1) Who are you?
Jeffrey Pfoutz
2) What is your educational background?
I received my Bachelor of Science in 1983 from Jacksonville University and Masters of Science in Applied Physics from John Hopkins University in 2002.
3) Where do you work?
Since 1985, I have worked for the U.S. Army Public Health Command; my current responsibilities at this position include Laser/Optical health hazard studies, providing Laser/Optical health hazard consultations, conducting Army Laser/Optical installation surveys and providing training for DA and other DoD clients on Laser/Optical Safety issues. I perform hazard analyses and measurements of Laser/Optical sources for developmental and current items in the Army inventory in addition to developing radiation protection programs for activities operating these types of sources. I also provide training for tactical and research activities.
I represent the U.S. Army as a voting member of the American National Standards Institute accredited committee Z136 for Safe Use of Lasers. In this capacity, I am the Chair of Standards Subcommittee SSC 4, which is the subcommittee responsible for the development of the “Recommended Practice for Laser Safety Measurements for Hazard Evaluation” standard. I am the secretary of Technical Subcommittees TSC 1 and 2, Bioeffects of Optical Radiation and Hazard Evaluation of Optical Radiation respectively. I serve as the U.S. Army primary technical consultant for the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for Technical Committee 76 for the IEC 60825.1, the international committee for the safe use of lasers. Additionally, I am Co-Chair of the NATO STANAG 3606 committee for the “Safe use of lasers in an Outdoor Military Environment.”
I received my Certified Laser Safety Officer accreditation in 2003. It was very gratifying to be recognized for the expertise I have garnered over the course of my career.
4) What do you think are the challenges of “today’s” LSO?
The challenges facing today’s CLSO are numerous. The technology is changing at an exponential rate and the applications of laser technology are getting widely diverse. Additionally, the standards that we apply to control the hazards associated with laser technology are also getting more complicated.
5) How has becoming certified helped/benefited you in your career?
Becoming a CLSO has had quite the positive effect on my career by bringing outside accreditation to my position. My DoD clients are assured that they are receiving the best consultation available, not just what the government has to offer.
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