Towards a safe usage of lasers

The increasing number of laser surgeons with different levels of education and training makes it important to develop good safety routines in order to minimise the risk of laser accidents. A specially educated and trained assistant, the key operator, is of great help in monitoring laser safety regulations in the operating room during surgery and supervising the function of the laser as well as executing changes in the laser power, laser mode, etc, at the surgeon's request. Provided that certain conditions, mainly concerning the concept of delegation, are taken into consideration, a cadre of key operators can be established also at small departments using lasers. From the authors' experience, the use of key operators is cost effective and beneficial to the surgeon, and that they have contributed significantly to laser safety at the department.