Overview

UKHSA is the UK's primary authority carrying out research to advance knowledge about protection from the risks of radiation. In addition we have been integral in establishing world leading laser and optical radiation safety standards.

This is a short course for Local Authority Environmental Health Officers and other Safety Regulators. It provides an introduction to the radiation protection measures required to safely use aesthetic lasers, sunbeds and light shows in the public domain. No previous experience in laser or optical radiation safety is required.

Local authority regulatory - responsibility review

The responsibility for the regulation of this sector in England generally falls to local authorities.

This course will review the main applications and safety issues and will give a sound basis for the inspection of such practices. The guidance of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will be covered.

The use of sunbeds has been regulated in England since April 2011. The underlying health issues and requirements of the Act will be discussed. Lasers and powerful lamps & lights are also used at public entertainment venues. Again, the main applications will be discussed along with the safety issues. The practicalities of assessments and inspections, with reference to HSE guidance, will be covered.

Course programme

All our courses are fully interactive and students are offered full support from our presenters throughout the day. The topics covered on this course include:

• What is Optical Radiation? Basic physical properties of optical radiations; categorising sources as trivial, hazardous or uncertain.
• Biological Effects and Exposure Limits: overview of quantities and units; effects on the skin and eyes from different types of optical radiations including ultraviolet, visible and infrared.
• Legislation, Standards and Guidance: avoiding hazardous exposures in accordance with national legislation, standards and guidance.
• Aesthetic Lasers and Intense Pulsed Lights (IPL): applications and safety issues; available guidance; practical inspection.
• Sunbeds and Solaria: applications and safety issues; requirements of the Act; practical inspection.
• Laser Shows and Effect Lighting: applications and safety issues; available guidance; practical inspection.
• Other Lamps, Lights and Lasers: a student driven review of other laser and light applications; sources of further information.