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Revision 5.5
3.4
Danger of Explosion and Fire
WARNING
Danger of Explosion and Fire!
Class 4 laser surgery devices (IEC 60825-1) can act as sources of ignition due to heating of
tissue or fiber ends. Therefore, comply with the following requirements to prevent laser-
induced fires and explosions when using the device:
•
The device must not be used near flammable anesthetics or highly volatile mixtures such
as alcohol or gasoline.
•
There is the danger of fire or explosion if the laser light is used when flammable
materials, solutions or gases are present in an oxygen-enriched environment.
•
The operation area is to be prepared in such a way that even if the laser light is activated
unintentionally the patient or personnel cannot be endangered, and highly flammable
materials cannot ignite! Therefore, oxygen must not be used as flushing medium in
endoscopic applications.
•
When laser light is used in areas of organs, body cavities and tubi that contain flammable
gases or vapors, protective measures against fire and explosion must be taken.
•
If surgical interventions pose a danger of using the laser in the region of the tracheal
tube, which could lead to laser-induced tube ignition, it is mandatory to use metal or
laser-safe tubes. This also applies, in particular, when using oxidizing gases such as
oxygen and nitrous oxide.
3.5
Protection of the Patient
The patient must under all circumstances be protected from injury by improper handling of the
laser surgery device. This applies to the following in particular:
•
Protection of the eyes by appropriate protective goggles or a light-proof/radiation-proof
cover.
•
Protection of the organs and tissue regions in the operation area that must not come into
contact with laser light by covering them with materials that reflect laser light diffusely or
with light-absorbing materials such as damp cloths or compresses.
•
Prevention of laser-induced fires, especially during endolaryngeal operations.
•
Effective removal of toxic fumes, especially in the laryngeal area;
•
avoidance of ignition of highly flammable intestinal gases during rectoscopic operations;
•
avoidance of ignition by direct laser light when artificial respiration methods such as jet
ventilation are applied, especially when using highly flammable, oxidizing gases.
