Advice | Dr Tom Lister

Laser Protection Adviser (LPA)

If you use a medical or cosmetic laser or IPL, the law requires you to have a competent person helping you manage the risks to staff and patients. In practice, that means appointing a Laser Protection Adviser.

I'm a certified Laser Protection Adviser under the RPA 2000 scheme, working with clinics, hospitals and aesthetic practices across the UK. My advice on new treatments and safe systems of work follows national requirements and the latest research.

What's included:

Advice for new and existing installations
Local Rules and risk assessments, in line with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
An optical radiation policy that meets the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010
Core of Knowledge laser and IPL safety training
Advice on safety legislation, standards and national guidelines
Ongoing support for your in-house Laser Protection Supervisors (LPS)
An annual audit of your arrangements

How it works: we start with a conversation about your equipment, premises and how you work. I then assess the treatment room and equipment, write your Local Rules and risk assessment, and stay on as your LPA, with support whenever you need it and an annual review.

I'm also a trained expert witness, and my case work includes personal injury claims arising from laser and IPL treatments.

Discuss your clinic

Tom Lister PhD MSc BSc PGCert is a certified Laser Protection Adviser and expert witness, providing advice and training to medical and aesthetic practices across the UK.

He is a Consultant Clinical Scientist and experienced laser practitioner, and spent six years heading a regional skin laser service.

Tom is President of the British Medical Laser Association, an expert observer on BSI's EPL/76 committee (optical radiation safety and laser equipment) and the UK representative on the IEC working group for medical and cosmetic lasers and protective eyewear. He is a corresponding member and former chair of IPEM's Ultrasound and Non-Ionising Radiations Special Interest Group.