- Legislation
The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010
Sets exposure limits for optical radiation at work, including laser and IPL light.
Employers must assess the risk of exposure for staff and others in the room, and put controls in place so the limits are not exceeded: a defined treatment area, protective eyewear for the wavelength in use, and training for the people who operate the equipment.
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The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Requires a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for work activities, which includes laser and IPL treatments.
For a clinic this means a written risk assessment covering each device and treatment room, reviewed when equipment, rooms or procedures change.
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MHRA: Lasers, intense light source systems and LEDs. Guidance for safe use in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices (2015)
The principal UK guidance on the clinical and aesthetic use of lasers and IPL.
It describes the Laser Controlled Area, the roles of the Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) and the Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS), written Local Rules, the choice and care of protective eyewear, and training for Authorised Users.
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BS EN 60825 Safety of laser products, mainly Part 1 (equipment classification and requirements) and Part 8 (guidelines for the safe use of laser beams on humans)
Explains how lasers are classified by risk and output power, from Class 1 to Class 4.
Class 3B and Class 4 equipment can injure the eye or skin, which is why their use calls for a Laser Protection Adviser. The standards are published by BSI and are available for purchase from BSI.
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Page last updated: 19 October 2026