Laser safety professionals: It’s time to step outside of your routine. Learn from the foremost laser safety experts and discover resources that you can bring back to your organization at the 2017 edition of the International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC).
ILSC brings together many of the brightest minds and seasoned industry specialists from across the globe. From March 20-23 in Atlanta, GA, you can join your fellow laser safety professionals in attending presentations on the latest research and insights regarding safety standards and technical developments. By learning from peers and professionals, you’ll also become a better representative at your job or organization for ensuring safety with lasers per OSHA/ANSI standards.
Explore more of the benefits of ILSC below.
Benefits for Medical Laser Safety Officers and Laser Safety Officers
The Laser Institute of America has gathered together top members of the medical and scientific communities to give presentations during the four-day event. Medical Laser Safety Officers and Laser Safety Officers can deepen their knowledge of scientific developments; find solutions for dilemmas commonly encountered in day-to-day work; learn potential risks related to laser use and exposure, and critically examine the future of laser applications.
Professionals in the medical, military, government, environmental and insurance industries will all benefit from the Scientific Sessions and Practical Applications Seminars. In addition to networking between seminars, the seminars provide a unique opportunity to hear from those working using lasers in medical and technical fields and applying their experience to identify potential pitfalls with dangerous equipment.
What to Expect from the Medical Seminars
MLSOs can attend presentations and walk away with valuable insights that they can immediately apply to day-to-day tasks. With cutting-edge medical laser safety presentations, attendees from a variety of backgrounds will also have the chance to expand their scope of laser safety knowledge.
Learn about plume hazards, physics, and tissue interaction. Gain command of OR precautions by attending presentations on setting up a safety program, ethical dilemmas, and accidents. Make sure your understanding of current standards is up-to-date with upper airway guidelines, AORN practices, and ANSI standards.
What to Expect from the Technical Seminars
The Technical Practical Application Seminars are geared toward Laser Safety Officers but provide information that is applicable for other industries as well.
Brush up on topics such as laser safety in the workplace, determining Nominal Hazard Zones, eye protection recommendations and identifying mandatory control measures. Improve your ability to gauge situations where laser use may become dangerous. Find out which regulations apply directly to you and how you can control non-beam hazards.
Fuse Theory and Practice with Complementary Seminars
Each of these practical seminars along with the scientific sessions join together seamlessly to give you a foundation for determining and maintaining laser safety standards. As you find out about new and innovative products, research and analyses, you will expand your perspective of laser safety across industries. Each attendee has the chance to take these insights back to their own workplace and identify future problems and ways to improve current safety protocol.
The world’s leading conference on laser safety returns in 2017, drawing professionals from a variety of industry backgrounds ranging from nurses and applications engineers to researchers and even government and military personnel. LIA’s biennial International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) will be held on Mar. 20-23, 2017 at the Sheraton® Atlanta Airport Hotel in Atlanta, GA, with the goal of educating laser safety personnel on everything from bioeffects research to the best practices for Laser Safety Officers (LSOs).
Successfully prepared again by General Chair John O’Hagan of Public Health England, ILSC 2017 is comprised of three main parts: Laser Safety Scientific Sessions (LSSS), Medical Practical Applications Seminar (MPAS) and the Technical Practical Applications Seminar (TPAS). When asked about the value that ILSC brings to its attendees, O’Hagan said that the conference “provides a unique opportunity for both experienced laser safety specialists and newcomers to get together over four days. It attracts attendees from around the world, so that experiences can be shared, lessons learned and hopefully workplaces containing lasers are safe.”
A new addition to this year’s ILSC are the two Opening Plenary speakers who are both clinicians. “Jacques Abramowicz will speak about the World Health Organization task to develop Basic Safety Requirements and Fundamental Safety Principles for non-ionizing radiation, including laser radiation. Jeff Luttrull, who is an expert in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, will talk about how lasers can be used to prevent blindness,” remarked O’Hagan.
Every year, the LSSS addresses developments in regulatory, mandatory and voluntary safety standards for laser products and laser use. Chaired by Karl Schulmeister of Seibersdorf Laboratories, he emphasizes that the ILSC Scientific Sessions will continue to cover the most important topics to its attendees — including laser product safety, bioeffects, injury thresholds for the varying tissues of the eye and skin, as well as eyewear, outdoor lasers, high power lasers, materials processing and broadband incoherent radiation.
Dr. Schulmeister also noted that there are many first-time presenters contributing to the LSSS this year, “which shows that the interest and the ‘discipline’ of laser safety is ever growing and developing — away from the historical main interest in user precautions to the safety of products, particularly of consumer products which will be soon ubiquitous.”
The Medical and Technical PAS are designed to complement the Scientific Sessions by exploring everyday scenarios that the LSO and MLSO could encounter. The Medical PAS is a two-day seminar that will take place Mar. 20-21 and be Co-Chaired by Kay Ball (Otterbein University) and Certified Medical Laser Safety Officers (CMLSOs) Vangie Dennis (Emory Healthcare), Patti Owens (AestheticMed Consulting International), and Leslie Pollard (Southwest Innovative Solutions, Inc.), who have constructed this seminar around the theme of Laser Safety: More than Smoke and Mirrors. The MPAS will be particularly useful for MLSOs who work in operating rooms, surgical centers, aesthetic clinics and medical spas.
