Dec 24 2010
According to AORN Connections report, the Association of periOperative Nurses (AORN) has released an updated Recommended Practices for Laser Safety in Perioperative Practice Settings. The Recommended Practices ensures safety for healthcare providers and patients in laser operating conditions.
The practices focus on a perioperative laser safety program that must comprise authorized procedures, criteria as well as a multidisciplinary laser safety committee for healthcare professionals who use lasers. In addition, AORN has suggested the program to determine procedural, engineering and administrative control measures as well as laser hazards.
AORN’s Recommended Practices also focus on a laser safety officer who must study the inventory and accountability of the entire lasers and ensure appropriate operations of lasers and training.
In addition, the other updates are safety recommendations for healthcare professionals, technicians, or laser assistant who operate the laser. AORN has suggested facilities to set up local exhaust ventilation as first-line protection against surgical smoke.