AS/NZS 4173:2004

Provides guidance for the safe use of lasers and laser systems in diagnostic, cosmetic, therapeutic, medical and dental procedures in the treatment of humans.

This Standard provides a guide to the safe use of lasers and laser systems in diagnostic, cosmetic, therapeutic, medical and dental procedures in the treatment of humans.The Standard explains the procedural and administrative controls necessary for the safety of patients, health care staff, maintenance personnel, and others who may be in the vicinity of the treatment room and in need of protection against inadvertent exposure. Engineering controls which form part of the laser equipment or the installation are also briefly described to provide an understanding of the general principles of protection. However, detailed specification of laser equipment and installation controls are not included in this Standard, such requirements being separately specified in AS/NZS2211.1.The principles of laser operation and the nature of the associated hazards are briefly described. Examples of specific guidelines for the safe use of lasers in a variety of clinical applications are given in AppendixA.Intense pulse light sources (IPLS) are also used in health care, e.g. cosmetic treatment. These sources are polychromatic and fall outside the scope of this Standard. However, they still may be an optical or thermal hazard, and the safety principles in this Standard may be applicable. In particular, safety eyewear designed for laser use is not, in general, safe for use with IPLS.

First published as AS/NZS 4173:1994.
Second edition 2004.