1. Who are you?
Donald L. Haes, Jr., CHP, CLSO
2. Now that you find yourself "grown-up", how did you get there?
I began my formal training in the field of radiation safety in the USN in 1975, achieving
qualification as an ELT, and served on board a fast attack nuclear submarine. In 1976, however,
I got my first experience with lasers while attending a concert featuring the WHO↑. The
experience of that bright green beam of light seemingly (actually?) feet above my head planted
the seeds for an interest in laser safety. Upon completion of active duty in 1981 I began working
at DuPont/NEN Products, and while doing so, completed undergraduate and graduate programs
in radiological sciences and protection at the University of Lowell, Massachusetts.
In 1988 I accepted a position at MIT as an assistant RSO. It was at this academic and R&D rich
environment, which included laser use by both students and faculty, that I was "forced" to gain
knowledge in non-ionizing radiation sources and safety. In addition to MIT responsibilities I
was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the experiences as an independent consultant
specializing in non-ionizing radiation safety, and still do today as time allows. I joined the LIA
during this time to bolster my knowledge of laser safety and to begin to explore the network of
knowledgeable individuals.
In 2005 I accepted a position of Corporate RSO/LSO at BAE Systems; a defense contractor and
laser manufacturer with headquarters in NH. I serve in that capacity today, with radiation safety
oversight of ~12,000 employees in 12 U.S. States and five countries. In the capacity of LSO, I
oversee all laser safety issues which include state-of-the-art laser laboratories and indoor and
outdoor laser ranges for R&D.
3. What professional certifications do you have?
I achieved certification by the ABHP as a CHP in 1994, and as a CLSO by the BLS in 2008. I
believe in "giving back" to the certification process and am serving my second term on the Part 2 panel of examiners for the ABHP. I recently accepted an appointment of Commissioner on the
BLS. Yes, I fervently maintain both certifications.
4. How has becoming certified helped/benefitted you in your career?
It was working with the LIA folks in a standards setting environment (Z136 SC-1, SC-6, SC-8)
that I gained insight into another important aspect of certification. Not only is it a convenient
way to both "bench-mark" my own skills and network with others; but I can identify with
WHOM I would like to network. Those individuals, like myself, who are willing to expend the
resources necessary to achieve and maintain their certification, SHOW that they share a passion
for laser safety..
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