Much like the trade world, beauty industry laser treatments have different classifications. Depending on the classification of laser you are dealing with, the safety procedure changes. You might just need a pair of blackout glasses for some while others require a bit more safety gear to deal with. It is important for both client and practitioner to comply with their safety procedures due to dangerous effects of laser treatment if used incorrectly or even when everything is done perfectly. The best way to find out risks and what you can do to minimise the effects is to have a chat with the practitioner before you get the treatment done. Communication is the first rule in every beauty industry.
There are 5 classes of lasers in the beauty industry.
-Class 1
-Class 2
-Class 3R
-Class 3B
-Class 4
These classes all have different needs for safety equipment and gear. They also have different requirements for the client on what they have to do to prepare for their appointment. Each laser is designed to do different things and have different effects on the skin and other parts of the body. Typically all of them require some form of eyewear, as long term exposure to lasers can cause eye damage. Even the weaker lasers such as Class 1 and 2.
Class 1 Lasers
Class 1 lasers have no known long term dangers as of yet. These lasers are fairly safe to most and are used commonly in barcode scanners and low level laser pointers. Sometimes there can be harmful products in the equipment that houses the laser but due to how machines have been built and pass safety procedures, there is no threat to anyone using them. It’s best to pop on some blackout glasses for the client while the practitioner avoids looking directly into the beam. As time goes on, more safety procedures could be introduced to the Class 1 lasers, constantly being updated on laser safety is a top priority, making sure that nothing has changed or been discovered. Checking every three-four months would be the best idea.
Class 2 is a slight step up from 1. These lasers produce visible light and are harmful to look at for extended periods of time. It’s not the worst, accidental exposure is okay but look away as quickly as you can. It will give the effect of looking into a light for a bit too long for a few seconds but go away after a while. Like thos optical illusions where you stare at a dot then blink at a wall a picture is there, after a few blinks everything goes back to normal. Much like Class 1 lasers they are found in barcode scanners and low level laser pointers. For the client, when using these it’s some black out goggles and the practitioner, avoiding looking directly at the light. There is no need for laser safety goggles (LSGs) according to OSHA standards in Australia.
Now this is where handling lasers gets a little more dangerous. These classes can cause major damage to your eyes when used incorrectly. Both client and practitioner must be prepared with proper safety gear at all times and make sure they keep contact with each other in case any of the safety equipment fails. Class 3R lasers are still relatively safe to use, as long as handled with care, they are very similar to class 2 and only cause damage after staring at them for prolonged amounts of times. However, these are the first class of lasers that must have warnings about what type is used. Class 3R lasers are often used in laser pointers and don’t have reflective properties, these are serious skin hazards either, so fine to use in laser procedures with care. While they are safe for skin at first, prolonged amounts of incorrect use can start to have a negative effect, rather than the positive effect you’re looking for in a laser treatment. It can cause slight burning and lasers do emit small amounts of radiation which can be harmful in the long run. The client is wearing blackout goggles, as per usual, while the practitioner should avoid direct eye contact with the laser but can wear some LSGs if they are worried about damaging their eyes.
Moving onto Class 3B, this is where it starts to get a bit more real and LSGs are now required for the practitioner. For starters, these lasers do reflect in surfaces, looking at them in a mirror can cause damage to your eyes. Direct eye contact must be avoided at all times now, small glances can cause immediate damage to eyes. They can also cause minor burns if incorrect contact is made with the skin, so no using these at home without a trained professional. They pose no fire hazards but must be labelled correctly so no one can accidentally mistake them for something else and injure themselves. LSGs must be worn at all times when in use so there is no chance for anything damaging the eye, these lasers are commonly seen in industrial, medical and research fields and in all of them proper safety gear must be enforced or the entire operation can be shut down. Even protective clothing must be worn, avoiding the laser touching skin it’s not supposed to so that the small burns can be avoided.
And finally Class 4 lasers. These are the most dangerous of any class and must be handled with utmost care in any situation that occurs. Everything must be labelled correctly, all safety equipment and gear must be worn correctly and regular checks must be done on everything. They’re no joke as they can cause permanent damage to your eyes almost immediately if they are looked at for even tiny increments of time and can cause major skin damage. These lasers are commonly used in laser cutting, welding and cleaning. If enclosed properly they can be rendered harmless but still are a massive risk to be using incorrectly, as they can cause fires. Strict restrictive access must also be put into place when in an environment with these kinds of lasers, if someone who is unfamiliar with all of the hazards that come with this class of laser uses it, there are extreme reactions and repercussions that can follow. Heavy safety gear is a must along with an extensive knowledge of how to use these lasers and how to keep everyone safe when in the same room as them. The protocol for the control measures must be known and followed down to a T.
