Board of Laser Safety Announces Revised Certified Laser Safety Officer Exam to Begin in March 2017

All CLSO exam questions reviewed for clarity and ANSI Z136.1-2014 Safe Use of Lasers standard compliance

For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, FL – The Board of Laser Safety (BLS) announces today that its Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) exam is now revised to comply with the ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers standard, 2014 edition. The CLSO exam is intended for all non-medical laser safety officers and is administered by the BLS.

The first in-person offering of the revised exam will take place on Sunday, March 19, at the Sheraton Atlanta Airport, the day before the official start of the 2017 International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®). In addition to the March 19 exam preceding ILSC, future in-person opportunities to take the exam include June 9 in Denver, CO, and September 22 in Chicago, IL. The revised CLSO exam is also available via computer-based testing in the U.S. and Canada through PSI Comira.

“All questions on the revised exam have been reviewed by a team of subject-matter experts and are now presented more clearly and concisely so candidates can focus on the content of the question rather than how it is worded,” said Barbara Sams, BLS Executive Director.

Now is the time to register to take the newly revised CLSO exam to remain competitive in the field. Interested candidates are advised to contact the BLS office with any additional questions regarding the exam at +1.407.985.3810 or bls@lasersafety.org.

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About Board of Laser Safety

The Board of Laser Safety (BLS) is a non-profit organization affiliated with Laser Institute of America (LIA) and dedicated to the improvement in the practice of laser safety by providing opportunities for the education, assessment and recognition of laser safety professionals. To learn more about BLS and their certification opportunities for medical and non-medical laser safety professionals, please visit http://www.lasersafety.org.

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. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

 

Board of Laser Safety (BLS) Announces Launch of New Website

The Board of Laser Safety (BLS) is excited to announce the launch of its new website at www.lasersafety.org.

The new website provides a user-friendly platform for both medical and non-medical laser safety officers to stay up-to-date with the latest laser safety and certification news. This reflects the mission of the BLS, which is to “provide a means for improvement in the practice of laser safety by providing opportunities for the education, assessment, and recognition of laser safety professionals.”

The new website offers many convenient features, including:

  • Easy-to-read news feed that allows for timely releases of critical laser safety information.
  • Powerful cloud-based server that ensures speed and deliverability to all visitors.
  • Intuitive, responsive design that is easily navigable on all devices.

The new BLS website will continue to provide information on two types of certification – Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) and Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO). Gaining BLS certification will enhance the credibility of a designated laser safety officer; it shows that the individual has the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job of LSO. It demonstrates the individual’s commitment to the job as well as validate an employer’s commitment to a safe working environment. For more information on BLS certifications, please visit www.lasersafety.org/about-bls/what-is-certification.

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) supports the BLS’ mission by offering laser safety training for both LSOs and MLSOs. As the professional society for laser applications and safety, LIA is dedicated to serving the industrial, medical, research and government communities worldwide. For more information on the LIA, visit www.lia.org or call 1-800-34-LASER today.

LIA’s Inaugural Industrial Laser Conference at IMTS Highlights Lasers in Manufacturing

Conference’s diverse program instructed shops and industry professionals in how to leverage lasers to revolutionize manufacturing processes

Laser Institute of America held its first Industrial Laser Conference on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. Tailored exclusively to the future-forward industrial manufacturing professional, the conference showcased leading laser applications driving the evolution of manufacturing, and instructed manufacturing shops and industry professionals in how to leverage lasers into their manufacturing processes in a high-demand marketplace.

Thirteen experts in laser manufacturing, including technical directors, laser applications engineers, and program managers, presented a diverse program in room W190-A of Chicago’s renowned McCormick Place. Hailing from leading manufacturing organizations such as IPG Photonics Corporation, SLM Solutions NA, Inc., TRUMPF Inc., FANUC America Corporation, Laserline Inc., Optomec Inc., Lincoln Electric Company, Fraunhofer USA – CLA, Alabama Laser, Mitsui Seiki (U.S.A.), Inc., and Imperial Machine & Tool Co., the presenters covered topics like technology advances in additive manufacturing, hybrid additive and subtractive tool technology, laser additive manufacturing in production, advances in welding with fiber lasers and novel beam delivery products, and the role of flexibility in laser automation.

