Laser Hair Removal London
If you are considering treatments such as laser hair removal in London 'Buyer Beware' should be your mantra as we have seen no evidence that clinics are being checked by London Local Authorities.
London laser hair removal clinics can be inspected for competence.
Non surgical lasers and intense pulse light (IPL) systems used for treatments such as hair removal have been classified as a Special Treatment by the London Local Authorities Act 1991. The code of practice, shown below, uses Laser Protection Advisors to provide expert advice on laser and IPL safety by carrying out hazard analysis and risk assessment for each laser clinic and advise on training, protective eye wear and ensure local rules are produced.
Click here to see which London laser hair removal clinics use LPAs.
The Codes of Practice for laser and intense light treatments such as hair removal have been developed in conjunction with other London authorities and are considered to represent best practice. We are currently working to encourage London Local Authorities to assess all laser and ipl clinics offering non surgical treatments in the wake of public sector cut backs. Before this happens we would recommend only using clinics who use Laser Protection Advisors or continue to be registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commision) because the clinic may offer surgical (which are checked by the CQC) as well as non surgical treatments.
Special Treatment Premises Code of Practice
Class 3B and Class 4 Lasers and Intense Light Systems
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this Code of Practice (COP) is to support the policy decisions and conditions of licence adopted by the Council in respect of Special Treatments Establishments.
2.0 SCOPE
This CoP details specific requirements for Class 3B and 4 lasers and Intense Light Systems in addition to those laid down in the Regulations prescribing standard conditions applicable to all special treatment premises.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.1 Laser
This is an acronym of Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In the beauty industry lasers are generally used for non-invasive cosmetic treatments, such as removal of; hair, tattoos, birthmarks, acne scarring, and other blemishes, from the skin. The mode of emission of the radiation can be continuous, wave, or pulsed.
3.2 Class 3B lasers
Radiation in this class is likely to be dangerous, maximum output into the eye must not exceed 500mW. The radiation can be hazardous to the eye or skin, but viewing of diffuse reflection is safe.
3.3 Class 4 laser
Highest class of laser radiation, diffuse reflection is also hazardous. If used incorrectly it can cause serious skin and eye injuries and is capable of setting fire to material.
3.4 Intense Light Systems (ILS)
Intense light systems are generally treated as class 4 lasers. Intense Pulsed light (IPL) systems fall into this category and are the intense light system generally used for noninvasive cosmetic treatments found in the beauty industry. IPL is pulsed or shuttered emission which gives tissues time to cool between pulses.
3.5 Expert Medical Practitioner – EMP
The EMP is a qualified medical practitioner with verifiable clinical expertise in using laser/intense light systems to treat patients/clients.
3.6 Expert Dental Practitioner – EDP
The EDP is a qualified Dental Practitioner with verifiable clinical expertise in using laser/intense light systems to treat patients/clients.
3.7 Laser Protection Advisor – LPA
The LPA is the person providing expert advice on laser/ILS safety. The LPA will carry out hazard analysis and risk assessment for each laser/ILS installation and advise on training, protective eye wear and ensure local rules are produced, signed, dated and implemented for each installation. The LPA may be external to the business.
3.8 Local Rules
The Local Rules are produced by the LPA and are a set of rules specific to each installation, detailing safe working practice and day-to-day safety management.
3.9 Laser Protection Supervisor – LPS
The LPS is usually an employee of the business and is responsible for; supervising the work of all laser/ILS authorised users, the safety and security of all laser/ILS, ensuring all users are appropriately trained to operate the laser/ILS, and that the Local Rules document is followed on a day to day basis.
3.10 Authorised User
The Authorised user is the individual who operates the laser/ILS equipment to treat clients.
4.0 ACCESS TO EXPERT ADVICE
4.1
The licence holder shall employ the services of an Expert Medical Practitioner (EMP) to produce the ‘treatment protocol’ document and to provide ongoing support and advice.
4.2
The Licence holder shall employ the services of a certificated Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) to produce local rules and provide ongoing support and advice.
4.3
Both the Local Rules and the Treatment Protocol must be available for reference, next to each machine.
5.0 LOCAL RULES
5.1
A Local Rules document must be produced by a certified LPA in relation to the licence holder’s equipment/premise.
5.2
The Local Rules should be issued, signed and dated by both the employer and the LPA and should be reviewed annually and include a projected date for review. They must be retained on site.
5.3
Local Rules must identify the named person authorised to operate the laser/ILS.
5.4
The laser must only be used in accordance with these rules.
5.5
Authorised users must sign to indicate they accept, understand and agree to work to the local rules procedure.
5.6
Local Rules must be available for each installation even if they are being used on a trial basis and must include the following:
• Potential hazards associated with lasers and ILS
• Controlled and safe access
• Authorised users responsibilities
• Methods of safe working
• Safety checks
• Normal operating procedures
• Personal protective equipment
• Prevention of use by unauthorised persons
• Adverse incident procedure
• Procedure to ensure that unauthorised persons do not operate the laser or ILS when the machine is left unattended by an authorised user.
6.0 CLIENT CONSULTATION/TREATMENT PROTOCOL
6.1
A treatment protocol must be produced by an Expert Medical Practitioner (EMP) in relation to the licence holder’s equipment/premises.
6.2
The treatment protocol should be signed and dated by the EMP to confirm authorisation, should be reviewed annually and include a projected date for review. The treatment protocol must be retained onsite.
6.3
A separate treatment protocol should be in place for each laser/ILS in use at the licensed premises.
