Laser safety

The use of lasers in medical practice has seen great expansion in the past decades. However, these devices may also pose a significant hazard. Laser hazards are generally divided into beam hazards and nonbeam hazards. Beam hazards inflict ocular and cutaneous injury, whereas nonbeam hazards stem from the laser device itself or its interaction with materials within the surgical environment. The latter include laser plume hazards, fire hazards, and electrical hazards inherent in a high-voltage system that is a laser device. Therefore, a thorough understanding of these hazards along with methods to reduce their risk is of paramount importance in order to ensure maximal safety for the surgeon, the staff, and the patient.