Local Laser Safety Officers Responsibilities

A guide to the duties of the Local Laser Safety Officer (LLSO) is given below. In smaller institutions these could be looked upon as the duties of the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) as well. The LLSO is responsible for the safe operation of lasers under their control. The specific duties include:

• All lasers of Class 3A and above are registered with the Laser Safety Officer.
• All lasers and laser work areas are labelled in accordance with AS/NZS 2211.
• Schemes of work (local laser safety rules) are drawn up where necessary for the safe operation of lasers. These will generally be required when using Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and the beam paths are not totally enclosed.
• All personnel intending to work with Class 3A and above lasers have read, understood and signed the local laser safety rules for each laser used.
• All laser users receive instruction and training in the safe use of lasers.
• Laser safety goggles are provided for all work with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers where the laser beam is not totally enclosed
• Undergraduates work with the minimum power laser practicable and they operate under schemes of work.
• All laser incidents or accidents are reported to the LSO. The LLSO is responsible for the safe use and security of all lasers in their department or section. They must ensure that users are properly instructed and have read and signed the local laser safety rules and ensure the rules are appropriate and up to date, engineering and administrative controls are operating properly and protective equipment is available, undamaged and used.