questionnaire on our Homepage.