Laser Surgical Unit diomax
®
Revision 6
17
3.4
Danger of Explosion and Fire
WARNING
Fire hazard!
Class 4 lasers (IEC 60825-1) can cause fires due to the 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 activated near flammable anesthetics or highly volatile mixtures
such as alcohol or gasoline.
•
There is risk of fire or explosion if the laser light is used in the presence of flammable
materials, solutions or gases or in an oxygen-enriched environment.
•
The operation area is to be prepared in such a way that even if the laser beam 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 may contain
flammable gases or vapors, protective measures against fire and explosion must be
taken.
3.5
Protection of the Patient
The patient must under all circumstances be protected from injury by improper handling of the
laser. 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.
•
Prevention of ignition of intestinal gases and tissue in case of respiration methods using
oxidizing gases.
