 Executive Director's Message
The Value of Staying Certified
In our last issue, I started this conversation with my message The Value of Becoming Certified. In response to the question of how to impress upon employers the value of certification, we developed an article promoting the value of certification in general and LSO/MLSO certification in particular. We looked at reasons to become certified during a down economy. To name a few:
- Certification demonstrates to the public, colleagues and employers one’s qualifications and proficiencies.
- BLS certification identifies the individual as an LSO who has achieved a specific level of knowledge and expertise, and possesses a higher level of commitment to the industry.
- It enhances the LSO’s credibility as the authoritative individual responsible for the facility’s laser safety program.
Now let’s evaluate the value of staying certified. If a company employs the use of Class 3B or Class 4 lasers or laser systems and follows the guidelines outlined in the ANSI Z136 standards, it employs at least one LSO. If staff reduction is under consideration, management may be more likely to retain the certified individual. Conversely, if you are displaced, having the credential of CLSO or CMLSO should be considered an asset to a potential employer, enhancing your opportunity to be called in for the interview (or more!). Obtaining and maintaining your certification is a personal accomplishment that demonstrates pride in the laser safety profession and augments your professional reputation. It supports the desire for continued professional development and increases the opportunities for career advancement and potential increased earnings.
This December there is a large contingency of CMLSOs reaching the end of their first 3-year certification cycle. As stated in the CMLSO Certification Maintenance Manual (as well as the CLSO CM Manual), it is the responsibility of the LSO to submit the CM form (worksheet) and recertification fee on time to maintain his/her certification. It is not too early to begin collecting your supporting documentation! Submit your CM form and recertification fee by December 31 to avoid any lapse in your certification.
If you have any questions regarding your certification status or CM point activities, please email me (bsams@lasersafety.org) or Hydee Cash (hcash@lasersafety.org) or call us at 407-380-1553.
Barbara Sams
Executive Director
Welcome New CLSOs and CMLSOs
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| USAF School of Aerospace Medicine |
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| Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Co. |
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| Sameet Rajguru |
Sperian Eye and Face Protection |
| CMLSOs |
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| Donald Bailey |
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| Brent Barker |
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| Sandra Beard |
| Maury Regional Medical Center |
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| Nancy Donovan |
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| Patricia Freeman |
| Lakeway Regional Hospital |
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| John Grueling |
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| Gary Harvey |
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| Stephen Haynes |
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| Michael Kelley |
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| Steven Machaeli |
| University Community Hospital |
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| Jana Nawaqavou |
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| Melissa Rhoton |
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| Jo Sellers |
| Willis Knighton Medical Center |
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| Kathy Statzer |
| James H. Quillen VA Medical Center |
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| Cherie Tauro |
| Shoreline Vein Clinic & Medical Spa |
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| Karin Wells |
Lower Keys Medical Center |
Go to the BLS website to view complete listings of CLSOs and CMLSOs.
Profile of CLSO/CMLSO
Attention All CLSOs and CMLSOs
The Texas Radiation Control Program is in the process of developing laser hair removal rules and a laser hair removal certification program as mandated per their recent legislative session. We have been asked to assist by reviewing and commenting on these rules and certification program, which will be available soon. If you are interested in helping, please contact us by September 10 at bls@lasersafety.org. Thank you!
5th Annual Laser Safety Officer Workshop a Success
Mark L. Maiello, Karen Kelley and Ken Barat
Reprinted from Health Physics News
The humid northeast summer weather was no obstacle to another well attended Laser Safety Officer Workshop held August 4th to August 6th on the beautiful University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. The workshop was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Facility Contractors Group on Laser Safety (DOE-EFCOG), Kentek, Laservision, Sperian, Laser Safety Systems, NoIR and Rockwell Laser Industries. The vendor displays were set up in the spacious lobby of the Biomedical Research Building where breakfast – coffee, muffins, afternoon snacks and comfortable places to sit and discuss the day’s topics were provided for all. This was also the first face-to-face gathering of the DOE-EFCOG, which intends to make the workshop its annual meeting.
Ninety attendees were treated to an excellent program that featured five broad areas of discussion: Standards and Regulations, Non-beam hazards, Lasers in Biotechnology, Medical Laser Safety and finally a catch-all category entitled Laser Safety Topics, Big and Small. Twenty-eight timely, educational, and professionally delivered presentations generated lively questions and conversations amongst the speakers and audience members.
Click here to continue reading...
BLS Certification Survey
The BLS needs your help! Please take a few moments to complete this quick survey so we can better serve the laser community. Your cooperation is very much appreciated!
Click here to take survey
Special LIA Membership Offer - Available to Active
CLSOs and CMLSOs
One of the easiest ways to earn CM Points is through membership in a laser safety related professional and/or technical organization or society. You can earn one CM point per year, with a total of 3 CM points maximum over the 3-year CM cycle.
LIA has just made it easier! Join or renew your LIA membership at the special rate of $235 for 3 years. This offer is only available to active BLS CLSOs and CMLSOs, and reflects a savings of $95 over the annual membership purchase price.
Contact Kim Truelove at 407.380.1553 to take advantage of this great opportunity!
ASC Z136 Update
During the annual meeting of Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) Z136, there was considerable discussion pertaining to requests for interpretation of a portion of a standard – specifically what the process is and how to inform the public that there is a process in place.
The details of “what the process is” are well documented in the committee’s Procedures for the Development of Z136 American National Standards; however, what you need to know is this – contact the LIA! The LIA is the secretariat and publisher of the Z136 series of laser safety standards, and will initiate action to prepare an appropriate response to your question. Note that since ANSI Z136 standards represent a consensus of concerned interests, it is important to ensure that any interpretation has also received the concurrence of a balance of interests. This is why the LIA is not able to provide an instant response, except in those cases where the matter has previously received formal consideration.
Clarifications and interpretations that have been previously answered are available for download from the committee website at www.z136.org under “Z136 Interpretations.”
Future editions of the Z136 standards will contain instructional information regarding interpretation in the foreword of the document. In the meantime, if you have a request for an interpretation or a question about the committee, please contact Barbara at bsams@lasersafety.org or call 407.380.1553.
P.S. Participation on a Z136 subcommittee is another way to earn valuable CM points!
BLS Merchandise
Show your support to the BLS and your commitment to laser safety in a BLS polo!
BLS men’s and women’s short sleeved polo shirts and BLS caps are available for purchase. Buy yours today and receive tradeshow pricing!
Download our BLS Merchandise Form , complete and return by fax, 407-380-5588 or call 407-380-1553 to place your order.
My Traveling ANSI
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| No travel funds this month for “My Traveling ANSI”, so Bob Sarason treats us to a glimpse of campus life at the University of California, Davis. Send in your photo of “My Traveling ANSI” to share with friends and colleagues to bls@lasersafety.org. |
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