Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
The conditions under which the laser is used, the level of safety training
of individuals using the laser and other environmental and personnel factors are
important considerations in determining the full extent of safety requirements.
Since such situations require informed judgments by responsible persons, major
responsibility for such judgments should be assigned to a person with the requisite
authority and responsibility, namely the Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
The LSO should have the authority and responsibility to monitor and enforce
the control of laser hazards, and to effect the knowledgeable evaluation and control
of laser hazards. This should be done at each location or administrative area
where Class III or Class IV lasers or laser systems are used or manufactured.
Designation of an LSO is generally not required for operation of a Class II
or Class IIIA laser or laser system. Designation of an LSO is generally not required
if maintenance and service are limited to Class I and Class II laser systems which
do not contain embedded lasers of a Class higher than Class II. If service is
performed on a laser product having an embedded Class IIIA, Class IIIB, or Class
IV laser, there should be a designated LSO.
