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A safety self-surveillance system monitors appropriate electrical, temperature, contact
and other variables and notifies the user of abnormalities by generating an error or
warning message.
Fire
The potential for fire hazards exist because of the nature of laser treatment. The
absorption of emitted laser energy, no matter how brief, may raise the temperature of any
material. This phenomenon is the basis of many useful medical and surgical applications;
it is also the reason that these applications often require precautions against the risk of
igniting combustible materials in and around the treatment area. When the POLYLASE
LP Pulsed Dual Output Laser is used, the following precautions should be taken:
•
Do not use any flammable substances, such as alcohol or acetone, in the
preparation of the skin for treatment. Use soap and water if necessary.
•
Anesthetics administered either by inhalation or topically must be approved as
nonflammable.
•
Exercise particular care in the use of oxygen. The presence of oxygen can
accelerate the combustion of any flammable material.
•
Avoid using combustible materials, such as gauze and drapes, in the treatment
area. When they are required, these materials may be made fire-retardant by
keeping them moist with water or saline. Clothing should be kept well away from
the area of treatment.
•
Simple and effective means of extinguishing a small fire should be kept on hand
during each procedure. A CO
2
fire extinguisher is recommended.
Laser Safety Information
The FDA’s Center For Devices and Radiological Health and laser safety professionals
recognize the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) series of Safe Use of Laser
standards as an excellent means of establishing and maintaining an adequate laser safety
program. Moreover, Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) inspectors and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations (JCAHO) use these standards as guidelines for inspections and audits.
ANSI Standard Z136.3 for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities contains specific
guidance for medical users of lasers. ANSI Standard Z136.1 is the primary source for
more detailed information on laser safety. Both standards should be used in conjunction
with this system.
