Hurricane prep for aesthetic lasers is not theoretical for us.
The Laser Professionals is based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Preparing equipment before major storms is part of operating here.
Wind may get the headlines. However, aesthetic equipment can also be damaged by flooding, leaks, electrical disturbances, and an unsafe restart after the storm.
A little preparation can make a major difference.
Before the Storm: Protect the Laser First
When a hurricane threatens, include your aesthetic equipment in the facility shutdown plan.
Start with an orderly shutdown according to the manufacturer’s procedure.
If the system is plug-connected and it is safe to do so, disconnect it from power after shutdown. Hardwired equipment should follow your facility’s approved electrical shutdown procedure.
Then reduce the risk of water damage.
Move equipment:
- Away from windows and exterior doors
- Away from known roof or ceiling leaks
- Away from HVAC drains
- Away from low areas vulnerable to flooding
- To higher ground when practical
Also secure the delivery systems.
Place handpieces in their proper cradles or protective packaging. Secure fibers carefully and position articulated arms according to the platform’s transport or storage requirements.
Storm preparation is not the time to rush a delicate optical delivery system.
Photograph the Equipment Before the Storm
Take clear photographs of each machine before severe weather arrives.
Document:
- Overall condition
- Serial number
- Handpieces and accessories
- Treatment room location
- Visible exterior condition
- Current service documentation
Keep copies of invoices, service reports, and equipment records somewhere that remains accessible after the storm.
If damage occurs, those records can help document the machine’s condition before the event.
Power Quality Deserves Attention
Electrical problems are another major storm concern.
Hurricanes can bring outages, brownouts, restoration events, and changes between utility and backup power.
For sensitive equipment, electrical protection should be designed around the actual platform and facility.
Talk with a qualified electrician about:
- Appropriate surge protection
- Circuit protection
- Grounding
- Generator connections
- Transfer switches
- Voltage requirements
- Frequency requirements
- Power quality
Do not assume a backup generator is suitable for a laser simply because it powers the lights.
Before operating medical or aesthetic equipment from backup power, confirm that the electrical system meets the equipment manufacturer’s requirements.
Ready.gov also recommends unplugging electronics during outages to reduce potential surge damage.
After the Storm: Do Not Test a Wet Laser
This is the most important rule in the article.
If an aesthetic laser may have been exposed to water, do not turn it on just to see whether it works.
Water may be inside areas that are not visible from the outside.
That can include:
- Power supplies
- Control boards
- Connectors
- Motors
- High-voltage sections
- Cooling components
- Wiring assemblies
Applying power before inspection can create additional equipment damage and an electrical safety hazard.
Electrical-safety guidance likewise recommends professional evaluation before water-damaged electrical equipment is returned to service.
Floodwater Is More Than Just Water
Flood exposure deserves particular caution.
Stormwater can contain salt, dirt, chemicals, sewage, and other contaminants.
Those materials may remain behind after the visible water disappears.
Saltwater exposure can be especially damaging because conductive and corrosive residue may remain on electrical components.
Dry does not automatically mean safe.
A proper inspection should determine what was exposed and whether components can be safely cleaned, repaired, reconditioned, or must be replaced.
What About High Humidity?
Humidity alone is different from direct water exposure.
However, a machine stored in an extremely damp environment or subjected to condensation should not be treated casually.
If you see condensation, moisture, corrosion, or evidence of water intrusion, have the machine evaluated before returning it to clinical use.
The goal is to avoid energizing equipment when moisture may still be present internally.
What a Post-Storm Laser Inspection Should Cover
A post-event evaluation depends on what happened to the machine.
For suspected water exposure, technicians may inspect:
- Power sections
- Control boards
- Wiring
- Connectors
- Cooling systems
- Handpieces
- Optical components
- Internal moisture or residue
- Corrosion
- Safety circuits
After the machine is determined safe to energize, operational testing can begin.
That may include calibration, cooling checks, error review, and metered output verification where appropriate.
The sequence matters.
Inspect first. Power second. Test third.
Do Not Ignore Electrical Symptoms
Water is not the only reason to stop before restarting.
Have the equipment evaluated if a storm or power event is followed by:
- Burnt odor
- Repeated breaker trips
- Failure to boot normally
- Unusual sounds
- Error codes
- Display problems
- Cooling faults
- Smoke or visible damage
Do not repeatedly cycle power hoping the fault disappears.
The first symptom may be the warning that prevents a larger failure.
When Storm Damage Takes a Laser Down
Sometimes the machine will need repair despite proper preparation.
That is when the recovery plan matters.
Our cosmetic laser repair services can include diagnosis, component-level repair, cooling-system work, electronics repair, optical inspection, and metered verification.
Depending on availability, rental equipment can also help bridge treatment schedules while a damaged system is being repaired.
If damage is extensive, we can also evaluate the economics of repair versus replacement.
The goal is evidence, not guessing.
Hurricane Prep for Aesthetic Lasers Comes Down to Three Rules
Effective hurricane prep for aesthetic lasers does not need to be complicated.
Before the storm: shut down correctly, protect the equipment, reduce water exposure, and document its condition.
During outages: keep power quality and surge protection in mind.
After water exposure: do not energize the machine until it has been properly evaluated.
That last rule can be the difference between inspecting a recoverable machine and creating a much larger repair.
Storm approaching—or dealing with equipment after one?
Call The Laser Professionals at 561-203-9776 or email [email protected].
The Laser Professionals — More Than Sales, Complete Laser Support.
