A Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS) is the person in a laser or IPL clinic who makes sure laser safety actually happens, every day, on every treatment. If you're new to the role, or you're a clinic owner whose staff member has just been appointed, this guide explains what the job involves and where to go next once the LPS course is done.
What is a Laser Protection Supervisor?
In the MHRA's guidance on lasers and IPL, the LPS is the person responsible for supervising the Local Rules and making sure they're followed day to day. The LPS is usually someone who works on site and uses the equipment, often a senior technician, clinic manager or the clinic owner. The role and its responsibilities should be agreed between the clinic and its Laser Protection Adviser (LPA), written down, and the LPS named in the Local Rules. When the LPS is away, there should be an appointed deputy.
What does an LPS do?
- Makes sure the Local Rules are followed on every treatment
- Keeps the register of authorised users up to date, so only trained, signed-off staff use each device
- Oversees safety training, equipment checks and safety records
- Checks the controlled area, warning signs, key control and protective eyewear
- Stops a treatment or takes a device out of use if something isn't safe
- Acts as the link between the team and the LPA, and reports incidents and near misses
LPS, LPA and EMP: who does what?
The LPA is an external laser safety expert who carries out the risk assessment and produces or approves the Local Rules. The Expert Medical Practitioner (EMP) writes the treatment protocols when treatments are given by non-medical staff. The LPS is the person on the ground making sure all of it is followed. The employer keeps overall responsibility for safety.
Is an LPS the same as a Laser Safety Officer?
The terms overlap. The laser safety standard BS EN 60825-1 recommends appointing a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) wherever Class 3B or Class 4 lasers are used, and many aesthetic clinics use LPS and LSO for the same day-to-day role. Your Local Rules should make clear who does what in your clinic.
What training does an LPS need?
The LPS should have suitable training for the role, which usually means completing a recognised LPS or LSO course on top of Core of Knowledge. What's expected can vary between local authorities, insurers and LPAs, so check your own licensing conditions and ask your LPA if you're unsure.
Done the LPS course? This is your next step
An LPS course teaches you the rules. It doesn't always show you what doing the job well looks like on a busy day, with a new starter, or when a machine throws an error. That's what our LPS Masterclass is for.
It's further training for anyone who has already completed an LPS or LSO course, whether that's you or a member of your team. It covers:
- Your authority as LPS, and where the role stops
- A daily, weekly, monthly and annual safety routine
- Records that stand up to an inspection
- Authorising and supervising users, device by device
- Ten real scenarios, from device faults and near misses to pressure to skip a patch test, and exactly how to handle each one
- Building a team where people speak up
It's a 12-minute video with captions, a 15-question quiz and a certificate of completion, for £49. If you're training more than one LPS or deputy, every learner gets their own certificate.
Please note: the masterclass is not an LPS qualification and does not qualify anyone to act as a Laser Protection Supervisor. It's for people who already hold one.
Frequently asked questions
Does my clinic need an LPS?
If you use Class 3B or Class 4 lasers or IPL, your Local Rules should name an LPS. Check the requirements with your LPA and your local authority.
Can the clinic owner be the LPS?
Yes, as long as they're suitably trained, work on site and have the role agreed and written into the Local Rules.
My staff member has done their LPS course. Is the masterclass right for them?
Yes. It's designed for newly qualified LPSs who want to feel confident in the role, and for experienced LPSs who want to tighten up their systems.
Want more on doing the role well? Read our guide: How to be a great Laser Protection Supervisor.