Essential Laser Safety Training for Health Care Professionals
The Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO) is an integral member of your team to ensure the safe use of therapeutic and surgical lasers in the health care field..
Details
The use of therapeutic and surgical lasers in the health care fields has grown rapidly in recent years. Unfortunately, many physical therapists, athletic trainers, nurses, chiropractors, technicians, and laser therapists receive little or no formal safety training—despite the presence of enforceable national standards designed to reduce risk and ensure safe laser operation.
We strongly recommend that every health care facility develop written laser safety protocols and appoint a trained Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO) on staff to ensure compliance with current safety standards.
The Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (LSO) Training course, developed by the American Institute of Medical Laser Applications (AIMLA), provides comprehensive training for individuals responsible for overseeing Class 3B and Class 4 laser use in health care locations. This self-paced online course is aligned with ANSI Z136.3-2024 standards and OSHA's general duty clause, giving health care professionals the tools and knowledge needed to establish a compliant and effective laser safety program.
More Information
More Information
Course Length
1.5 hours
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the basic science of how laser energy interacts with biological tissue
Recognize the laser classification system and how hazard levels are assigned to laser products
Identify key methods to protect people from laser radiation, including safe working exposure levels
Apply safety procedures and guidelines for the use of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers in any health care setting
Recognize and control non-radiation hazards such as electrical risks and laser plume
Implement engineering and administrative safety controls, including beam containment and interlocks
Use proper warning signs, labels, and safety instructions to reduce risk in the clinical environment
Understand the role and responsibilities of a Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO)
Access sample protocols, training guidelines, and OSHA-compliant documentation for laser safety management
Additional Recommended Courses
none
Agenda
This self-paced, online course takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and includes the following modules:
Regulatory Standards and Guidelines
OSHA
ANSI Z136.3-2024
Fundamental Laser Knowledge
Laser components
Photonic energy
Wavelength
Classification of Lasers
Calculation of Safe Radiation Levels
Maximum permissible exposure
Nominal hazard zone
Establishing a Laser-Controlled Area
Safety Controls & Eye Protection
PPE and eyewear selection
Exposure limits
Laser warning signage
Additional Safety Precautions
Electrical safety
Laser plume precautions
Engineering and administrative controls
Medical Laser Safety Officer Responsibilities
Role and duties of the LSO
Recordkeeping and protocol development
Training and supervision responsibilities
Final Quiz
Course Evaluation
Certificate of Completion Issued
Certifications
This course includes the following approvals and recognitions:
This 1.5-hour course follows ANSI Z136.3-2024 standards and OSHA regulations that are recognized by all state, provincial, and local governing bodies. Participants should verify any board-specific limitations regarding accepted hours or delivery formats.
New York State Education Department (NYSED): AIMLA is an approved sponser of continuing education for health care professionals in New York State.
