| The Laser Safety Officer | |||||||||||||||||||
| R. James Rockwell, Jr. Rockwell Laser Industries Introduction 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 laser safety control measures and an overall safety program. These considerations require informed judgments to be made by trained persons who have been authorized by the facility management to conduct such duties. The major responsibility for such judgments has been assigned to a person with the requisite authority and responsibility, namely the Laser Safety Officer (LSO). General An individual shall be designated the Laser Safety Officer with the authority and responsibility to monitor and enforce the control of laser hazards and to effect the knowledgeable evaluation and control of laser hazards. Throughout the body of the ANSI Z136.1 standard it is indicated that wherever duties or responsibilities of the LSO are specified, it means that the LSO either performs the stated task or ensures that the task is performed. The key element in the overall laser safety program is the Laser Safety Officer. The LSO is an individual designated by management who has the responsibility and authority to manage the overall laser safety program. The Laser Safety Officer must ensure that all employees who operate, maintain, or service laser products are properly trained. The Laser Safety Officer is also responsible for establishing, monitoring, and enforcing laser controls, as well as evaluating laser hazards. The following are a few key LSO program factors:
Laser Safety Officer Specific Responsibilities The ANSI Z136.1 standard indicates the following as key LSO responsibilities:
Laser Safety Officer Qualifications Who makes the "best" Laser Safety Officer? That question is being asked almost every time someone "new" enters the laser field. The "best" LSO? It’s like asking who makes the best traffic cop, best mathematician, best teacher, best politician, best organizer, etc. All of these qualities are important, you see. Perhaps one can learn by sampling the background of some of the more experienced LSO’s in the business today. That list includes engineers of all specialties (e.g., electrical, metallurgical, etc.), biophysicists, surgical nurses, clinical engineers, industrial hygienists, radiation physicists, laser technicians, safety engineers, hospital administrators, shop foremen, etc. The list goes on and on. Is there a common thread that ties all of these seemingly unrelated specialties together? What are the most important factors that make an individual "the best" as a Laser Safety Officer? From the broad-based list, it would certainly seem that educational specialty or an academic degree is NOT the common thread. If not, what is? Perhaps it is the simple fact that "The Boss" said, "Your it! You have just become the LSO." This is probably closer to actual fact than all of the arguments regarding background or academic specialty. Most of those currently serving as an Laser Safety Officers probably said, "I will do it" while most of the others begged off, claiming they already had too much to do, anyway. Is something that simple the common thread? It seems that the desire to do the job is foremost no matter what the job or the background. There must be some reason that "The Boss" asked that person, anyway. Perhaps it was their ability to understand all of the technical jargon. But, remember that some are simply not at home with MPE’s, NHZ’s, OD’s, AEL’s and all of the other "laser safety alphabet soup" of the ANSI Standards. Maybe the individual impressed "The Boss" with their ability to get things done and to motivate people to do the things asked of them. Maybe the person expressed sincere concerns about safety using lasers. In short, maybe the selection is based on the fact that this individual had the intangible quality called leadership. In management jargon, they showed the ability to manage people. Qualifications Is "the best" Laser Safety Officer simply an individual with a sincere concern about laser safety, who said yes when nobody else would and happens to be a good "people person"? Obviously there is a bit more to being an Laser Safety Officer, but these qualities can carry the inventive LSO a long way. But that’s not the whole story. The singularly most important factor in having a successful Laser Safety Officer is the level of authority extended to that person by the facility management. The ANSI Z-136.1 standard is very specific in this regard. In that document, the Laser Safety Officer is defined as: "One who has the authority to monitor and enforce the control of laser hazards and effect the knowledgeable evaluation and control of laser hazards." Note that it did not say, do the knowledgeable evaluation, but rather effect the knowledgeable evaluation. In standards lingo, this means that the Laser Safety Officer need not be a technical wizard. The LSO has been given license to seek the assistance of others who may more completely understand the mathematical sophistication of MPE, NHZ and OD calculations. The key factor is that the Laser Safety Officer needs the skills to implement a laser safety control program using the results of such analytical efforts and be given the authority to make the program work. A Laser Safety Officer without stated authority is like a swimmer without water. It’s hard to make a big splash! In fact, it's impossible! What does this all mean to the new laser user? Who should be chosen as the Laser Safety Officer? What are the keys to a successful laser safety program? Well, here are a few suggestions:
