This course will be held at The Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) located at The College of Optics & Photonics at the University of Central Florida. CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics is recognized as one of the top three independent optics academic departments in the nation. The College of Optics & Photonics has grown to an internationally recognized institute with 28 faculty members, 14 faculty with joint appointments, 8 faculty with courtesy appointments, and 3 emeritus professors, 67 research scientists and 142 graduate students with research activities covering all aspects of optics, photonics, and lasers. The College is housed in a state-of-the-art 83,000 sq. ft. building dedicated to optics research and education, which has been full (actually over-full!) since 2002.

Course Overview

Lasers are used in a wide variety of industrial manufacturing operations. Laser processes such as laser cutting, drilling, and welding of metals and other materials present unique hazards to the eye and skin that must be controlled. This course will address these hazards in detail and present methods of how to minimize these hazards. In addition, OSHA and other federal regulations, and consensus standards will be presented that address the issue of laser safety from a regulatory perspective.

This course is a 2-day non-mathematical approach designed to teach the duties of Laser Safety Officer as described in the ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers standard to users of industrial lasers. Information on lasers and optics, bioeffects, beam and non- beam hazards, control measures and training requirements are covered. Emphasis is placed on laser safety program development and administration. This course meets all LSO training requirements outlined by ANSI and OSHA. This course is worth 2.0 BLS CM points by the Board of Laser Safety.