LSO Qualifications

The person designated as LSO does not need to have a specific educational background or job title. The LSO can be anyone who has experience working with lasers, a sincere concern about laser safety, and the appropriate training. Some examples of LSOs include biophysicists, engineers, industrial hygienists, laser technicians, safety engineers, and shop foremen.

Depending on the size of the industry and the extent and number of lasers used, the position of LSO may be a full-time or part-time assignment. In large organizations with extensive laser use, an LSO may even have an appointed Deputy LSO (DLSO).

The LSO must be trained in the following:

• Laser fundamentals
• Laser bioeffects
• Exposure limits
• Laser classifications
• NHZ computations
• Control measures
• Medical surveillance requirements

The laser field is constantly changing; therefore, the LSO should attend refresher training every two to three years, minimally.

To learn more about Laser Safety Officer visit our Industrial Laser Safety Officer Online Training web page.