Course Aim

The aim of this Level 2 Laser Safety Officer – Two-Day course is to provide a qualitative level of understanding of the principles of laser safety practice to meet the needs of Australian/International standards for a laser safety officer/supervisor (LSO/LSS) or Defence level 2 laser safety officer (LSO2). The course introduces the generation and the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation focussing on optical frequencies, emphasising the differences between conventional light sources and laser sources in relation to their hazard potential. The course looks at workplace safety legislation, and, in particular how it relates to laser use in the various regulatory jurisdictions, identifying how laser safety standards apply. Additionally, the course focuses on the application of specific laser safety standards in the workplace and the requirements for appropriate policies and procedures. The course will emphasise real world examples, introduce laser safety terminology, the roles of the laser safety personnel, an introduction to the new Australian Standards AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014; new AS/NZS IEC 60825.14:2022; and laser safety practice in the workplace.

The Level 2 laser safety officer/supervisor course provides a non-mathematical treatment of lasers and laser hazards. For attendees who need additional quantitative qualification, our five-day Level 1 LSO Course builds on these two days with a detailed coverage of the quantitative aspects of laser hazard evaluation and classification.

The Radiological Council of Western Australia recognises that successful completion of Opticum’s Level 2 Laser Safety Officer course delivered with edVirtus for any person seeking to obtain this qualification in Western Australia and exempts the applicant from having to sit the Council’s licencing examination.

Level 2 LSO/LSS Course Outline

Day 1

Understanding Lasers: Principles of laser operation | The differences between conventional light sources and laser sources in relation to their hazard potential to the eye | Why lasers are hazardous | what are the important parameters and their relevance | A short quiz from the pre-course material at the end of this section with a more detailed tutorial at the end of day 2.

Laser Safety in the Workplace: Overview of workplace safety legislation and risk management, how lasers fit in to various regulatory jurisdictions | The laser hazard classification scheme and different roles of key laser safety standards in meeting regulatory compliance | The practical application of controls and procedures in the laser workplace | Context of what would be expected by laser operators so that the LSS/LSO appreciate the operator obligations | A brief overview of workplace safety standard AS/NZS IEC 60825.14:2022 | detail the practical application of hierarchy of control in relation to typical controls and procedures that can be implemented in the laser workplace | The roles of the Laser Safety Officer and laser safety supervisors in a typical workplace | Practical examples of laser safety management in both indoor and outdoor applications.

Discussions plus Q & A: to close out day 1, time is allowed for more detailed two way discussions of other specific examples and questions on the course content or other applications that may be relevant to participants.

Day 2

Hazards and safety for specific applications: Looks at some of the different modern laser applications | Awareness of application specific laser hazards common and unique | looks at some specific applications considering appropriate controls and procedures or lack thereof.  

Laser Safety Standards and Principles: A brief overview of the standards AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 and AS/NZS IEC 60825.14:2022 | Discussion of laser hazards both beam and non-beam related including bio-effects | Approaches to management of laser hazards using the laser safety standards, default approach vs tailored approach | Detailed discussion on use and selection of laser protective eyewear, includes sample sets. A short quiz from the pre-course material at the end of this section with a more detailed tutorial at the end of day 2.

Some Typical Hazardous Situations & Case Studies: A brief review of some recorded accident reports plus summary of lessons learned from accident investigations and a qualitative discussion of relevant real-world scenarios or lasers. Discussion includes non-assessable quantitative values for context.  A short quiz from the pre-course material at the end of this section with a more detailed tutorial at the end of day 2.

In-class Tutorial. At the end of the level 2 course an instructor lead tutorial is conducted in the learning management platform to prepare participants for the assessment, to be carried out after the course. 

Level 2 LSO/LSS Assessment Test: At the conclusion of the Laser Safety officer/Supervisor Course an assessment to obtain the level 2 qualification is provided for those participants and/or their sponsors to confirm proficiency in the non-mathematical treatment laser safety practice. A certificate identifying successful completion of the course, if a passing mark is achieved, will be provided.

Level 2 assessment: non-contact.

Level 2 Completion. Participants are required to complete the level 2 laser safety qualification prior to commencement of the level 1 course, to facilitate this a formative practice tutorial quiz, with self-review and confirmation attempt is provided. This is followed be the assessment test which is reviewed and grades revised as necessary by the instructor.

Course Material

The following resources will be provided to attendees of this course:

1. Course notes will be provided (printed and online).