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Introduction to Laser Safety

The Radiation Safety Office is responsible for the oversight and management of the safe use of most forms of radiation, lasers included, used at SUNY Upstate Medical University.  Initial as well as annual training is required for all individuals whose duties may require them to work in the vicinity of any radiation source and that they be informed annually about radiation hazards and appropriate precautions. Safety is a top priority in any operating room and medical facility, and there is pressure to keep everything running smoothly.  In this Medical Laser Safety course, you will gain valuable knowledge and understanding of lasers, tissue interaction, and laser safety in a medical environment.

Course Objectives

  • Understand terminology common to medical laser hazard analysis
  • Interpret the recommendations of various regulatory agencies
  • Meet medical laser safety training requirements as described in the ANSI Z136.3 standard
  • Develop control measures that minimize hazards associated with the use of Class 4 medical laser systems
  • Develop a working knowledge of nominal hazard zones, optical density for safety eyewear, and maximum permissible exposure levels and control measures for various Class 3B and 4 medical laser systems

STEP 1: There are nine (9) presentations on Laser Safety, ideally viewed in order.

  1. What is light  
  2. Introduction to lasers
  3. How do lasers work 
  4. Modes of operation
  5. How lasers interact with tissue  
  6. How are lasers classified  
  7. What are non-beam hazards   
  8. What is protective eyewear and how does it work
  9. What are control measures for laser safety

STEP 2: Complete the POST TEST

Laser Safety Post-Test

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