According to a recent trade advisory, the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will now post the latest safety and health updates on its new Twitter account@OSHA_DOL.
OSHA’s new Twitter account will provide critical information for employers, workers, and safety professionals about OSHA initiatives, activities, and publications. OSHA encourages safety and health professionals and companies to follow and retweet information relevant to members and stakeholders, as well as seek internal guidance from OSHA via the Twitter account.
As part of LIA’s fundamental commitment to laser safety support and assistance, we will provide the latest laser safety related OSHA Twitter Updates @LaserInstitute, on our Facebook and LinkedIn social channels, and here at LasersToday.com.
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.
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.
The Board of Laser Safety (BLS®) – a nonprofit organization affiliated with Laser Institute of America (LIA) – was tasked with the development and sustainment of a program that establishes a nationally-recognized level of competence and expertise in the field of laser safety. The BLS first created the Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) program. Upon completion of this program, Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) prove their comprehensive knowledge of laser safety, which designates them as experts in their field. The BLS later developed the Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO) program, through which individuals are recognized as knowledgeable experts in the evaluation and control of laser hazards under the unique conditions found in the medical arena.
In an ever-changing job market, a BLS certification offers immense benefits. Faster and more cost-effective than returning to school for an additional degree, this certification enables individuals to receive a recognizable and respected credential. Certification also improves one’s competitive edge in the industry. Adding a higher level of credibility to experience earned on the job, certification helps individuals stand out from other job candidates. The combination of laser safety experience and certification shows current and potential employers that these candidates are accomplished and qualified in this challenging field.
Greta Toncheva had first-hand experience with this, as she worked to become a CLSO after earning her degrees in Bulgaria and working at Duke University for 10 years. Following her work experience in assembling detectors for the Transition Radiation Tracker in the beam line of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Switzerland and then as a member of Duke Radiation Safety Group, Greta was hired to be the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) LSO.
Greta’s rewarding work at LBNL includes helping staff researchers, visiting researchers and young graduate and post-doctoral fellows, and educating them on the laboratory’s high safety standards. Greta enjoys playing a role in the success these researchers achieve in the end. While the combination of her laser safety experience and certification continuously sets Greta apart in the field, she finds that the certification adds to her credibility among fellow professionals, who respect her as an expert.
In addition to a competitive edge, a leading advantage of a BLS certification is the increase in job security it affords. No matter the state of the economy, laser safety is an integral component to companies’ successes. Although budget cuts may call for the termination of certain positions, managers may be more likely to retain the certified professionals whose specialized skills, such as laser safety, are an asset to their company.
CLSOs and CMLSOs also provide companies with examples of their adherence to the regulations enacted by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Since OSHA requires employers to provide safe working environments, having CLSOs and CMLSOs on staff demonstrates the company’s dedication to the high safety standards expected in laser safety programs.
This job security can also give way to enhanced opportunities for advancement and increased earnings. With the extensive knowledge and the respect the certification affords, CLSOs are prepared to pursue any future employment opportunities that may arise. Jodi Ploquin, an experienced CLSO, exemplifies this, as she has seized presented opportunities throughout her career. Currently a consultant with Krivonosov Risk Management Consultants Inc. (KRMC), Jodi is a Medical Health Physicist and Certified Laser Safety Officer with expertise in laser safety, laser radiation safety, nuclear security and system reviews following adverse events.
While working at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre as the Radiation Safety Officer, the Provincial Radiation Safety Officer asked if she would be interested in being the Provincial Laser Safety Officer for the Alberta Cancer Board. At this time, although Class 3B and 4 lasers were being utilized, there was no in-house Laser Safety Officer. To fill this void, Jodi took her LSO training and examination to earn her certification. Five years later, Jodi became a Medical Health Physicist at the Ottawa Hospital but quickly learned that the hospital lacked a formalized laser safety program. After conducting a gap analysis, developing a strategic plan for the program’s implementation and presenting it to senior leadership, Jodi’s department was awarded the necessary authority and resources to make the program a reality. Jodi worked as Laser Safety Officer in this new program for five years before she was asked to use her expertise to establish the Calgary Office of KRMC in order to extend laser and radiation safety services to Western Canada. The important work Jodi has completed as a consultant has led to the continuous growth and success of her career.
Medical Laser Safety Officers also benefit from certification in their field. As the medical industry continues growing at a fast pace, a BLS certification allows MLSOs to remain up-to-date with their laser safety knowledge and to uphold the highest standard of laser safety.
CMLSO Richard Gama recognizes the positive impact his BLS certification has had on his career. Beginning his work with lasers as a Surgical Technologist more than 30 years ago, he later became a health care laser system operator and has continued his work with numerous laser systems for varying medical and surgical procedures. After years of operating room experience and laser expertise, Richard was asked to become LSO for Universal Hospital Services, Inc. (UHS) formerly PRI Medical Technologies, Inc. With his certification, Richard established the company’s laser safety program and policies. As a result of his certification, Richard has repeatedly faced and conquered the challenges that arise from the constantly-advancing laser technology, the continuous training and educating of health care personnel to meet today’s standards, and the constant dispelling of antiquated myths about safety and laser program compliance. The knowledge he has gained throughout his career, as well as through his BLS certification, has allowed him to improve staff knowledge and change the laser safety culture at UHS and many health care facilities throughout the country.
