Thoughts on a Safe, Compliant, and Effective Laser Safety Program: Part 1c
Taking the First Step! Understanding the Role of the LSO for your Facility/ System
What are the basic duties of the LSO?
Overall, the LSO is the contact person as well as a spokesperson for the laser program of the healthcare system or facility. This key laser program individual is trained and tasked with monitoring safe usage, defining the proper hazard control measures, and leadership in developing, updating, and enforcing facility laser safety procedures and policies. Ensuring the education, training, and competencies for all levels of responsibility associated with the medical/ surgical laser program is also key to the program success.
This overall responsibility encompasses considerable territory and will require some dedication to identifying, encouraging, and engaging other key medical/ surgical team members within the facility to use their expertise to help develop and maintain this team environment.
What is the first step to the development of your facility LSO?
Certainly, after some consideration as to who will serve in this capacity, the first step is accessing the best LSO course possible for this individual, as well as any other individuals that will function as deputies for this position. No matter the background of the individual, they must first attend a properly vetted medical LSO course. This should be repeated at least every 5 years at a minimum. Since the days of COVID, we have since adapted not only in person classroom settings, but also online versions and virtual settings as well. Having the opportunity to work with all versions, I passionately believe that the in-person classroom setting with an experienced and qualified instructor as well adding an engaging hands-on section, when possible, that allows the student to mindfully apply practices of safety, physics, biophysics, and control panel operation are key. My suggestion to facilities and hospitals is to begin with a thorough in-person course initially and offer the in-person option as often in intervals. It is by far the most rewarding approach to this type of course. Not only can the instructor better address a variety of practice interests and challenges in this setting, but a good instructor can help direct appropriate group discussions of critical thinking and unique solutions to a variety of these challenges that many facilities face today. As an experienced instructor, I continue to be amazed as to things I learn from students from these insightful discussions that occur. Everyone benefits. I believe that online courses certainly are extremely useful tools, especially for refresher courses for more experienced medical LSO professionals. The major advantages to the online and virtual courses are emergent needs to meet a timing deadline as well as refresher courses for existing LSOs.
The employer has the responsibility of duty of care to have a properly and professionally trained LSO and the proper resources available to develop the necessary laser safety team within the facility. As employers, we are tasked with developing a healthy relationship and partnership with our employees with regards to laser safety. Depending on the dynamic nature and support of the LSO, this program can develop into a multifaceted support for the facility or healthcare system.
In our next installment, we will discuss what to look for in terms of content and structure for a reputable medical LSO program for your LSO.
GCA Laser Safety