The service staff’s role in laser safety

Abstract

The interaction of the laser user and commercial laser manufacturer service staff can be critical to laser safety. In fact they can have a greater impact than the site Laser Safety Officer (LSO) on laser safety compliance at an institution. The commercial laser manufacturer is looked upon as the expert on the system and has an important role in setting the safety tone of the laser user. The safety message can be direct or indirect Not wearing laser protective eyewear during set up and alignment of a system, bypassing controls with unapproved devices (tape or paper dips) sends an unintentional message to users who are observing. While taking the time to set up a temporary control area, posting signs, and the use of eyewear sends a clear safety message. It is the responsibility of the commercial manufacturer (or distributor) to train and impress upon their staff the important role they play in laser safety.The interaction of the laser user and commercial laser manufacturer service staff can be critical to laser safety. In fact they can have a greater impact than the site Laser Safety Officer (LSO) on laser safety compliance at an institution. The commercial laser manufacturer is looked upon as the expert on the system and has an important role in setting the safety tone of the laser user. The safety message can be direct or indirect Not wearing laser protective eyewear during set up and alignment of a system, bypassing controls with unapproved devices (tape or paper dips) sends an unintentional message to users who are observing. While taking the time to set up a temporary control area, posting signs, and the use of eyewear sends a clear safety message. It is the responsibility of the commercial manufacturer (or distributor) to train and impress upon their staff the important role they play in laser safety.