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Message from the Director
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Since my last message in February, we observed National Volunteer Week from April 10 through April 16, 2016. In Wikipedia, we see that National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration, observed in
the United States and Canada, to promote and show appreciation for volunteerism. In both countries, volunteers are recognized for their contributions to the community.
It is only fitting to share what the volunteers to our boards – CLSO Review, CMLSO Review, and Board of Commissioners – do to keep the BLS smoothly functioning in a positive and successful
way.
Reorganized following last year’s International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC), the Review Boards are working to strengthen our examinations and continuing education programs. Currently, the CLSO
Review Board is revising our CLSO exam to harmonize with the ANSI Z136.1-2014 Safe Use of Lasers standard, while our CMLSO Review Board has been tasked to revitalize our CMLSO educational study
materials.
Functioning as the administrative arm of the BLS, the Board of Commissioners manages the general affairs of the corporation, with the day-to- day oversight administered by the BLS Executive
Director. At its annual meeting on May 24, Wally Mitchell was elected to fill the vacancy left by Cathi Scogin following completion of her second term as commissioner. Holding both the CLSO and CMLSO
designations, Cathi has been an invaluable member to the team with her experience and knowledge of the industry. Commissioners discussed ways to increase BLS revenue streams – from augmenting CM
point opportunities to elevating interest in the certification process.
Our volunteers, from board members to the individual CLSO or CMLSO who agrees to proctor an exam, are steadfast in their support to the organization, and for that, we give our heartfelt
thanks.
Barbara Sams
Executive Director
Board of Laser Safety |
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In Safety News
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The annual meeting of ASC Z136 took place on March 10, 2016 at NIST Gaithersburg, MD. The weather, alleged to be “unseasonably warm” was ideal and facilitation of the event by NIST staff was
spot-on.
Thursday’s morning reporting began with the announcement of secretary (Jeff Pfoutz), chair and vice chair (Bob Thomas, Sheldon Zimmerman, respectively), then subcommittee chairs. Membership
requests included two potential new members, two changes to organizational member representatives, and an individual stepping down due to retirement. Recently retired members Tim Hitchcock and Connon
Odom were recommended for Member Emeritus status. Suggestions were made for removal of a few members who have not actively participated in member balloting over the last several years.
After review of completed and pending interpretations, Barbara Sams gave an overview of the 2015 revisions made to ASC Z136 Procedures to comply with ANSI’s Essential Requirements (ES) as well as
a summary of the 2016 ES changes. Reaccreditation of the committee was achieved and effective February 29, 2016 (based on 2015 modifications); no additional changes are required to maintain
compliance this calendar year.
Each subcommittee chair gave his/her respective status report. Sheldon Zimmerman (SSC-1) asked for clarity regarding how to handle definitions between the Z136.1 and the vertical standards, that
is, should the same definition be presented in every document (committee consensus was yes), then refined for the specific application. He next questioned whether appendix B (the examples appendix)
should be pulled from the standard as a separate document. This led to some vigorous discussion, with the matter tabled for later consideration.
Following the subcommittee status reports, several members addressed the formation of the Graphics Design Group in an effort to clarify the intent of this ad-hoc group. New business touched on
member dual representation and holding semi-annual meetings.
The meeting closed with a number of subcommittee chairs announcing scheduled meetings in conjunction with the LSO Workshop this coming September, while members were informed that the next annual
ASC Z136 meeting will be Sunday, March 19, 2017 preceding ILSC.
In addition to the annual meeting, ancillary meetings were held by technical subcommittee 1 (bioeffects) and standards subcommittees 1 (Safe Use of Lasers — Z136.1), 4 (measurements), 8 (R&D),
and 9 (manufacturing), each responsible for the development of their respective documents. For ancillary meeting details or to join a Z136 subcommittee, apply online at www.z136.org.
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11th DOE LSO Workshop - Register Now
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Please consider attending the upcoming 11th Department of Energy Laser Safety Officer Workshop, which is being held at Fermilab September 27-29, 2016. Registration will be capped at 150 attendees.
The Workshop program is coming together and most of the speaking spots are already filled. A preliminary program agenda is scheduled to be released in June, and will include a special Optics 101
tutorial to demonstrate the function of and issues surrounding common optical elements. The program will include a vendor exhibition in the sixteen-story atrium of Wilson Hall. Seven vendors have
already signed up to be a part of the exhibition.
The DOE LSO Workshop is the premier meeting to gain practical laser safety knowledge; discuss ideas with colleagues from around the world and gain maintenance points for only $120! Continuing
education maintenance points will be available for CLSO, CHP, CIH, and CSP certifications. Additionally, these ANSI Z136 subcommittee meetings will be held: TSC-1, TSC-4, SSC-8, SSC-9, along with a
University AMLSO meeting, and the DOE EFCOG LSSG meeting. On Monday, September 26, the Board of Laser Safety will offer a CLSO exam.
