LIA offers safety officer training course online

The Laser Institute of America (LIA), Orlando, Fla., an international society for laser applications and safety, now offers an online course for laser safety officers.

The Laser Safety Officer online course uses a nonmathematical approach designed to teach the administrative duties of the laser safety officer (LSO) as described in ANSI Z136.1 "Safe Use of Lasers" standard. Emphasizing laser safety program development and administration, the course covers lasers and optics, bioeffects, beam and nonbeam hazards, control measures, and training requirements. According to the LIA, it meets all LSO training requirements outlined by ANSI, OSHA, and ACGIH. The course is worth 3.0 ABIH CM points, 32 CECs by AAHP, and 3.0 BLS CM points by the Board of Laser Safety.

Information on federal, state, and international laser safety regulations, along with basic laser fundamentals and terminology, are included. Overviews of MPEs, NHZs, NOHD, effects on the eye and skin, laser accident history, and nonbeam issues also are covered. Other sections on laser control measures and personal protective equipment provide guidelines recommended by ANSI Z136 industry safety standards and review OSHA-mandated compliance requirements.

The online course concludes with a section on implementing an effective laser safety program, explaining the requirements for laser personnel, medical surveillance, and the responsibilities of the LSO.

A user name and a password, good for 10 days of unlimited access, are included with registration. A PDF file containing a set of color course notes—a sample documentation that includes self-audit forms and questions, standard operating procedures, and policies and procedures—also is included. In addition, the LSO receives an electronic version of the new ANSI Z136.1 (2007) "Safe Use of Lasers" standard and a printable certificate of completion. All materials are downloadable upon purchase.

Additional course information is available at www.laserinstitute.org.