Babtac and Cibtac to introduce laser and IPL standards
Published
10th Apr 2013
Two of the UK’s leading beauty industry organisations, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Babtac) and the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Cibtac) have joined forces to introduce professional standards for IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser treatments.
Set to come into effect in the next three years, the regulations are being drawn up to safeguard the consumer by ensuring the safety of the increasingly popular IPL and laser treatments and to protect spas, salons and therapists against malpractice lawsuits.
The new standards will rest on four key pillars: the need for therapists to acquire a minimum of a level four qualification for laser and IPL treatments, the introduction of standardised treatment records, continued professional development sessions and the establishment of a register of approved manufacturers and machine models.
The minimum qualification stipulation will become compulsory by January 2016, as will the continued professional development proviso − under which therapists will need to attend regular training session to refresh their knowledge of how to carry out the treatments.
Babtac and Cibtac chairman Carolyne Cross said: “We are committed to the safety of consumers, and we understand how important some of these procedures can be to them. We will be introducing the four criteria over the next three years and members wishing to continue being insured for laser and IPL will need to work to meet them.”
Standardised treatment records are being introduced to ensure the continuity of treatments and allow different therapist treating the same patient to determine the exact nature of the procedures the client has previously undergone.
The standards will be rolled out over the next three years and will become compulsory for all Babtac and Cibtac members carrying out laser and IPL treatments. As of January 2016, Babtac will no longer provide laser or IPL insurance to members who do not meet the four criteria.