“Day one will include pertinent information regarding the hazards of surgical smoke and plume. The latest research will be presented,” stated Owens. “Analyzing the toxicity of surgical plume, the impact of chronic exposure to second hand smoke, recommended respiratory protection, new international initiatives and organizations, along with future legislation for management of this health hazard.”
Owens went on to add that “the second stimulating day will focus on management of collimated medical devices with exciting lectures addressing new applications of innovative laser technology, retinal and corneal injuries from exposure to lasers and Intense Pulsed Light, veterinary utilization of medical laser devices, Low Level Light therapy and PDT. Also, the role of the laser safety officer and how to produce positive safety outcomes for both staff and patient will be explored.”
According to Kay Ball, “ILSC 2017 offers learning and networking opportunities to help health care professionals meet the challenges of laser technology. Advancements and exciting new information will be highlighted, while experts will be able to share their knowledge and experiences.”
The two-day Technical PAS, on Mar. 22-23, is expected to provide LSOs with the knowledge they need to address more common laser safety issues and concerns for day-to-day operations in manufacturing, research and product development, as well as laser safety training and program setup. Co-Chairs and Certified Laser Safety Officers (CLSOs) Eddie Ciprazo (UC Berkeley) and Jamie King (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), are focusing on just that with the motif of Back to the Basics – Laser Safety 101.
Topics covered in the Technical PAS will range from determining Nominal Hazard Zones (NZH) to laser eye protection selection to what regulations apply. This seminar will start off on Wednesday with So You are the LSO, Now What? and will conclude on Thursday with Resources for the LSO, Don’t Reinvent the Wheel. The newest and most anticipated addition to this year’s TPAS will be an open forum panel discussion with the FDA.
According to King, LSOs of all experience levels will leave this seminar with a variety of valuable information. “From basic optics to cutting edge technologies and everything in between, it’s here.”
Additional highlights at ILSC include the Welcome Reception on Sunday, Mar. 19 at 4pm and the Awards Luncheon, taking place on Monday, Mar. 20 at 12pm. This two hour luncheon includes the presentation of the Wilkening and Rockwell awards. The Wilkening Award is being presented to Wesley J. Marshall of Laser Safety Specialties, recognizing his outstanding contributions to laser bioeffects research, development of human exposure limits and safety standards, and to applied laser safety. This year, the Rockwell Award is being bestowed on none other than ILSC General Chair John O’Hagan, for his outstanding contributions to laser safety education.
Attendees can expect plenty of networking opportunities at ILSC, promises O’Hagan. “Those new to laser safety can hear from world experts and build up their networks. Experienced laser safety professionals get the opportunity to hear about the latest research on bioeffects and practical solutions to laser safety problems. Having attended ILSC, you become part of a community, which can provide guidance and support throughout your laser safety career.”
In addition to attending the seminars, the CLSO/CMLSO Appreciation Reception will be another great opportunity to hear first-hand from certified laser safety professionals. Taking place on Monday, Mar. 20, this reception honors LSOs with 10+ years of certification. Anyone with certification or an interest in LSO certification is welcome to attend.
Another networking opportunity for attendees to take advantage of is the Sponsor Reception on Tuesday evening, Mar. 21, from 5-7:30pm. This is the perfect time to interact with key safety companies including longtime Platinum Sponsors Honeywell Safety Products and Rockwell Laser Industries; Gold Sponsors ASC Z136, Kentek Corporation and Lighting Systems Design, Inc.; Silver Sponsors Buffalo Filter and Engility Corporation; and Bronze Sponsors BEAMSTOP’R Laser Barriers, Inc., Laser Safety Systems, LASERVISION USA, NoIR LaserShields, Ophir-Spiricon LLC and RT Technologies Inc.
“We look forward to welcoming friends to Atlanta for ILSC 2017,” says O’Hagan. “If you haven’t been before, make sure you say hello!”
For more information and to register for ILSC 2017, visit www.lia.org/ILSC.
Orlando, FL — The Laser Institute of America is pleased to announce the winner of the prestigious 2017 George M. Wilkening Award. Wesley J. Marshall, Principal of Laser Safety Specialties, will be recognized for his contributions in laser safety at the International Laser Safety Conference, held from March 20-23 at the Sheraton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA.
The George M. Wilkening Award is presented to individuals who have made extensive contributions to laser safety in science, medicine, industry, or education. Established in 1997, the award is named after George M. Wilkening, the first ANSI Z136 Standards Committee Chairman. LIA is proud to recognize Mr. Marshall for his 40-year involvement with military laser safety, as well as his vast educational contributions in working with numerous institutions to increase laser safety knowledge.
