ILSC Workshop. Workshop 6: The Whys and Hows of Laser Safety Training Worldwide. William Ertle & Roy Henderson Course Instructors.

Transcription

1 ILSC Workshop Workshop 6: The Whys and Hows of Laser Safety Training Worldwide William Ertle & Roy Henderson Course Instructors Thursday, 8:00AM Room: Salon A-D

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3 The Why s and How s of Laser Safety Training Worldwide 1 What is the purpose of training? Training is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve an objective. 2 Emphasis of Training Emphasis usually put on inputs What topics should training cover? How should training matter be presented? Emphasis should be on training outcomes What level of competence should be attained? How well will the subject be understood? How will training affect behavior in using lasers? 3

4 Objective of Training So what is the objective that training aims to achieve? 4 Summary Training should aim to promote laser safety as an enabling discipline. Rather than imposing constraints on how people use lasers, it should be seen as enabling laser technology to be beneficially exploited in a safe and effective manner. 5 What Do the Safety Standards Say? 6

5 ANSI Z136.1: American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (Appendix D, Section 6.2) Topics for inclusion may include, but are not necessarily limited to Fundamentals of laser operation Bioeffects on the eyes and skin Significance of specular and diffuse reflections Non-beam hazards Ionizing radiation hazards Laser and laser system classification Control measures Responsibilities of management and employee Measurement surveillance practices (if applicable) Electrical safety for servicing personnel 7 ANSI Z136.1: American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (Appendix D, Section 6.2, contd) For LSO, previous topics plus - Laser terminology Types of lasers, wavelengths, pulse shapes, modes, power/energy Basic radiometric units and measurement devices MPE levels for eye and skin under all conditions Laser hazard evaluations, range equations and other calculations 8 ANSI Z136.1: American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (Appendix D, Section 6.2.1) Class 2 Optional Training (D6.2.1) Potential topics include Simple explanation of a laser Compare differences of laser light from ordinary light Explain Class 2 laser as equivalent to Class 1 for t < 0.25 s Caution against intentional overcoming of aversion response 9

6 ANSI Z136.1: American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (Appendix D, Section 6.2.2) Laser Pointer Awareness Warnings of misuse of Class 3a/3R devices Policy statement with clear instructions on safe use. 10 IEC : User s Guide (Section 3.4) Training... should include, but need not be limited to The organization's policy for safe laser use The risks of harm that could arise from the use and reasonably foreseeable misuse of the laser equipment The meaning of displayed warning signs The correct use and operation of the laser equipment, and of associated equipment, including personal protective equipment Working procedures and local rules The procedures to be followed in the event of a suspected accident or other safety-related incident 11 Refresher Training ANSI Implementation & frequency should be considered Occasional users may need more frequent refresher training Outcome should be that users have necessary awareness & knowledge to work safely IEC Repeated as frequently as necessary to ensure continuing compliance with safety procedures 12

7 Training Needs 13 Training Needs Vary depending on circumstances Type of laser equipment being used, the application and environment Role of people who need training, their existing level of awareness, understanding and competence 14 Types of Laser Safety Courses Vary widely in style, content and duration Common core: What lasers are and the properties of laser emission Discussion of laser hazards (beam and nonbeam) Laser classification Procedures for hazard control 15

8 Three Broad Categories of Training Courses 1. Awareness Training Informs users about the hazards and how they are controlled Intended for those who don t make the decisions as to what precautions are necessary Should be specific about the control procedures that will need to be followed 16 Three Broad Categories of Training Courses (contd) 2. Management Training For those holding some level of responsibility for laser safety LSO s, certain managers and supervisors Need to understand how to implement a laser safety program Identify the precautions needed Maintain the right kinds of records Monitor and review compliance 17 Three Broad Categories of Training Courses (contd) 3. Quantitative Laser Safety LSO s, LPA s and development engineers Need to understand MPE s and AEL s Involved in quantitative assessments for: Laser classification Exposure evaluation Determining the NOHD, specifying protective eyewear, etc. Competence achieved over time by gaining experience in applying what has been learned Most effective when people have some prior experience of laser safety Usually covers previous two categories as well 18

9 Training Modalities 19 Types of Training Modalities Instructor-based training Talk and chalk or Talk and PowerPoint Practical training Radiometric measurements Involvement in case studies Working through exercises Software-based training Videos 20 Assessment/Certification/Accreditation Most training in laser safety is unassessed, people get attendance certificates No universally accepted criteria for different levels of training LIA has an exam-based assessment for CLSO which can include or exclude quantitative laser safety. Assessment likely to become increasingly important 21

10 Assessment/Certification/Accreditation Assessment can cover different aspects An individual trainer (or organization) can be approved for running courses A particular course (I.e. syllabus, slides, handouts) can be approved An individual completing a course can be assessed and awarded a certificate to indicate a pass or the level of achievement attained An individual who has developed his/her knowledge and understanding over a period of time (combination of workplace experience, personal study and attendance at one or more training courses) may be assessed against a set of competence criteria 22 Assessment/Certification/Accreditation Some issues Scheme must have wide recognition Assessment at the end of a short course can take up time and resources. People can need time to assimilate what they have learned End-of-training assessment can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction for those who may not have been particularly well suited to the course 23 The European Scene 24

