The Health Protection Agency

Why is this important?

We have been operating powerful Energist Ultra VPL Intense Pulsed Light equipment for many years now, and safety for our clients and staff remains uppermost in our minds.  To ensure the highest standards we have appointed a third party certificated Laser Protection Adviser, in accordance with our registration with the Care Quality Commission.  

The role of the Laser Protection Adviser is to provide:

* support for the in-house Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS)

* advice on the laser safety aspects of new and existing installations

* advice on laser safety training requirements

* assistance with administrative procedures, including preparing local rules and risk assessments - the latter is a requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

* advice on safety legislation and assessment for compliance with standards and guidance

* compilation and maintenance of a Laser Safety Management Programme File which details the laser safety arrangements

* an annual audit of existing arrangements

* assistance with the Care Standards Act and national minimum standards requirements for private establishments.

Why did we choose the Health Protection Agency as the SkinGenesis Laser Protection Adviser?

The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. An active role as a Laser Protection Adviser and trainer is part of its remit.  With annual income of over £300M this is a large organisation with the resources to provide excellent levels of support and expertise.

The HPA operates its own certification scheme. Staff are required to complete a rigorous training programme, which includes peer-reviewed assessment of their competency to give advice. They produce a portfolio of evidence, which is assessed by an external assessor, before undertaking an oral examination by the external assessor. If satisfactory, a recommendation is made to the Director of the Radiation Protection Division of the HPA. The Director makes the final decision on certification. After certification, staff continue to be subject to peer review; re-certification is every three years.