Marshall has consulted on numerous projects involving laser equipment and systems. He has developed laser hazard analysis software, as well as educational courses involving laser safety and hazard awareness. Marshall serves on the Accredited Standards Committee for Safe Use of Lasers Z136, as a chair for Technical Subcommittee 7, which provides example calculations for the Z136 standards. He also serves as the chair for the SAE G10T Laser Safety Hazards Committee, providing guidance on outdoor laser operations.
Previously, Marshall served as the chair of Standard Subcommittee 6, which is responsible for the ANSI Z136.6 Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors. He has numerous publications in laser applications credited to his name. Marshall also served as a Manager of the Laser/Optical Radiation Program in the US Army.
LIA will present Marshall with the 2017 George M. Wilkening Award during the awards luncheon on the opening day of the International Laser Safety Conference. The ceremony will also highlight the winner of the R. James Rockwell Jr. Educational Achievement Award.
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. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.
MLSOs and medical laser safety professionals who attend the 2017 International Laser Safety Conference’s Medical Practical Applications Seminar will learn from experts, exchange ideas, and bring the latest knowledge back to their medical facility. Explore the event & it is important in our Lasers Today feature below.
As March draws closer, the deadline to register for the International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC) is quickly approaching. ILSC is the world’s leading laser safety event, drawing professionals from around the globe to master laser safety practices and uncover current trends in hazard control. This popular conference, held this year from March 20-23 at the Sheraton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA, covers ground-breaking developments in laser technology as well as practical solutions related to its technical and medical challenges.
The four-day event includes the Medical Practical Applications Seminar (MPAS) which incorporates the latest scientific medical-related insights into practical applications related to laser safety. You can explore why MPAS is such a groundbreaking event and an annual ILSC highlight in our guide to MPAS below.
Excelling in Medical Laser Safety at ILSC’s MPAS
MPAS, held March 20-21, 2017, gives medical professionals a two-day pass to expert seminars about Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO) best practices. It’s an exciting opportunity for attendees to deepen their knowledge of medical laser safety through expert presentations and the exchange of ideas and take what they’ve learned back to their hospital, ASC, or office.
What Topics Are Covered During ILSC’s MPAS?
Move beyond online Medical Laser Safety Courses and hear about common scenarios where theory must be put into action. This year’s seminar is titled Laser Safety: More than Smoke and Mirrors and gives attendees the opportunity to learn from medical professionals and researchers dedicated to protecting the health of patients and clinicians using laser applications.
Presenters will explore topics like risks related to surgical smoke plume, collimated medical devices, methods for preventing potential injuries and new international initiatives. They will also take a critical look at current legislation and the need for future changes. The sessions will also examine how to address the role of MLSOs in improving the safety of patients and staff.
Who Should Attend MPAS?
Medical Laser Safety Officers, biomedical & biophysical researchers, environmental health & safety professionals, nurses, medical technicians and health physicists are among the many occupations that can benefit from this practical seminar. Those who monitor the safety and use of lasers in operating rooms, surgical centers, aesthetic clinics and medical spas will be able to apply tools and tips learned during the sessions. Non-medical laser safety professionals are also welcome to attend.
This is your chance to network with global attendees from a variety of fields and discuss questions related specifically to your industry. Bring current industry issues to the attention of your colleagues. After attending sessions as a group, you can ask questions and exchange with other field professionals. Share the obstacles you are facing with experts –and find solutions together.
Why Are MPAS Critical to Laser Safety?
Laser safety involves educating yourself, figuring how to take the proper precautions, and raising awareness. By attending the MPAS, you can earn contact hours, receive insights that you can put into action within your industry, and hear firsthand about how Medical Laser Safety Officers address risks before problems become emergencies.
The education achievement award recognizes contributions in laser safety and will be presented in Atlanta on March 20
ORLANDO, FL — The Laser Institute of America is pleased to announce the winner of the distinguished 2017 R. James Rockwell JR. Award to John O’ Hagan for his contributions in laser safety. The Rockwell Education Achievement Award recognizes individuals with outstanding contributions in safety education and will be presented on opening day, March 20, at this year’s International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
O’Hagan is honored for his work as a laser safety resource for governments and organizations, providing advice on the effects of optical radiation on people, as well as his work in laser safety education at Loughborough University. O’Hagan heads the Laser and Optical Radiation Dosimetry Group at Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical, and Environmental Hazards and is also the Group Leader for Laser and Optical Radiation at Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical, and Environmental Hazards; a position he has held since 1975.
As a visiting professor in Laser and Optical Radiation Safety at Loughborough University, he has collaborated on joint laser safety courses since 1990 and is also a member of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. He is the Director of Photobiology and Photochemistry at CIE; is credited with over 30 publications; a senior member of SPIE; and a fellow of the Laser Institute of America. O’Hagan will serve as the Conference General Chair for the 2017 ILSC.
O’Hagan will receive the Rockwell award at the ILSC Awards Luncheon. The ceremony will also highlight the winner of the George M. Wilkening Award. To learn more about ILSC and to register, please visit https://www.lia.org/conferences/ilsc.
About Laser Institute of America
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. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.
