Monthly Archives: July 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up – Week of July 25, 2016

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Here’s What You May Have Missed This Week on Lasers Today, including Laser Safety Updates and more.

While you were busy innovating the latest in lasers, this week at Lasers Today, we continued the Laser Accident Series, where we share stories of real-life accidents, as reported by OSHA. In this week’s post, find out more about how a snagged pant leg led to a severe leg injury at a metal fabrication company, how a miscommunication led to a man having both his legs broke by a tortilla making machine, and how LIA and  OSHA are working to prevent severe accidents like these here.

Researching laser safety training? Be sure to check out our post, 4 Hallmarks of Laser Safety Training. In this informative article,  you will find valuable information regarding what to look for – and when – in choosing a laser safety course, such as what topics the course focuses on, what options are available to you, quality of instruction, and more! Learn more here.

Before starting a laser safety course, check out our Introduction to Online Laser Safety Coursework post. Online laser safety courses accommodate busy laser safety officers, so they are not distracted from important responsibility. Our online laser safety courses allow you to receive your education from your home or office, making it easier than ever to increase your laser safety knowledge. Read more about it, and check out our free online e-book Tackling Laser Safety Training in the Online Classroom, available here.

Throwback Thursday – LiDAR Helps to Uncover Lost Cities

In this week’s Throwback Thursday, we take a look at how lasers are being used to uncover lost cities. Using technology known as LiDAR, which uses lasers in place of radar’s radio waves, scans are able to see through the thick jungles and see long-forgotten cityscapes. These new scans revealed ancient cityscapes near Angkor Wat, in Cambodia that are much larger than previously assumed. Information from these scans will be used to simplify the research process for future digs performed by archeologists. Discover more about these exciting findings here.

Conference Updates

The advance program for ICALEO® is available now! Plan ahead for your trip and see what is in store for you at this year’s event with complete information on highlighted sessions, scheduled events, plenary sessions and more! ICALEO® will take place October 16–20, 2016 in San Diego, CA. View the advance program and sign up here.

The official program for the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference is also now available. The conference is scheduled to include sessions on topics such as. “Today’s Industrial Laser Opportunities,” “Advances in Additive Manufacturing,” and more! Register today for Industrial Laser Conference taking place September 13, 2016, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. Take a look at the program here.

Enjoy catching up and have a great weekend! For more information on conferences, laser safety training, or laser applications, please visit us at www.lia.org.

Back by Popular Demand: LIA Relaunches Sales of Laser Safety Signs

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ORLANDO, FL – JULY 18, 2016 — Laser Institute of America (LIA), the leading international authority for laser applications and safety, announces today the relaunch of laser safety signs sales to accommodate the needs of Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) and their professional laser safety teams. Back by popular demand, the customizable laser safety signs are available in both plastic and laminate, and feature newly updated, clearer safety warnings and instructions.

“Our laser safety signs are back and better than ever, helping make laser environments even safer – and one stop safety shopping simple,” said Jeannette Gabay, LIA’s Director of Publications. “The relaunch adds another critical safety tool to our line of products, providing laser users and safety professionals with more time in the field, so they can advance their program safely and successfully.”

Four distinct signs are available for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers or laser systems per the ANSI Z136.1 – Safe Use of Lasers standard, including warning and danger signs for Class 4 lasers or laser systems, and warning signs for Class 3B laser-controlled areas. In addition, LIA has made a notice sign available for purchase, for instances when a Class 3B or Class 4 laser or laser system is being repaired.

“Today’s laser environments are all about efficiency, innovation and safety,” continues Gabay. “Our relaunched signs are another example of how we’re taking member feedback and turning it into solutions and value for every LIA member.”

Additional resources for LSOs and laser safety professionals are available in LIA’s online store. From online courses for the busy laser professional, to safety publications, videos and guides, LIA’s online store is your complete shopping hub for everything laser safety, including laser safety signage. To purchase resources from LIA’s online store, including laser safety signs, please visit www.lia.org/store.

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

Throwback Thursday: Using Lasers to Uncover Lost Cities

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Lasers are helping uncover centuries-old “lost cities” in Cambodian jungles near Angkor Wat.

The area, a UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient wonder of the world, has been a region of study for archaeologists for years.

As it turns out, the cities and temples buried under the jungle are larger and more widespread than previously imagined. Using technology known as LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, it’s similar to radar in its ability to survey areas. The key difference, however, is in the use of laser light, rather than radio waves, to perform scans of the land. The LiDAR device is mounted to a helicopter and is used to create detailed map scans for later study.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Uncovering What Lies Beneath

For years, researchers speculated about what lies beneath the dense jungle vegetation. The utilization of LiDAR was able to validate those ideas, revealing some structures for the very first time. The city dates back to the early to mid 1100s, under the rule of King Suryavarman II, during the Khmer Empire’s rule.

Considered one of the largest pre-industrial cities, initial scans in 2012 revealed the existence of temple city Mahendraparvata, near Angkor Wat. In 2015, a more in-depth scan confirmed the existence of additional, undiscovered structures, including the presence of both Hindu and Buddist iconography.

