Which of the following is a key safety consideration when using lasers in the OR?

• A. Designate a laser safety officer, post warning signs, wear eye protection, use non-reflective surfaces, and ensure proper smoke evacuation
• B. Use bright reflective surfaces to enhance visibility
• C. Disable warning signs to reduce alarm
• D. Wear casual eyewear

Answer: (A)

Using lasers in the OR requires a layered safety approach because laser energy can injure eyes and skin, ignite materials, or generate hazardous plume. The best safety practices involve having a designated laser safety officer to supervise policies and training, posting clear warning signs to alert everyone when a laser is in use, ensuring that everyone wears proper eye protection that matches the laser’s wavelength and power, using non-reflective surfaces to prevent stray reflections, and providing effective smoke evacuation to remove the laser-generated plume and reduce fire and inhalation risks. Together, these controls reduce exposure, visibility of hazards, and ignition chances, creating a safer environment for both patients and staff.

Bright reflective surfaces would raise the risk of unintended reflections. Disabling warning signs removes essential alerts about active laser use. Wearing casual eyewear does not provide the required protection for laser wavelengths and energies used in the OR.