Laser Safety Officers
Role and responsibilities
Laser Safety Officers act as a liaison between their local area and the HSW team. They also serve as a local source of expertise regarding laser safety requirements.
Laser Safety Officers are delegated responsibility by their Head of Unit to ensure procedures and systems are in place in their area to manage the safe use of lasers.
Appointment
Laser Safety Officers are appointed by Heads of Units, who ensure the person appointed to the role:
- has their delegated authority
- is provided with time to complete all required training, and
- is provided with sufficient resources and time for their appointed role.
Deputy Laser Safety Officers may also be appointed to share the responsibilities of the role and to act in the absence of the Laser Safety Officer.
Key areas of focus
Laser Safety Officers:
- are the point of contact for staff or students laser queries
- peer review parts of the HSW risk assessments related to using lasers
- assist with the investigation of incidents involving lasers and the development of SARAH action plans.
Laser Safety Officers:
- provide local inductions to anyone who needs to access laser facilities
- communicate matters relating to laser safety to management and Safety Officers for follow-up – and to the HSW Committee Chair during quarterly meetings
- communicate relevant information from HSW to everyone in their area.
Laser Safety Officers:
- monitor local area compliance with laser-related requirements
- assist Safety Officers with the laser safety section of the HSWMS self-assessment and update management on the level of local implementation and opportunities for improvement.