The new scans also revealed a city complex around Preah Khan of Kompong Svay temple, sites for iron mining, as well as a complex waterway system. With the new information, future archeological digs will be simplified. Maps with even higher detail are in the works.

The new research findings were presented at the Royal Geographic Society in London, in June.

Thanks for reading! Do you enjoy our Throwback Thursday Laser Posts? Read about the History of Laser Tag here. 

Interested in attending one of our upcoming content-packed laser conferences? Click here to learn more about our inaugural Industrial Laser Conference and this year’s ICALEO. 

Major Change to OSHA Rules Stirs Controversy

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New OSHA regulations going into effect August 10 are sending a ripple of controversy throughout manufacturing, construction, and other hazardous industries.

The new law requires that companies that operate in hazardous industries with a staff of fewer than 250 file OSHA form 300A in the event of work-related injury or illness. Those with more than 250 employees will file 300, 300A, and 301.

The new regulations require companies to file electronically with OSHA. Previously, these forms and reports were kept on hand by an employer, and only received by OSHA in the event of an investigation. Under the new law, not only will OSHA receive all reports, the reports will also be available to the public, online.

The transparency of the inner workings of these companies could positively impact the industries by highlighting areas of concern, leading to better work environments for employees. On the flip side, the public accessibility of the information could open the doors to unfavorable press and lawsuits.

Workers in hazardous industries are divided by the new rules. Those in favor of the changes suggest that OSHA’s accessibility to those records can help the administration better target their investigations. Believing that regularly occurring accidents may be symbolic of poor management or other company shortcomings, there is significant hope that the rules will inevitably lead to safer, well-operated workplaces.

Those who oppose the changes feel that the new rules “shame” those in hazardous industries. While few would argue against a push for greater transparency, it is the method and lack of employee and company privacy, that has many concerned. Others raise concerns about the ability to revise reports, after investigation. If the initial information is shared to the public, but is later revised for accuracy, it is easy for the information to be misinterpreted by anyone who comes across the report.

Although the law goes into effect this summer, the record keeping will change over beginning January 1, 2017. The mandatory submission of reports will begin July 2017. The records will be available online shortly after OSHA receives them.

For the latest updates, subscribe to Lasers Today and get OSHA news sent straight to your inbox. Visit LasersToday.com and navigate to the right-hand panel to sign up. 

ICALEO® & Students: Where the Next Generation of Laser Professionals Expand Their Career Opportunities

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How will you learn and grow at the 35th Edition of ICALEO?

The 35th International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO®) will take place October 16–20, 2016 in San Diego, California, bringing together laser professionals from all over the world to discuss the latest developments in laser research. Considered by many to be one of the most important laser materials processing conferences in the world, it’s no surprise that hundreds of laser professionals make their way to the conference annually.

Why ICALEO Matters to Students Working With Lasers

ICALEO is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in laser applications. With opportunities to network with scientists, engineers and other industry leaders, combined with educational seminars in an array of laser applications, and a chance to have your own research and ideas published, there is no shortage of reasons for a full-time student to attend ICALEO. Student registration for ICALEO includes access to all technical sessions, plenary sessions, receptions, the awards luncheon –  and a technical digest.

Last year, ICALEO brought in over 400 attendees from all over the world, with over 200 presentations and posters available for viewing. Have your eye on eventually building your own laser-related business? Last year, the event also featured a business forum for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the laser and optics fields, providing a new avenue for laser professionals to learn and share from one another outside of the academic setting.

How Can Students Make an Impact on This Year’s ICALEO?

Students can make just as much of a splash at ICALEO as the seasoned professionals. The 2016 Call for Papers is closed. If you already submitted a paper, make sure you apply for the contest by August 4. The papers will be reviewed by ICALEO conference chairs, with the winners announced during the closing plenary session on Thursday, October 20, 2016. There are even cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!

Winning papers will also be submitted to LIA’s Journal of Laser Applications. The Student Paper Award gives a unique opportunity for students studying laser applications to have their ideas and research viewed by industry leaders, as well as published in a credible publication. For the official rules of entry, please visit the Student Paper Award page here.

Special Perks Available for LIA Student Members

If you’re an LIA member, you’ll  receive special member rates on courses, conferences, and seminars, including ICALEO. In fact, we offer special rates for full-time students that come with a number of exciting perks that will supplement your budding career as a laser professional. LIA members receive an online subscription to Journal of Laser Applications as well as LIA Today, our newsletter publication. You can also get a leg up on your own laser safety training through discounted course rates. LIA membership gives you access to new industry connections, networking opportunities beyond ICALEO, as well as career and volunteer opportunities not available elsewhere.

Inspired by the opportunities at ICALEO? Do not delay! Registration for ICALEO is underway. Students must pre-register for ICALEO before September 7, 2016. Please note that online and onsite registration will not be accepted for students, so you’ll have to fill out and follow the instructions on the registration form available by clicking here.

Students have a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insight, industry contacts, and supplementary education through ICALEO. For students with their sights set on a future in laser applications, attending events like ICALEO, coupled with a student membership through LIA, could potentially put you way ahead of your peers when it comes to developing your professional career.

For complete information on ICALEO and LIA membership, please visit Laser Institute of America (LIA) at www.lia.org.