Industrial Laser Safety

1-5 day courses

These courses are conducted by Laser-Professionals, Inc. and hosted by the Radiation Safety Academy. The courses are also offered at various locations throughout the US. Following is a description of the courses to be offered at the Academy. Additional training information is available at the Laser-Professionals.com website.

Basics of Laser Technology (1-day course)

For those who want a more thorough understanding of laser technology before their laser safety class (We highly recommend this class to safety personnel who are new to lasers.)

This is a one-day course designed for personnel who have no prior experience in laser technology but desire a comprehensive understanding of the basics of lasers, optics, and laser applications before attending the Applied Laser Safety course or the Laser Safety Officer course. If you are new to lasers, this course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals and solid preparation for laser safety training. If you have worked with or around lasers but desire a greater depth of understanding, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask all those questions that you have always wondered about but could never get answered. Course materials include many useful tidbits for those making laser measurements or specifying laser systems.

Applied Laser Safety (2 day course)

For all Laser Users and for Laser Safety Officers in most industrial laser environments.

This two-day course meets all the training requirements of OSHA and the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1-2000) and is the heart of our laser safety training program. It is designed specifically for personnel with little or no previous experience with lasers but also includes additional information that will be particularly useful to more experienced laser users. This course includes just the right amount of theory and background information, minimal math, an understandable explanation of OSHA and ANSI requirements, and an abundance of real-world examples of solving safety problems in both industrial and research settings. It provides the best possible training for all laser users and all the information a Laser Safety Officer in a typical industrial situation needs to establish an effective Laser Safety Program. Example problems illustrate laser hazard calculations and the use of Easy Haz^TM laser hazard analysis software. The presentation is fast-paced and efficient in order to convey as much useful information as possible in the two-day format, but there are also plenty of opportunities to get all your questions answered. All participants receive printed course materials with instructor’s notes, OSHA’s Technical Manual on Laser Hazards, a CD containing reference material, and the student version of Easy Haz^TM Student Edition. A copy of the ANSI Standard is not required for this course. If you want a copy, it is available for purchase.

Laser Safety Officer (4 day course)

For Laser Safety Officers in research, education, or more complex industrial laser environments and for those preparing for the Certified Laser Safety Officer examination.

Participants in the Laser Safety Officer course will first attend the Applied Laser Safety course (Tuesday and Wednesday) to learn the basics of laser safety quickly and efficiently. LSO students will then continue for two additional days (Thursday and Friday) of concentrated study of laser hazard analysis, application of laser control measures in both industrial and research settings, control of non-beam hazards, and management of laser safety programs. The smaller class size and slower pace of these final two days allow time for detailed discussions of the ANSI Standard and individual participant's laser safety issues. The course emphasizes practical application of the ANSI Standard in real-world laser situations and includes additional topics suggested by experienced LSOs from industry and government laboratories. It involves a moderate level of math; students desiring a more rigorous mathematical experience are invited to an optional evening session in which we will work more challenging hazard analysis problems and take on any and all problems posed by participants. The course includes opportunities for all students to use Easy Haz^TM to perform laser hazard calculations for their lasers. (Bring your laptop.) We provide copies of the ANSI Z136.1-2000 Standard for use in class. If you want your own copy, it is available for purchase. This course includes a practice test and a thorough review to prepare students to take the Certified Laser Safety Officer exam.

Certified Laser Safety Officer Examination

The Certified Laser Safety Officer Exam is available form the Board of Laser Safety (BLS). It is a computer-based exam offered at many locations around the country. Check out the requirements, procedures, and cost at their website, www.lasersafety.org.

No organization requires that Laser Safety Officers be certified, only that they have training that meets the requirements of the ANSI Standard. Laser-Professionals Inc. is not affiliated with the BLS and does not encourage or discourage the taking of the CLSO exam. However, our LSO course provides the best preparation available for those who wish to take the exam. Call us if you have any questions about the CLSO Program or the exam.

Training Dates

2009
April 20-24

Course Credits

Basics (1 day)
AAHP - 16 CE Credits
ABIH - 1.0 CM Point
BLS - 1.0 CM Point

Applied Laser Safety (2 days)
AAHP - 32 CE Credits
ABIH - 2.0 CM Point
BLS - 2.0 CM Point

Laser Safety Officer (4 days)
AAHP - 32 CE Credits
ABIH - 4.0 CM Point
BLS - 4.0 CM Point

Laser Safety Sample Agenda

Monday - Basics of Laser Technology

Tuesday - Applied Laser Safety

Wednesday - Applied Laser Safety

Thursday - Laser Safety Officer

Friday - Laser Safety Officer