6.4
The treatment protocol must include the following:
• name and technical specifications of the equipment
• contraindications
• treatment technique – general
• treatment technique – hair reduction
• client consent prior to treatment - including checking skin type and pigmentation
• cleanliness and infection control
• pre-treatment tests and pre-treatment instructions
• post-treatment care
• recognition of treatment-related problems
• emergency procedures
• permitted variation on machine variables
• procedure in the event of equipment failure
• written aftercare advice must be provided after the first treatment
7.0 LASER PROTECTION SUPERVISOR
7.1
A person with onsite, overall responsibility for lasers/ILS must be appointed. This will be the Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS).
7.2
The LPS will ensure the following:
• local rules are followed and kept
• have day-to-day responsibility for laser safety
• will inform the LPA if they consider that the existing rules require changing
• Ensure that the LPA is advised as soon as possible in the event of an incident occurring.
• inform the Food Health and Safety Team London Borough of Hillingdon in the event of an incident occurring
• Ensure all laser/ILS Authorised Operators are appropriately trained and that the training is documented.
• ensure a register of Authorised Operators is maintained
• Ensure lasers are used only for treatments for which authorised users have been trained and are competent.
8.0 OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY
• While the equipment is being operated the Authorised User must be responsible for the safety of all persons in the controlled area, including the client.
• The Authorised User must ensure removal of reflective jewellery from self and client.
9.0 TREATMENT REGISTER
9.1
A treatment register must be maintained every time the laser/ILS is operated and must include:
• The name of the person treated
• The date and time of the treatment
• The name and signature of the laser/ILS operator
• The nature of the Laser/ILS treatment given
• The treatment parameters
• Any accidents or adverse effects
9.2
The treatment register may be combined with the client consultation/treatment protocol document.
10.0 CONTROLLED TREATMENT AREA
10.1
The area around working lasers and intense light systems must be controlled to protect other persons while treatment is in progress.
10.2
The controlled area must be clearly defined and the laser may only be used in this room.
10.3
The controlled area must not be an access to other areas when laser/ILS treatments are being carried out.
10.4
No other laser or ILS should be in use in the same controlled area at the same time.
10.5
Suitable warning signs must be displayed on the outside of doors to the controlled area.
10.6
All lasers and ILS must comply with current standards (BS EN 60601-2-22 for medical lasers and BS 60601-2-57 for ILS)
10.7
Lasers must be clearly labelled on the front of the machine with the following information:
• Identification of the machine
• The wavelength or range of wavelength
• Maximum output power of the radiation emitted.
10.8
For all laser and intense light sources with a key switch, formal arrangements must exist for the safe custody of the key, separate from the equipment.
10.9
Only Authorised Users may have access to the key.
10.10
The operating key must not be left unattended with the laser/ILS equipment.
10.11
Equivalent arrangements must exist for equipment protected by password instead of key.
10.12
Mirrors and other reflective surfaces must be avoided.
10.13
All windows in the controlled area should be supplied with non-reflective window coverings such as blinds.
11.0 PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
11.1
Protective eyewear shall be provided and clearly marked for the laser.
11.2
All protective eyewear must be marked with the wavelength range and protection offered.
11.3
The specification of the required eyewear must be indicated in the Local Rules.
11.4
The Authorised User shall instruct all personnel in the Controlled Area to wear goggles suitable for the laser being used.
11.5
Effective eyewear must be worn by everyone within the controlled area whenever there is a risk of exposure to hazardous levels of laser or ILS radiation.
11.6
Protective eyewear must be adequately cleaned and disinfected between treatments.
12.0 QUALIFICATIONS
12.1
All Authorised Users must hold a qualification that meets National Occupational Standards (NOS) at level 3 in a relevant subject. In exceptional circumstances, where NOS qualifications are not available, an assessment will be carried out on an individual basis and further training required as appropriate.
12.1
All Authorised Users and the LPS must be trained to at least the laser/ILS Core of Knowledge safety training. Records of training must be kept at the premise and available at all times by inspecting officers. Records must include the training curriculum.
12.2
All Authorised Users and the LPS must receive further training on the specific laser/IPL in use. Records of this training must be kept on site and available at all times for inspecting officers. Records must include the training curriculum.
12.3
Records of training must be kept with the local rules.
12.4
All training must be refreshed every 3-5 years.
13.0 MAINTENANCE
13.1
The laser and ILS must be serviced and maintained according to the manufacturers’ instructions to ensure they are operating within their design specification.
13.2
A record of service and repairs must be kept on site and available for inspecting officers.
13.3
Lasers and ILS must have an electrical safety test carried out annually.
14.0 REVIEW
This Code of Practice will be reviewed regularly and updated in light of current industry guidance and legal opinion. Any changes will be notified to licensees and will be attached as conditions to your licence with effect from the date of the next renewal of your licence.
15.0 FURTHER INFORMATION
Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS)
Centre Point
103 New Oxford Street
London WC1A 1DU
02073798598
www.independenthealthcare.org.uk
Association of Laser Protection Healthcare Advisors (ALPHA)
88 Noahs Ark Lane
Lindfield
Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 2LT
535153 125102
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Market Towers
1 Nine Elms Lane
London
SW8 5NQ
020 7084 2000
www.mhra.gov.uk
Device bulletin MHRA DB 2008(03)
Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA)
Oxford House
Sixth Avenue
Sky business Park
Robin Hood Airport
Doncaster DN9 3GG
0845 2306080
www.habia.org.uk
INNER LONDON BOROUGHS
City of London
Camden
Greenwich
Hackney
Hammersmith and Fulham
Islington
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Lambeth
Lewisham
Southwark
Tower Hamlets
Wandsworth
Westminster
OUTER LONDON BOROUGHS
Barking and Dagenham
Barnet
Bexley
Brent
Bromley
Croydon
Ealing
Enfield
Haringey
Harrow
Havering
Hillingdon
Hounslow
Kingston upon Thames
Merton
Newham
Redbridge
Richmond upon Thames
Sutton
Waltham Forest