Module 1: Laser Safety Fundamentals

• Laser Safety Officer Responsibilities: Explore the essential duties of an LSO and how they intersect with overall workplace safety management.

  • Detailed Review of Regulatory Standards: A breakdown of key guidelines, including IEC 60825-1, Z386-14, and industry-specific standards.

  • Risk Categories and Hazard Levels: Learn how to classify lasers by their hazard level and identify the associated risks.

Module 2: Laser Physics and Technology

• The Science of Laser Operation: Understand how lasers function, from the basics of stimulated emission to complex laser cavity operations.

• Types of Lasers and Their Applications: From industrial cutting lasers to medical lasers, this module covers the different laser types, how they work, and their specific risks.

• Laser Parameters and Their Safety Implications: Learn how parameters like beam divergence, wavelength, and power density affect the potential hazards in different laser applications.

Module 3: Biological Effects of Laser Radiation

• Impact of Laser Exposure on Human Tissue: A deep dive into the biological mechanisms behind laser-tissue interactions. This section covers thermal, photochemical, and non-linear effects on both the skin and eyes.

• Pathological Effects and Safety Thresholds: Get detailed insights into Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) levels and how to calculate safe exposure limits for various scenarios.

• Understanding Damage Mechanisms: Learn the science behind retinal and corneal damage, as well as the cellular effects of laser exposure on skin tissue.

Module 4: Comprehensive Laser Safety Practices

• Laser Classification Systems: Learn how lasers are classified based on their potential hazards and how to communicate these risks effectively within your organization.

• Controlling Beam and Non-Beam Hazards: This module covers both direct risks (like eye and skin exposure) and indirect hazards (such as fire, explosion, and plume exposure in surgical settings).

• Practical Safety Measures: Implementing laser safety controls—ranging from physical barriers and protective eyewear to emergency shutdown procedures. You’ll also learn how to calculate critical safety distances with tools like the NOHD Calculator and OD Calculator.

• Developing a Laser-Controlled Area: Learn how to design, implement, and maintain a laser-controlled area to limit exposure and manage laser usage effectively.

Module 5: Legal and Administrative Controls

• Laser Risk Assessment: Develop the skills to conduct thorough laser risk assessments, identifying both immediate and long-term hazards.

• Incident Management & Reporting: Learn how to handle laser-related incidents, from immediate response to detailed post-incident reporting and follow-up.

• Administrative Best Practices: This module covers the legal and administrative side of laser safety, including record-keeping, compliance audits, and safety audits to ensure that laser safety protocols are being followed.