Laser Plume Safety
Has anyone incorporated information (and protection requriements) for laser plumes in their laser safety program? If so do you have anything you would be willing to share on what you incorporated? The following is from OSHA Hosptial E-tools:
Laser-Generated Airborne Contaminants (LGAC)
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In operations using lasers that vaporize tissue through disruption of cells, laser generated airborne contaminants (LGAC) result as an airborne hazard requiring appropriate management. Analysis of these contaminants produced during laser surgical procedures has shown the presence of:
gaseous toxic compounds.
bio-aerosols.
dead and live cellular material.
viruses.
In orthopedics, dentistry, plastic surgery and other fields, it is also possible to generate particulates and metal fumes. At certain concentrations some of the LGAC may cause ocular and upper respiratory tract irritation, have unpleasant odors, create visual problems for the user, and have been shown to have mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. It has been shown that laser smoke production is a function of increased irradiance levels. Therefore, laser surgical procedures requiring high irradiance levels are more likely to produce LGAC.
Possible Solutions
Airborne contaminants should be controlled by the use of local exhaust ventilation, respiratory protection or a combination of both. [ANSI Z136.3]
Laser-Generated Airborne Contaminants (LGAC)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In operations using lasers that vaporize tissue through disruption of cells, laser generated airborne contaminants (LGAC) result as an airborne hazard requiring appropriate management. Analysis of these contaminants produced during laser surgical procedures has shown the presence of:
gaseous toxic compounds.
bio-aerosols.
dead and live cellular material.
viruses.
In orthopedics, dentistry, plastic surgery and other fields, it is also possible to generate particulates and metal fumes. At certain concentrations some of the LGAC may cause ocular and upper respiratory tract irritation, have unpleasant odors, create visual problems for the user, and have been shown to have mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. It has been shown that laser smoke production is a function of increased irradiance levels. Therefore, laser surgical procedures requiring high irradiance levels are more likely to produce LGAC.
Possible Solutions
Airborne contaminants should be controlled by the use of local exhaust ventilation, respiratory protection or a combination of both. [ANSI Z136.3]
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kevin Gilbert on
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This is very interesting and not being familiar to this, it is an important Safety Consideration!
I've never used lasers except for a Laser pointer. -
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