The lack of understanding about lasers and their potential hazards increases the importance of CMLSOs, as they bring a level of assurance to patients who are seeking an optimal level of care. Because of the hazardous nature of lasers, they must be handled by individuals with an extensive knowledge of laser safety in order to prevent injuries. CMLSO Raphael Darvish learned of the dangers associated with lasers when he sustained a non-permanent eye injury at his medical practice in California. After this experience, he made laser safety an integral part of his practice. Earning his certification has not only allowed Raphael to better serve his staff and patients, but has also established him as a dedicated provider and a trusted expert in laser safety. Raphael now educates colleagues and clients on the dangers involved in the use of lasers and continues promoting laser safety in an industry where business owners would often rather spend time and money on promoting their business rather than on the pursuit of laser safety certification.
Overall, CLSOs and CMLSOs report that BLS certification has greatly improved their success. BLS Executive Director, Barbara Sams, agrees. “BLS certification is an elevation of status for the Laser Safety Officer; it shows that the individual has the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job of LSO,” says Sams. “It demonstrates the individual’s commitment to the job and validates the employer’s dedication to a safe working environment.”
Your Guide to Selecting the Right Laser Safety Standard
As more and more workplaces in the United States begin to implement laser technology, the need to stay on the leading edge of laser safety updates becomes more important. Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) know that the best way to stay informed about laser safety standards and practices is to become familiar with the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Z136 series of laser safety standards.
Job shops, researchers and medical professionals want to prevent accidents. By following the ANSI standards, you are promoting a safe work environment while avoiding costly accidents and improving your overall safety footprint.
Having the laser safety standard most applicable to your profession is essential to maintaining a successful laser safety program. They are the only laser safety guidelines that are nationally accepted by a variety of organizations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The Joint Commission (TJC). And since the Laser Institute of America (LIA) serves as the publisher of the series, you can be confident that you are purchasing the most current laser safety information available.
The Z136 standards are revised after an extensive review process is completed to ensure that all information is correct and up-to-date. This process is led by one main committee, and further composed of an oversight committee, an editorial working group, five technical committees and 10 “standards” committees that are each responsible for a specific standard. Once a subcommittee has completed a standard, the other committees review the document — a process that can take several years.
Before publishing, the American National Standards Institute approves the document. However, ANSI does not approve the content. It approves the process by which the document was revised to “verify that the principles of openness and due process have been followed and that a consensus of all interested stakeholder groups has been reached.” Once ANSI has approved the document, the secretariat makes any necessary formatting and grammatical edits before being sent to print.
The most recent update to the laser safety standards is the ANSI Z136.6 Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors. The 2015 revision expands upon the previous version and hopes to meet the evolving needs of outdoor laser operators. Designed for use by laser-light show operators, scientific and astronomical research, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, the revised ANSI Z136.6 provides guidance for the safe use of lasers and laser systems (180 nm to 1 mm) that could possibly be hazardous in outdoor environments where open-beam paths are necessary.
There are a number of additional Z136 laser safety standards available that cater to a variety of industries and professionals, not just those that use laser technology outdoors, including:
ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers
ANSI Z136.2 Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources
ANSI Z136.3 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care
ANSI Z136.4 Recommended Practice for Laser Safety Measurements for Hazard Evaluation
ANSI Z136.5 Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions
ANSI Z136.7 Testing and Labeling of Laser Protective Equipment
ANSI Z136.8 Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development, or Testing
ANSI Z136.9 Safe Use of Lasers in Manufacturing Environments
As the parent document of the ANSI Z136 standards, Z136.1 is the number one seller and the standard that most laser safety officers purchase, according to Barbara Sams, the Executive Director of the Board of Laser Safety. This tool is essential for any LSO to have on hand.
In addition to this tool, having the laser safety standard that’s most applicable to your industry is another great way to keep your laser safety program current, as it can serve as both a reference tool and a guide for your laser safety initiatives. Because laser safety measures are different for each industry, control measures for one industry can be very different from another. In health care, you would use Z136.3; in manufacturing, you would use Z136.9; and so on. Control measures for one area of practice do not necessarily apply to the other.
If you are just now beginning your journey as a Laser Safety Officer, the Z136 standards are a great tool to have while you complete the necessary training and develop your laser safety program. Thesestandards provide protocols and procedures you can use to create a laser safety program in a facility that may not have had one before. By following the guidelines outlined in the standards, you are protecting your employees and satisfying OSHA requirements that state all employers must provide a safe workplace that meets a national consensus standard, in this case laser safety.
The photonics industry is ever-changing, and LIA is dedicated to helping LIA members and non-members alike get the resources they need to ensure their laser safety programs are safe and up-to-date. If you have purchased one of the Z136 standards in the past, LIA will send you an email notification when the standard is revised — allowing you to stay on the forefront of new laser safety information.
You may purchase any of the Z136 laser safety standards in print or digital format on LIA’s website. If you have any questions about the ANSI standards or LIA laser safety training options, you may contact us online.