These innovative techniques are emerging and revolutionizing the industry to meet market demands, all rooted in the field’s collective understanding of conventional machining. From advancements in technology to expected challenges, the LIA’s Industrial Laser Conference provided a newfound clarity on the present and future of industrial manufacturing.

“LIA was proud to deliver an elite lineup of laser experts in our first year of the Industrial Laser Conference, covering 360 degrees of lasers-in-manufacturing technology,” said Jim Naugle, LIA’s Marketing Director. “The opportunity to dive into a real machine shop’s journey into metal additive manufacturing with lasers and cover new innovations in directed energy deposition (DED) systems in one day, all while
receiving access to cutting edge exhibitions at the IMTS show, is a thrilling opportunity for manufacturing engineers, automation specialists, and sales managers.”

From seasoned manufacturing experts new to lasers, to shops who have already begun reaping the benefits of laser technology, the conference offered something for everyone in the sector, including James Hail of L-3 Communications. “[The show provided] excellent information! I learned a lot,” Hail said.

Attendees like Mansour Ashtiani of Huf North America hope to attend the event again. “It was a very professionally done conference,” Ashtiani said.

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. For more information about the Industrial Laser Conference, including presenters, programs, and sponsor information, please visit http://www.lia.org/laserconference.

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. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.

LIA Introduces Three Laser Safety and Welding Publications to its Online Store

For Immediate Release

ORLANDO, FL (August 9, 2016) – Laser Institute of America (LIA) is proud to announce the release of three laser publications now available for purchase in its online store (https://www.lia.org/store), the laser industry’s one-stop-shop for the most valuable and current laser safety and practical applications resources. The publications, which include Laser Safety Tools and Training, Laser Welding, and Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding, represent a handful of several ongoing additions to the critical laser safety and applications publications already available in LIA’s easy-to-navigate online marketplace.

Laser Safety Tools and Training 2nd Edition covers the fundamentals of laser safety information, including the use of critical lasers. Students, entry level users, and laser experts can all benefit from the information found within. The text, written by a laser safety professional, considers the safety of the self, as well as others. Providing materials surrounding laser research standards, lab design, accidents, and protected eyewear.. New to the second edition is the inclusion of Z136.8 Research Laser Standard. Eye exposure limits, new case studies, lab designs, and laser disposal are also covered in the new edition. Laser Safety Tools and Training 2nd Edition is available in the LIA store here: https://www.lia.org/store/LSAFPUB/240

Laser Welding helps to provide a practical understanding of laser welding. Covering basic welding principles, industrial applications, as well as laser welding safety, Laser Welding is ideal for the laser professional looking to expand their knowledge of real world welding-based laser applications. Included in the publication are chapters on welding sheet metal parts, performance control and monitoring, installing and operating a laser, as well as glossary of common terminology.  Laser Welding is available in the LIA store here: https://www.lia.org/store/LSAFPUB/238

Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding (HLAW) provides a comprehensive look at hybrid laser-arc welding practices and technology. This publication is essential for anyone who uses welding technology or wants to learn more about this method that combines laser welding and arc welding. Part One of the text focuses on HLAW characteristics, specifically the properties of joints created by hybrid methods. Assessing the quality of a weld is also covered. Part two discusses the applications pertaining to specific metals such as aluminum, steel, and magnesium alloys. This section will also provide information pertaining to hybrid laser-arc welding applications for ships and automobiles. Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding is available in the LIA store here: https://www.lia.org/store/LSAFPUB/239

To purchase these learning and safety tools, along with a variety of regularly-updated laser safety and practical applications content, please visit www.lia.org/store   — and check back often for more publications and resource updates.

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.

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

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.