New laser standard stresses safety

The American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities is a comprehensive document that should help individual institutions establish laser safety protocols and provide guidance on laser use and training. Although it is a 61-page document, only 23 pages comprise the standard. The remainder are appendixes of a tutorial nature that add substance to the document. One appendix, "Lasers in Medicine and Surgery," presents basic characteristics and applications of medical lasers. Another, "Use of Lasers in Surgical Specialties," presents the principles of laser use in various surgical procedures. Also included are a sample laser safety checklist, a list of suggested standards of practice for the use of lasers in medicine and surgery, and guidelines for laser safety training.