Laser Protection Adviser London: Inspection-Ready Checklist for Laser & IPL Clinics (2026)
If you run a laser or IPL clinic in London, this guide explains what a Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) does, why London councils often expect one, and the exact safety documents that help clinics pass licensing and inspections.
This article is written for clinic owners, managers and practitioners offering:
laser hair removal
tattoo removal
skin rejuvenation
vascular treatments
other laser or IPL procedures
What is a Laser Protection Adviser (LPA)?
A Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) is a qualified laser safety specialist who helps clinics work safely and legally with laser and IPL devices.
An LPA will usually support you when you:
open a new clinic
apply for or renew a council licence
introduce a new laser or IPL device
change treatment rooms or layout
train new staff
prepare for a council inspection
Importantly, a good LPA provides clinic-specific documents, not generic templates.
You may also find this useful:
👉 What is an LPA and do I need one for my clinic?
https://www.laserprotectionadvisers.co.uk/blog/what-is-an-lpa-and-do-i-need-one-for-my-clinic
Why London clinics are checked more closely
London clinics often face closer scrutiny because:
licensing is handled at borough level, not centrally
clinics are often in shared or high-footfall buildings
councils expect clear evidence of safe systems
insurers frequently request formal laser safety documentation
While each borough has its own process, the core safety expectations are very similar across London.
Related guide:
👉 Essential laser safety compliance tips for London clinics
https://www.laserprotectionadvisers.co.uk/blog/essential-laser-safety-compliance-tips-for-london-clinics
London licensing & inspection checklist (what councils usually look for)
Different boroughs use different forms, but most expect the same core evidence. If you want to be inspection-ready, aim to have the following in place.
1) Laser / IPL risk assessment
A risk assessment should be completed for each device and treatment room and include:
identification of laser and IPL hazards
room layout and controlled area considerations
control measures and responsibilities
review dates and version control
2) Local Rules (clinic-specific)
Local Rules should be written specifically for your clinic and normally include:
named responsible persons
controlled area rules
safe operating procedures
emergency and incident actions
maintenance and servicing arrangements
Generic Local Rules are a common reason for licence delays.
3) Protective eyewear selection record
Councils and insurers often expect evidence that:
eyewear matches the wavelengths used
optical density (OD) is suitable for the risk
eyewear is in good condition and correctly labelled
the selection process has been recorded
4) Training and competency evidence
You should be able to show:
laser safety training
device-specific training
staff competency sign-off
refresher or review dates
5) Signage and controlled area setup
This includes:
correct warning signs
controlled access to treatment rooms
safe storage of keys or handpieces
simple daily or weekly safety checks
6) Servicing and maintenance records
Keep records of:
manufacturer servicing schedules
completed servicing or repairs
any performance or safety checks
Further reading:
👉 Laser clinic licence requirements in the UK
https://www.laserprotectionadvisers.co.uk/blog/laser-clinic-licence-requirements-in-the-uk
Common reasons clinics fail an inspection
Some of the most common issues we see include:
Risk assessments or Local Rules that do not match the actual device or room
Missing or unclear controlled area rules
Eyewear chosen without documented justification
Staff carrying out treatments without clear training records
Documents not updated after new devices or room changes
A good starting point is ensuring your risk assessment, Local Rules and eyewear records all align clearly.
Worked example: choosing correct laser eyewear (simple explanation)
This is a simplified example to show the logic behind eyewear selection.
Scenario
Treatment: laser hair removal
Device: diode laser
Wavelength: 808 nm (example)
Process
Confirm the wavelength(s) used by the device
Identify the maximum settings used in practice
Select eyewear that covers the wavelength
Ensure the optical density (OD) is suitable
Check eyewear markings and condition
Record the decision and review date
Your LPA should always confirm final eyewear suitability for your exact setup.
London boroughs we cover
We provide Laser Protection Adviser services across all London boroughs, including:
Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster.
Full coverage list:
👉 https://www.laserprotectionadvisers.co.uk/blog/areas-we-cover
How to choose the right Laser Protection Adviser in London
When choosing an LPA, consider whether they:
understand London borough licensing expectations
provide clinic-specific documents
explain safety in clear, practical language
offer ongoing support when things change
focus on inspection-ready paperwork
Related article:
👉 Why your London aesthetic clinic needs a dedicated LPA
https://www.laserprotectionadvisers.co.uk/blog/why-your-london-aesthetic-clinic-needs-a-dedicated-lpa-and-how-to-choose-one
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an LPA for laser and IPL in London?
Most London clinics require LPA support to meet council and insurance expectations, especially for licensing and inspections.
How often should risk assessments and Local Rules be updated?
At least annually, and whenever devices, rooms or treatments change.
Can I use templates?
Templates often cause problems because they do not reflect your actual clinic setup.
What if my licence renewal is delayed?
Focus first on clear, up-to-date risk assessments, Local Rules and eyewear records.
Next steps
If you want inspection-ready laser safety support for your London clinic, you can contact us here:
👉 Contact Laser Protection Advisers
https://www.laserprotectionadvisers.co.uk/contact
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