LSO Responsibilities

The LSO is responsible for the entire laser safety program. The LSO has the authority to suspend, restrict, or terminate laser activity if he or she deems that the laser hazard controls are inadequate. Specific responsibilities include the following:

1. Safety Program - establish and maintain adequate policies and procedures for the control of laser hazards; these policies and procedures must comply with federal, state, and location regulations.
2. Classification - classify, or verify the classification of, all lasers and laser systems used.
3. Hazard Evaluation - conduct hazard evaluation of laser work areas, including the establishment of Nominal Hazard Zones (NHZ).
4. Control Measures - assure that the prescribed control measures are implemented and maintained; this includes avoiding unnecessary or duplicate controls, recommending substitute or alternate control measures when the primary ones are not feasible, and periodically auditing the control measures in use.
5. Procedure Approvals - approve Class 3B and Class 4 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
6. Protective Equipment - recommend or approve protective equipment, such as eyewear, clothing, barriers, and screens, and assure that protective equipment is periodically audited to ensure proper working order.
7. Signs and Labels - review the wording on area signs and equipment labels.
8. Facility and Equipment - review Class 3B and Class 4 laser installations, facilities, and laser equipment prior to use, and maintain an inventory of all Class 3B and Class 4 lasers.
9. Training - ensure that all required personnel receive adequate laser safety education and refresher training.
10. Medical Surveillance - determine the personnel categories for medical surveillance.
11. Records - maintain necessary records required by applicable regulations; this may include training records, audits, SOPs, medical records, and other records.
12. Audits, Surveys, and Inspections - periodically audit or survey by inspection for the presence and functionality of laser safety features and control measures required for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers.
13. Accidents - develop an incident response plan including the provision of medical assistance, incident investigation, and the documentation and reporting of investigation results.
14. Approval of Laser Systems Operations - approve the use of Class 3B or Class 4 lasers based on adequate control measures and SOPs.

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