ORLANDO, FL, May 11, 2012 — Reflecting its growing international audience, the Laser Institute of America has expanded its online Laser Safety Officer Training course to include the latest Canadian rules regulating the use of laser devices.

LIA is the recognized leader in teaching the safe use of lasers in applications ranging from industrial to medical to research. It is the latest in a series of moves by LIA to gives its members and customers the newest training information available in print, online or onsite.

Noticing a significant rise in Canadians signing up for the online Laser Safety Officer Training course (www.lia.org/store/train/LSOONLINE), LIA Education Director Gus Anibarro responded quickly to address their specific requirements.

Among the key differences between U.S. and Canadian regulations, he says, is the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, which emerged from Canada’s Department of Justice in 1985. “It is their version of our Center for Devices and Radiological Health, where our government regulates laser manufacturers,” Anibarro notes. “It regulates laser products that are sold in Canada. REDA applies to manufacturers, distributors, people who lease lasers and those who import lasers, including laser scanners and lasers for demonstration.”

The REDA applies to medical and industrial lasers, which have to be reported to Canada’s Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau. “They assess, monitor and assist in the reduction of health and safety risks associated with lasers,” Anibarro points out. Lasers are further covered under the labor code of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Even though the REDA covers the whole of Canada, “each province has its own regulations — and some don’t have any,” Anibarro says. Another notable aspect of Canadian laser regulations, he says, is that REDA references the U.S. 21 CFR and International Electrotechnical Commission’s IEC 60825 standards.

In addition to the inclusion of Canada’s regulations, the online LSO course has been made easier to use by being broken into separately accessible topics. “For the customer, it will load faster on their computer system and they’ll be able to navigate through the course a lot quicker,” Anibarro says.

Beyond those improvements, the course will continue to detail:

• Up-to-date information on ANSI Z136 standards for laser use.

• The effects of lasers on the eyes and skin.

• Non-beam issues such as laser-generated airborne contaminants and electrical hazards.

• Laser control measures and personal protective equipment such as laser eyewear.

• Strategies in laser safety program administration, including training requirements for laser personnel, medical surveillance and LSO duties and responsibilities.

The expanded LSO course is one of several recent additions to LIA’s repertoire of laser safety offerings, including the new book for certified medical laser safety officers, titled CMLSOs’ Best Practices in Medical Laser Safety, and the new ANSI Z136.3 standards regulating the use of lasers in hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, private medical practices and the home.  Visit the LIA’s online store at www.lia.org/store to learn more.

 

About LIA

Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org , 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553

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