11 The European Scene Standard PD CLC/TR (2005) Guide to levels of competence required in laser safety Fairly new standard not yet well known (it falls outside the normal IEC series) Includes a summary of training options and ends by saying, There are currently no recognized schemes for accrediting laser safety courses 25 Standard PD CLC/TR (2005) Defines the overall responsibility of the employer and the need to establish effective safety arrangements. Covers roles and competence levels for LSO Laser user Other people who may be involved LPA 26 The LPA In The UK The LPA is an external expert or competent person who is becoming increasingly important in the UK, especially in the healthcare sector where it mirrors the role of the established RPA (an accredited role recognized in law) for ionizing radiation. Within healthcare, the LSO is called the LPS (Laser Protection Supervisor). Outside of healthcare, e.g. in industry and research, the roles of the LSO and LPA may often be blurred. The LSO can have a specialist knowledge and expertise in laser safety equivalent to an LPA. 27

12 The Healthcare Commission - England Regulates the use of Class 3B and 4 lasers and IPL s in private healthcare. Has equivalent agencies in other parts of the UK. National Minimum Standards governs the use of such lasers and IPL s in private healthcare. All users must have access to a certified LPA. Neither role of the LPA or the process of certification is defined. 28 Responsibilities of the LPA Visiting the laser/ipl clinic annually Producing a Visit Report Undertaking a risk assessment - to be updated annually Writing/approving the clinic s Local Rules (administrative procedures) 29 LPA Accreditation A few bodies have set up LPA certification schemes which are accepted by the Healthcare Commission. Forms of assessment: Submitted portfolio of evidence covering the candidate s training and experience in laser safety or Attending an in-depth interview 30

13 Core of Knowledge Safety Training for the use of lasers in Healthcare in the UK Detailed in an annex to IEC and in UK s own guidance document for the safe use of lasers in medical and dental practice Produced by the Department of Health States that material may normally be covered in lectures totaling approximately 4 hours 31 Core of Knowledge (contd) Syllabus was first proposed in a report produced approximately 20 years ago for an EU-funded Community Programme on medical lasers. It has since become somewhat rigid and inflexible Many interpret this to mean that such a course must be 4 hours long For many people (e.g. beauticians using IPL s), this is not appropriate. The BMLA has recently produced test questions for use in assessments following the Core of Knowledge training Depth of knowledge required to answer these questions does not seem to justify fours hours of training 32 The Board of Laser Safety (BLS) 33

14 BLS Mission Statement To provide a means for improvement in the practice of laser safety by providing opportunities for the education, assessment, and recognition of laser safety professionals. 34 BLS Offerings Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) People using lasers in R&D labs and industrial applications Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO) Intended for people working in hospitals, clinics or other medical facilities Certified Laser Safety Professional Upper level CLSO yet to be established 35 Requirements for Exams Candidates must meet certain criteria in regard to education and/or experience in the Laser Safety field 1 year does not have to be 100% of the time It is not necessary to be an LSO to be a CLSO Provide two (2) reference statements or letters of recommendation from the applicant s supervisor and/or other knowledgeable person(s) 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.) 36

15 Exam Information 100 questions multiple choice 3 hours to complete Made up of 9 (CLSO) and 8 (CMLSO) areas of practice BLS has Reference Manuals on website 37 CLSO Areas of Practice Lasers & Optics Fundamentals 11% Laser/Optical Radiation Bioeffects 11% Non-beam Hazards Associated w/lasers 8% Laser Control Measures 17% Regulations & Standards 14% Hazard Evaluation & Classification 15% Maximum Permissible Exposure 11% Laser Safety Program Administration 10% Laser Measurements 3% 38 CLSO Exam History & Statistics August 12, 2002 First exam with subject matter experts offered in Cincinnati resulting in first 9 CLSO s Since October 2002 Total of 157 CLSO s (19% International) 39

16 CMLSO Areas of Practice Lasers & Optics Fundamentals 13% Laser Tissue Interactions 13% Laser Beam Hazards of Eye & Skin 16% Non-beam Hazards Associated with Lasers 11% Regulations & Standards 15% Laser Hazard Classification/Controlled Areas 13% Procedural Control Measures 12% Administrative Control Measures 7% 40 CMLSO Exam History & Statistics January 10, 2004 CMLSO Task Force participate in cut-score process resulting in the first 8 CMLSO s Since First Exam in April 2004 Total of 289 CMLSO s (11% International) 41 Certification Maintenance Must earn 10 CM Points over a 3-year period Laser Safety Experience Continued Education Training Writing of Published Articles Teaching Laser Safety Courses Membership in Laser Safety Related Organizations (LIA) Participation on Standards Committees Attendance at Laser Safety Conferences Laser Safety Presentations at Conferences Writing CLSO Exam Questions ILSC is worth 4.0 CM Points / Other conferences (AIHA, HPS, DOE-LSO, etc.) Points can be awarded retro-actively and are based on the quantity of Laser Safety content 42

17 Contact Information Board of Laser Safety Detailed Exam Info Policies & Procedures Manual Rosters of Certified Individuals Certification Maintenance Info or

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19 ILSC 2007 ILSC Workshop Evaluation Workshop #6: The Whys and Hows of Laser Safety Training Worldwide Course Instructors: William Ertle & Roy Henderson Please rate the following: (circle) Very Course Excellent Good Good Fair Poor Overall Course Course Instructor Presentation of material Organization of material Course well paced Would you recommend this course to others in your profession? yes no What was the strongest feature of the course? What was not covered that you felt should have been covered (if anything)? What would you like to hear more about next time? What was covered that left an impression/impact on you? Suggestions & Comments (for this course or courses you would like in the future): Name: (optional) Please Use Reverse Side for Additional Comments. Please return evaluation form to the Registration Desk by Wednesday afternoon or fax to LIA upon your return home. THANK YOU!