Core of Knowledge (Laser and IPL Safety) Training

Course Description

This course is designed to develop the reader’s knowledge of laser, IPL and LED delivery systems and optical radiation-tissue interactions. It will cover safety, hazards, risk assessments and practical considerations known as the “Core of Knowledge”. This is the minimum standard of training for authorised users, with refresher training to be completed at least every five years.

It includes equipment used in conjunction with optical radiation equipment, such as optical fibres, contact tips, articulated arms etc. It excludes non-laser, non-IPL and UV treatment sources. This course is suitable for: - Healthcare professionals (e.g. doctors, surgeons, nurses and dentists using lasers, IPL and LEDs) - Beauty therapists that provide laser/ IPL treatments - Laser protection advisers, officers, and supervisors - Tattoo artists/ assistants using a laser to remove tattoos - Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and other regulators who visit establishments which use laser/ IPLs -

Any other professionals who need to understand these devices The course consists of three modules, each with a quiz to assess your overall knowledge and application of the course content. There is a 75% pass mark you need to achieve to be certified.

Disclaimer: This course provides detailed information on the “Core of Knowledge”, but this should never replace technical information or local rules provided by your establishment. Please ensure you remain up-to-date with your local procedures and equipment.

COURSE OUTLINE

Core of Knowledge Module 1: Laser and Light Technologies
This module outlines the nature of light and laser beams and the features of laser and light devices used in medical and aesthetic practice.

The learning outcomes of module 1 include understanding:

• The basics of optical radiation devices and how they interact with tissue
• How different types of optical radiation are produced
• The types of active media used in lasers
• Emission modes and delivery systems
• The characteristics of optical radiation emitted from different equipment
• Laser and IPL classifications
• Ablative/ non-ablative lasers
• Ionising/ non-ionising radiation, and how ionisation works
• The intended purposes of different optical radiation equipment

Core of Knowledge Module 2: Risk Assessments, Hazards and Safety
This module will introduce you to risk assessments and the hazards of laser/ IPL use and equipment.

By the end of this section you will be able to:

• Define a risk assessment and list its components
• Recognise hazards in 4 key areas of risk; equipment, personnel, procedures, and location
• Understand health hazards that can arise from the use of laser, IPL or other optical radiation equipment and their effects
• Understand hazards caused by optical radiation equipment, including optical beams, electrical hazards, equipment malfunctions, fire risks and smoke plume effects
• Understand potential hazards to patients and different staff groups
• Know how to minimise the risks associated with these hazards
• Know the basic principles of maximum permissible exposure (MPE) levels and how to minimise exposure
• Hazards from equipment reflections
• Hazard control procedures
• The basic principles of the administration of safety
• How to conduct a beam alignment
• General principles of emergency action and incident reporting

Core of Knowledge Module 3: Safety Legislation, Measures and Management
Laser use is covered by many health and safety legislations which dictate the legal requirements for the safe use of lasers and other optical equipment. These will be covered in this module.

The aims of this module include understanding:

• Key legislation related to laser use
• Employer/ employee responsibilities
• Safety procedures and policies governing the use of optical radiation equipment
• Hazard control procedures, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Equipment management protocols to prevent hazards
• The role of the Laser Protection Adviser (LPA), Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS), Laser Safety Officer (LSO), authorised users and assisting staff
• The principles and requirements of equipment quality assurance processes and procedures
• The meaning of warning labels and signs associated with optical radiation equipment

Who can take the course?
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements.

What is the structure of the course?
The course is broken down into bite-sized modules. You're free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each section, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.

Where / when can I study the course?
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web-based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers and most tablet devices etc. so you can even study while on the move! As long as you have access to the internet, you should be able to study anywhere that's convenient.

Is there a test at the end of the course?
Once you have completed all the modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken at a time and location of your choosing.

What if I don't pass the test?
If you don’t pass the test first time then you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.

When will I receive my certificate?
Once you have completed your test you can log in to your account and download/print your certificate any time you need it.

How long does it take to complete the course?
We estimate that the entire program is likely to take around 2-4 hours to work through initially, but you may want to allow more time to repeat some areas. You should allow an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.

Courses Include 12 Months Unlimited Online Access to:

Expert Online Training: Our courses use only the industry’s finest instructors. Unlike a live class, you can fast-forward, repeat or rewind all your lectures. This creates a personal learning experience and gives you all the benefit of hands-on training with the flexibility of doing it around your schedule 24/7.

Visual Demonstrations & Multimedia Presentations: Our courseware includes demonstrations and visual presentations that allow students to develop their skills based on real world scenarios explained by the instructor.

Navigation and Controls: These self-paced training programs are designed in a modular fashion to allow you the flexibility to work with expert level instruction anytime 24/7. All courses are arranged in defined sections with navigation controls allowing you to control the pace of your training. This allows students to learn at their own pace around their schedule.

Certificate of Completion: Upon completion of your training course, you will receive a Certificate of completion displaying your full name, course completed as well as the date of completion. You can print this out or save it digitally to showcase your accomplishment.

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