Product Code: ILSC2009_404

The Development of Association of Laser Users
Authors:
Michael Barrett, Pro Laser Consultants; Abingdon Great Britain
Presented at ILSC 2009

The Association of Laser Users (AILU) is an independent not-for-profit organisation that was founded in November 1995 by a small group of committed enthusiasts and currently has several hundred corporate members. Although UK-based, the Association is international in outlook and this is reflected in the increasingly internet-based membership benefits. The membership divides almost equally between research organisations, manufacturers and suppliers of laser-related equipment and industrial users (including laser job shops). Its main strength lies in the dissemination of information and its main resource is the breadth and depth of information, know-how and advice that its members are willing to make available in non-competitive areas of laser activity, including laser safety. As such, AILU has become a leader in defining current best practice in the safe design and use of industrial laser equipment. This paper plots the growth of the Association of Laser Users, and provides examples of how matters relating to industrial laser safety have been addressed.