Executive Director's Message

Those who can, do.  Those who can do more, volunteer.
~Author Unknown

As we began laying out the content for this issue of the BLS News & Review, I realized the common thread of volunteerism – the use of or reliance on volunteers, especially to perform social or educational work in communities.*

Without a doubt, we rely on our volunteers – our CLSOs and CMLSOs – to perform social and educational work within our laser safety community.  Over the course of the next few months, we will be calling on you to suggest topics and participate in the Hot Topic Luncheon at ILSC, join our ASC Z136 committees, and
assist us with revising the CLSO exam (more on
each of these below).

Before I begin asking for your help (once again), let me take this opportunity to say

• to those who contributed to the CLSOs’ Best Practices, including featured CLSO Sandu Sonoc,
• to our team of volunteers from China, who translated the LIA’s Laser Safety Guide into both traditional and simplified Chinese, led by featured CMLSO Ada Ko,
• to those who actively participate in the programming of ILSC and who have agreed to present papers and workshops,
• to those who participate on ANSI ASC Z136 committees, and
• to past, present and future BLS Board of Commissioners and Review Board Members

THANK YOU!
for all that you do, for your support and for your contributions.

Please join us at the BLS Appreciation Breakfast to be held in conjunction with ILSC on Tuesday, March 24, 2009.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Barbara Sams
Executive Director
_______________________
* Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/volunteerism (accessed: November 12, 2008).

Welcome New CLSOs and CMLSOs

Go to the BLS website to view complete listings of CLSOs and CMLSOs.

Profile of CLSO/CMLSO

• Sandu Sonoc, CLSO
  
• Ada Ko, CMLSO
  

ILSC® Update

March 23-26 2009 - John Ascuaga’s Nugget Resort Hotel - Reno, Nevada  USA

If you have been keeping up with the BLS News & Review, you know that the International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC) is around the corner.  For those of you new to the BLS, ILSC is our conference – it is the conference for laser safety professionals, whether at the expert level or just entering the industry.

For the laser safety expert, ILSC presentations will include the latest research in areas such as bioeffects, hazard and risk assessment, high power laser issues, and safety considerations.  There will be sessions on laser safety training, outdoor lasers, safety standards, control measures, and practical laser safety.

For the practicing laser safety officer, the Practical Applications Seminar (PAS) track may prove more useful for day-to-day operations.  PAS topics include basic laser safety concepts, a review of laser technology, practical measurement techniques, and creating a laser controlled area.

Wednesday morning highlights medical laser safety, starting with a workshop where the utilization of an annual laser safety fair makes the difference in sharing new and upcoming trends for training and education.  Following the mid-morning break, attend the medical laser safety session, cumulating with a discussion of airway fires.

Networking opportunities abound during the conference, with social gatherings from the casual Meet & Greet Reception on Sunday to the Sponsor Reception Tuesday night.  Join us in honoring award winners Joe Zuclich (Wilkening) and Ken Barat (Rockwell) at the Monday Awards Luncheon.

Participate in the Hot Topic Luncheon on Tuesday! In addition to joining one of the tables for discussion during the conference, we need topic suggestions and volunteers to moderate.  Volunteers will be contacted prior to ILSC to confirm willingness to moderate at a table.  Please email Barbara at bsams@lasersafety.org with suggestions and/or to volunteer.

Visit the ILSC website for conference details, including conference and hotel registration.  Register early and save!

Revising the CLSO Exam

We are beginning the process of revising the CLSO exam – the CMLSO exam to follow – and are soliciting volunteers to assist.  We anticipate establishment of the ad-hoc BLS Review Board in January 2009, and estimate the project will take six months.  If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please email Barbara at bsams@lasersafety.org.  Thank you.

ASC Z136 Members

Don’t forget the annual meeting of ASC Z136 will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2009 in conjunction with the 2009 International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) at the John Ascuaga’s Nugget Resort Hotel, Reno, Nevada.  The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:00am.

This meeting is open to the public; however, RSVP is required for meal planning purposes.  If you would like to attend as an observer, please contact Barbara Sams at bsams@lasersafety.org or call 407.380.1553 for more information.

CLSOs’ Best Practices in Laser Safety

Our thanks go out again to all the CLSOs who contributed to this excellent book.  A must-have for the CLSO, whether new to the task or an experienced veteran, it is our sincere hope that the CLSOs’ Best Practices in Laser Safety will help to better facilitate the safe use of lasers everywhere.  Purchase your copy today through the LIA Bookstore.

Update Your BLS Contact Info

We are updating our records and need your help!

If you have moved in the past year, please fill out this contact information form and fax it to Hydee Cash at 407.380.5588, or email Hydee at hcash@lasersafety.org with your updated contact information.

You can visit www.lasersafety.org for the most up-to-date information on the BLS.

Thank you.

BLS Merchandise Is Here!

Committed to laser safety? Showcase your accomplishments to fellow co-workers, friends, and family by wearing a BLS polo or cap! Download our BLS Merchandise Form , complete and return to the BLS, fax: 407.380.5588 or call 407.380.1553. Don't hesitate, order today!

My Traveling ANSI