Laser & IPL machines best practices

Laser & IPL machines – Best practices

We understand that accidents are inevitable in a high paced working environment such as a beauty salon. Maybe you’re rushing to sanitise equipment ready for the next customer and knock into your laser machine. Or you’re back-to-back with appointments all day with no break scheduled hoping to squeeze in 5 minutes to eat your lunch, and whilst rushing around you drop the laser hand piece. 

Whatever the situation we know that accidents can happen which may result in damage to your equipment which can have a knock-on effect on your business. 

If your hand piece has been dropped it normally means that it is not repairable and the only solution is to have it replaced. This in turn leads to a higher cost and whilst the handpiece is being replaced you are not able to perform laser treatments resulting in a loss of your income.

At Professional Beauty Direct we are being notified more frequently of claims involving damaged laser and IPL machines. In some cases even theft of the laser machines so it is really important that you take care to ensure you do not find yourself in this unfortunate situation and without insurance cover.

Although our salon insurance policies provide cover for any accidental damage to your laser and IPL hand pieces there is a compulsory excess which you will be liable for. You will also have to take time out of your day to provide the documentation to support your claim such as obtaining a report to confirm the damage that has occurred.

We reached out to Danielle Wilcock at North West Training College who is one of our accredited trainers to help explain the best practices surrounding laser handpiece care.
Danielle Wilcock at North West Training College: “I have used numerous medical grade laser machines and here are some of my top tips to get the most from your laser machine:

1. Ensure you purchase your laser/IPL machine from a reputable company that suits your client demographic. Check it has a warranty, is PAT tested if applicable, and if there is the opportunity to purchase a servicing contract.
2. Ensure you have an insurance policy in place to cover your machine and make sure you understand what level of cover you have and any excesses applicable. 
3. For best practice always follow the protocol of the clinic and manufacturer as cutting corners will lead to mistakes and put the clients at risk. 
4. Make sure the aestheticians who are operating the laser machine have the appropriate qualifications and complete manufacturer training which should always be carried out when you buy a machine from a reputable company.
5. Ensure the aestheticians are familiar with the handpiece cleaning routine in line with the manufacturers guidelines as even the tiniest fleck of dirt on the optical components can reduce the effectiveness of the machine and treatment. 
6. Create a schedule to prioritise having the laser machine serviced on a regular basis to ensure a constant and calibrated output delivering safe energy into your client’s skin.
7. Take your time when changing the handpiece, and any removable parts such as the light guard should be changed over the bed to ensure they are not damaged or dropped on the floor. 
8. Whilst setting the machine to the agreed energy levels take a quiet moment to double check the settings are correct. Make sure the door is locked with the signage displayed and the appropriate glasses are worn by yourself and the client.
9. Be aware of where your emergency stop button is on your laser machine and when to use this.
10. After your handpiece has been used and cleaned, ensure the safety block is inserted when not in use and stored away correctly.”

It is your responsibility as the policy holder to mitigate these unfortunate situations from arising. Putting measures in place is vital to minimise factors which could result in damage to your laser machine and ultimately save you time and money in the long run.

16/02/2023