By June Curley

As a perioperative nurse working in the operating room of a Level 1 trauma center,   I want to share some of the challenges of implementing a laser safety program and inspire new Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) to develop systems that will assist them with enforcing laser safety compliance.

First, I recommend Medical Laser Safety Officer Training and taking the Board of Laser Safety (BLS^®) medical certification exam. Being a Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO^®) validates not only our knowledge, but also our commitment to laser safety.  Then, utilize all the available resources: ANSI Z136.3, AORN Standards and Recommended Practices, books on lasers by Dr. Kay Ball and publications referencing eye protection or best practices offered by the Laser Institute of America. Continue reading →