Perspectives on lasers. The industrial nurse and occupational hazard control.

American Association of Industrial Nurses Journal, July, 1968 I N CONSIDERING HER PROFESSIONAL FUNCTIONS in the field of health maintenance, the industrial nurse recognizes the importance of her position as a member of a broad health service team composed of physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, safety engineers, and supporting scientists. It is the health service which initially assists in identifying a hazard, describes safeguards, and advocates their use. The industrial nurse is oriented to maintaining the health of employees at all levels of her company organization. One of the most important activities in which she participates is health education as applied to both individuals and the group. While this traditionally covers the field of disease, nutrition, and other aspects of personal maintenance, it also includes toxicology and industrial hygiene. Thus she can contribute to the control of hazards involving chemicals, solvents and fumes, and more recently, radiation, including x-ray and laser. The nurse should know the basic characteristics of laser, how it is used, something about the work environment and the number of people involved. She should be aware of the potential dangers and how they may be controlled at their source. Specifically, she will be involved in indoctrination, medical screening, and follow-up of the employees involved. In addition, she may advise supervisors and other responsible persons on the general nature of the problem.