More details are available at the Workshop website https://indico.fnal.gov/event/LSOW16
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OSHA schedules meeting of National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health
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WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, June 14-15, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The
NACOSH Injury and Illness Prevention Program Work Group will meet June 14 and the full committee will meet June 15.
The tentative agenda for the committee meeting includes: an update on OSHA initiatives from Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels; remarks from
Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. John Howard; an update on OSHA’s major regulatory activities; and reports from the NACOSH Emergency Response and Preparedness
Subcommittee and NACOSH Injury and Illness Prevention Program Work Group.
The work group meeting will address workplace safety and health issues regarding contractors at multi-employer worksites, including workplace protections and best practices as part of injury and
illness prevention programs. The work group will also discuss efforts to promote the occupational safety and health profession.
NACOSH will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 15, in Surface Transportation Board Hearing Room 120C, Patriots Plaza I, 395 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Some committee members may attend by
teleconference. The work group will meet from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., June 14 in the same room. Both meetings are open to the public. Comments and requests to speak at the NACOSH meeting may be submitted
electronically at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, by mail or facsimile. See the Federal Register notice for details. The deadline for submitting comments and requests to speak is June 3, 2016.
NACOSH advises, consults with and makes recommendations to the secretaries of labor and health and human services on matters relating to
the Occupational Safety and Health Act including regulatory, research, compliance assistance and enforcement issues.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for
America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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Featured CLSO: Robert Mueller
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Tell us about yourself
I am Robert Mueller; married, father of three.
Academic degrees earned:
1984 – H.B.Sc. Physics, Lakehead University
1986 – M.Sc. Laser Physics, U. of. Toronto
1994 – Ph.D., York University (Toronto), Laser - Material Interaction
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I am a senior laser application specialist at Massiv Automated Systems, a division of Magna International. Massiv Automated is a systems integration group fothe auto body structures division of
Magna.
I also do some consulting through my company, Lasers-at- Work Consulting.
When did you start working with lasers?
My first real exposure to lasers was during a summer job in 1984, just after completing my undergraduate degree, at the Canadian Defence Research Centre in Ottawa. The lab was developing a CARS
laser spectroscopy system to map temperatures within a diesel engine. The driver for this system was a megawatt Q- switched YAG laser. The system could not be operated on humid days because we would
get air breakdown (a spark) at the laser focus. Stray reflections were able to burn holes in your shirt.
The safety protocols around this laser were justifiably strict, including a requirement for baseline retinal photographs before being allowed to work with the laser. That summer taught me a
healthy respect for the capabilities of laser light. I have been working with lasers continually ever since.
How did you become the LSO?
I took the LIA LSO with Hazard Analysis course in 2000. The company I worked for at the time had five Ph.D. laser experts on staff, so we did not assign a formal LSO. As I moved on in the system
integration industry, I ended up being the most experienced laser person on staff, and was handed the LSO role as part of my duties. I have never been a full-time LSO, but it is part of what I
do.
Do you like being the LSO?
The LSO duties are a relatively small part of my overall duties. The main task is laser safety awareness training for new employees. As we ship laser systems into the US, filing the CDRH
documentation for laser systems is another task that can take some time.
How has becoming certified benefited your career?
When working for a company full time, the CLSO designation is not highly valued. Management knows my capabilities and expects me to perform. The CLSO designation may have helped initially during
the hiring process.
Where the CLSO designation is useful is in my consulting work. Companies are looking for expertise and the CLSO designation shows I have the training and experience to help them with their laser
safety needs.
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Featured CMLSO: Phil Harrington
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Tell us about yourself
Some people call me ‘the other Dr. Phil’ (ha ha) – I am Dr. Phil Harrington, DC, CMLSO, FASLMS. I am the father of two awesome daughters, and I enjoy gardening, reading and playing my menagerie of
musical instruments.
I earned a BS in Physics from Iowa State University in 1987, and later a doctorate in Chiropractic from Palmer College in 1996. I taught high school math and physics for three years and was in
private chiropractic practice for ten years before my current position..
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Now I am the Manager of Education, Safety and Clinical Support for K-Laser. We are the premiere class 4 therapy laser company in the world, developing laser therapy solutions for both human and
animal medicine.
When did you start working with lasers?
I first used therapeutic lasers in my chiropractic practice in 2005, and have been with K-Laser since September 2007. I am an active proponent of class 4 laser therapy, and have given expert
testimony to several state boards of examiners to ensure that chiropractors in all 50 states can use the technology.
Do you like being the LSO?
Yes! I enjoy helping clinics develop a laser-safe environment. Laser therapy treatments can help such a wide range of conditions in both humans and animals, so it is rewarding to help these
clinics set up a safe laser treatment area.
Has becoming certified helped you in your career?
Being certified has given me credibility as an expert witness, primarily in giving accurate laser safety information to our clients and to state boards of examiners. I have even helped clinics who
have purchased equipment from other laser companies.
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