Product Code: ILSC2007_1003

An Organizational Laser Safety Program at Mayo Clinic in Arizona
Authors:
Lewis Wesselius, Mayo Clinic; Scottsdale AZ USA
Heidi Walton, Mayo Clinic; Scottsdale AZ USA
Sharli Frederiksen, Mayo Clinic; Scottsdale AZ USA
Tom Pasquariello, Mayo Clinic; Scottsdale AZ USA
Kaleeckal Harikumar, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine; Scottsdale AZ USA
Lisa Friedman, Mayo Clinic; Scottsdale AZ USA
Rick Fleeger, Mayo Clinic; Scottsdale AZ USA
Roshanak Didehban, Mayo Clinic; Scottsdale AZ USA
Presented at ILSC 2007

The dedicated Laser Safety Auditor for our organization retired last year. In an effort to meet the need to provide timely and effective laser safety audits, a new process was designed.
1. The Laser Safety Committee began incorporating 15-20 minute education sessions into every meeting.
2. Most of the committee members attended the Medical Laser Safety Training course offered through the LIA.
3. The committee developed a comprehensive audit tool in the form of a checklist that can be scored, providing a measurable document to enhance quality improvement.
4. The members of the committee organized into 2-person teams to perform the semi-annual audits for the organizations 22 lasers. The teams rotate their assignments each audit cycle, giving everyone a chance to audit all of the lasers over time, and providing new perspectives to the departments.