Laser and IPL Physics and Safety: Core of Knowledge

The national Core of Knowledge syllabus for laser and IPL safety: the physics of light, the hazards, how light acts on tissue, and the law. Learn it online at your own pace, then show what you know in a written assessment marked by your trainer.

What you will be able to do

• Describe optical radiation, wavelength, fluence and pulse duration, and the parts of the spectrum that matter most for safety
• Explain how lasers, intense light sources (IPL) and LEDs generate and deliver light, and how they differ
• Explain laser hazard classification, warning signs and labels, the Laser Controlled Area, Maximum Permissible Exposure and Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance
• Describe the hazards to the eye and the skin, including central and peripheral retinal damage, and choose and care for protective eyewear
• Identify non-beam hazards (plume, fire, reflection, electrical) and the hazards to the patient, and the controls for each
• Apply the principles of risk assessment and safety management, including the hierarchy of control
• Explain how light interacts with skin: chromophores, penetration depth, selective photothermolysis and the four tissue effects
• Describe how common laser and IPL treatments work, and recognise and manage the principal adverse effects
• Describe registration and licensing across the four UK nations, the roles of the Authorised User, Laser Protection Supervisor and Laser Protection Adviser, local rules, standards and the regulations that apply to a clinic
• Deal with an adverse incident or accidental exposure, and report it to the right people

Course content

1. Start here: your course guide
2. Optical radiation and wavelength
3. How lasers work
4. IPL, LEDs and delivery systems
5. Laser classification, labels and the controlled area
6. Eye hazard and eye protection
7. Skin hazard, skin type and photosensitising agents
8. Non-beam hazards and hazards to the patient
9. Risk assessment, safety management and quality assurance
10. How light interacts with skin
11. Selective photothermolysis and tissue effects
12. Common treatments and how they work
13. Adverse effects and patch testing
14. Registration and licensing across the UK
15. Roles, local rules and records
16. Standards, regulations and equipment marks
17. Adverse incidents and emergency action
18. Your final assessment
19. Forms, templates and resources

Each lesson has a short video, clear notes, key fact and caution boxes and activities. Lessons 1 to 17 end with a multiple-choice quiz with instant feedback.

How the course works

The course is worth 3 CPD credits. Your certificate is issued when Part A has been passed, your trainer has marked Parts B and C as a Pass, and your declaration has been signed off.

Who it is for

Core of Knowledge is intended to be undertaken by all staff using laser (Class 3 and 4) and non-laser (IPL and LED) light sources in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices. Many Skintastic laser and IPL treatment courses ask for it first.

Price

£149. No VAT is charged on this course.

Your trainer

Carla Cooper-Gale, Managing Director of Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd, holds a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training and is an Internal Quality Assurer and Assessor. She is the UK Responsible Person for Medical Devices registered with the MHRA. Questions? Call 02381 946394.

Course at a glance

What you will learn

• Describe the characteristic features of optical radiation (1.1)
• Explain optical radiation wavelengths of different colour (2.1)
• Explain the acronym LASER (3.7)
• Define an intense light source (3.2)
• Explain how an IPL applicator works (3.4)
• Explain laser hazard classification
• Explain the requirements manufacturers follow to limit exposure
• Explain the eye hazard from laser and IPL light
• Identify which part of the eye is affected by which wavelengths
• Explain the hazard to the skin from laser and IPL light
• Describe the principal equipment-related hazards
• Explain the controls for plume, blood aerosol and fire
• Set out the five steps of risk assessment
• Explain why a written risk assessment is a legal duty
• Explain what happens to the eye, skin and other body tissue when exposed to laser or IPL
• Explain the first law of light and tissue
• Explain the suitability of different wavelengths and pulse structures
• Explain the principle of selective photothermolysis and the three things it depends on
• Explain common laser and intense light source treatments: hair removal
• Understand the principal laser and IPL related adverse effects on skin
• Tell an expected reaction from a complication
• Understand the registration and licensing requirements for lasers and IPL devices across the UK
• Understand the roles of the Authorised User, the Laser Protection Supervisor and the Laser Protection Adviser
• Have a working knowledge of the relevant national and international standards and guidelines
• Understand emergency action, accident procedure and reporting
• Describe the three parts of the final assessment

Course structure

How you are assessed

Each lesson ends with a short multiple choice quiz. Your final written assessment is marked by your trainer, and your certificate is issued when you pass.