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| What is the Role of Rockwell
Laser Industries in the BLS and CLSO Programs?
Rockwell Laser Industries has
been active in the formation of the BLS and CLSO programs from
the very beginning. Jim Rockwell, president and founder of Rockwell Laser
Industries, participated in the creation of the initial
concepts and structure of the organization.
Several of the laser safety training
courses offered by RLI are recognized as fulfilling
the course requirements for those who seek to be a CLSO. RLI
also offers courses that meet the on-going membership
Certification Maintenance (CM) requirements that will be
necessary in the future.
For more information regarding
the Certified Laser Safety Officer program, please contact
us via email or call a course representative
at 1-800-94-LASER.
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| The Board of Laser Safety
Code of Professional Conduct
This code provides principles of professional conduct for
laser safety officers certified by the Board of Laser
Safety. As a requirement of being certified, such persons
must act professionally, safely, and in accordance with this
code.
Certified Laser Safety Officer’s shall:
- Practice the profession using their knowledge and
skill for the enhancement of safety and health of people
whose lives and well-being may depend on their
professional judgment.
- Strive to increase or improve their self-development,
competence, professional knowledge and skills in the
area of laser safety.
- Perform services and assignments only in the areas of
their competence.
- Act in the best interests of public health and safety.
- Avoid conflicts of interest.
- Be honest and impartial and act responsibly to uphold
the integrity of the profession while serving the
public, employees, employers and clients with fidelity.
- Counsel the public, employees, employers and clients
regarding potential health and safety risks to avoid
unsafe practices and injury.
- Obey all federal and state laws applicable to the
profession.
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| Beginning
on January 1, 2006 the BLS will offer all exams via
computer based testing only. Over 320 testing locations
are available throughout the US and Canada. For more
information, please visit the BLS website at http://www.certified-lso.org. |
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What is the Board of Laser Safety?
The Board of Laser Safety (BLS) was
initially established late in the year 2000 to provide a professional
pathway by which those with Laser Safety Officer duties could become
professionally accredited through a formalized examination process, thus
earning the designation of Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO).
Under the excellent coordination of Rich
Greene of the Laser Institute of America (who serves as secretariat of the
BLS), and with the guidance and initial funding of the LIA, the
BLS was initiated by a selected
group of leading professionals within the laser safety community.
How is the Board of Laser Safety Mission
Accomplished?
The BLS achieves this purpose by:
- Offering examinations to individuals who have met the stated
qualifications of education and experience
- Acknowledging individuals who have passed the examination by issuing
a certificate and allowing them to use the title of "Certified
Laser Safety Officer " and the CLSO acronym after their name
- Requiring each CLSO to maintain their certification by maintaining
certification maintenance (CM) points in laser safety; and
- Maintaining and publishing a CLSO roster for public knowledge.
It should be emphasized that a
certificate awarded by the BLS does not constitute a license to practice,
nor does it guarantee that a CLSO meets any federal, state, or other
requirements related to the practice of laser safety.
Why is there a need for a CLSO?
Laser use has expanded into virtually all
aspects of today’s society. Recurring incidents of eye and skin exposure
to laser radiation and other non-beam related hazards in the workplace has
demonstrated the need for individuals that are formally recognized as
trained laser safety professionals. The CLSO certification reflects
a certain level of training, continuing education, and high standards of
professional conduct. An individual with a CLSO certification sets a
high professional standard and gives credibility to the tile of Laser
Safety Officer.
What is Required to Become a Certified
Laser Safety Officer?
There are two steps involved in becoming a
Certified Laser Safety Officer .
- Candidates must provide information to the BLS that
demonstrates they meet certain educational pre-requisites and work
experience.
- The candidates must pass an examination demonstrates a breath of
knowledge in the area of laser safety.
In order for an individual to qualify to take the CLSO
examination, the following requirements must be met:
- 2 year Associates in Science degree or a High School Diploma
and at least 3 courses in science and technology from an accredited
university, college or junior college or a High School Diploma
and a certificate of completion of a BLS approved training course on
the fundamentals of lasers and laser safety.
- One (1) year of experience with laser safety or acting as LSO,
having performed the specific responsibilities outlined in the CLSO
Policies and Procedures Manual.
- Two (2) reference statements or letters of recommendation from the
applicant's supervisor and/or other knowledgeable person(s) stating
that the applicant has performed the specific responsibilities of an
LSO.
- A certificate of completion of a BLS approved Laser Safety Officer
course. (In special cases, this requirement may be waived by the BLS
upon application with supporting documentation.)
Note: These qualifications
reflect modifications that were made by the Board of Laser Safety on
August 12, 2002.
What is a Board of Laser Safety Approved
Course Provider?
Any organization may petition the BLS
to have courses and/or other educational products and services be reviewed
by the BLS and have their offerings designated to be beneficial to the
qualification requirements of CLSO candidates or the certification
maintenance of existing CLSOs. In such a case, that organization is
designated as an Approved Course Provider that satisfies educational
requirements as assigned by the BLS.
When CLSO candidates attend a training
courses that are currently not approved by the BLS, the candidates may
submit the course information to the BLS for possible approval.
Where do I Apply for CLSO Certification
or CM Credits?
Application to become a candidate for CLSO
examination or to qualify for CM credits may be made directly to the BLS
for consideration. Individuals
or organizations may request a form by contacting the BLS directly or
downloading the forms from the BLS website at http://www.certified-lso.org.
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The
Certified Laser Safety Officer Program