Who makes the "best" Laser Safety Officer? It should be an individual who has a stated commitment to safety. The keystone to the Laser Safety Officer’s motivation should be the desire to have all who work with lasers do so without injury. That can be almost anyone, I would hope! Laser Safety Officer Duties The LSO duties include laser classification, evaluation of Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE), Accessible Emission Limits (AEL) for specific laser classes, and Nominal Hazard Zones (NHZ), inspection and audits, approval of the laser Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), recommendation of protective equipment, specification of area warning signs, and consultation services. Detailed Laser Safety Officer duties are listed below in Table 1. According to the ANSI standard For the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1), the designation of a Laser Safety Officer is generally not required for operation of a Class 2 or Class 3a laser or laser system. Nor is a Laser Safety Officer usually required if maintenance and service are limited to Class 1 and Class 2 laser systems that do not contain enclosed lasers rated higher than Class 3a. If, however, service is performed on a laser product with an enclosed Class 3b or Class 4 laser, it is necessary to designate an LSO. In many cases, the Laser Safety Officer may be either on the staff of a corporate industrial hygiene or safety department or, sometimes, a laser engineer with safety responsibility. Depending upon the size of the organization, the number and types of lasers, and the extent of laser activity, the LSO may be a full-time or a part-time duty. In some very large facilities, it may be necessary for the Laser Safety Officer to appoint a deputy LSO, who reports to the Laser Safety Officer on all laser safety matters. The deputy LSO performs the duties of the Laser Safety Officer when that person is absent. In some very large laser facilities, a laser safety committee may be designated with members from each of the key organization sectors. Other functions of the Laser Safety Officer are to consult with design and develop staff for new manufacturing procedures and equipment. In this way, safety considerations can be addressed in the initial phases of new process development. By involving the Laser Safety Officer at the early design and development stages, safety requirements such as training, special protective equipment, and special area design can be determined prior to the introduction of new equipment into the work place. The Laser Safety Officer approves SOPs. The SOPs should be devised by those responsible for the operation of the systems with the approval given by the LSO. It is recommended that a written SOP be prepared for each laser system, and that employees be required to sign a form stating that they have read and understand the SOP. SOPs improve safety and eliminate uncertainty about specific procedures. SOPs are especially valuable guides for new laser workers. Managers and Supervisors It is the responsibility of management to:
It is the duty of managers and supervisors to:
Resources Information on Laser Safety Officer duties can be found in the following resources:
TABLE 1 DUTIES OF A LASER SAFETY OFFICER
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Friday, 16 September 2011
The Laser Safety Officer
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR I
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTOR I
GRADE 9 ($26,783 - $41,816)
I. NATURE OF WORK: A Fire Safety Inspector I is the entry level of work performing inspections for compliance with fire safety and prevention laws, codes and regulations. Employees in this classification do not have supervisory responsibility.Employees in this classification receive close supervision from the Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal, a Deputy State Fire Marshal or a Fire Protection Engineer. Employees in this classification are assigned primarily to a specific geographic region but the work requires travel to sites that may be located anywhere within the State,
The Fire Safety Inspector I and Fire Safety Inspector II are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees. The Fire Safety Inspector I performs duties under close supervision. The Fire Safety Inspector II performs the full range of duties under general supervision.
II. EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Examples are illustrative only) Attends various specialized schools, seminars and workshops at local, State and national levels in order to develop and maintain the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for fire safety, prevention and inspection as mandated in Chapter 3, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1031;
- Learns to identify the size and locations of building components which may impact upon the safety of the building and the use of fire safety equipment;
- Learns to identify violations of State and local fire prevention codes;
- Learns to inspect buildings for fire code compliance during and after construction;
- Learns to prepare inspection reports and other correspondence;
- Learns to review fire code regulations to identify occupancy types and safety requirements;
- May learn to testify before the State Fire Prevention Commission or judicial bodies concerning complaints related to fire code violations;
- Performs other related duties.
- Ability to learn federal and State laws, codes and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and safety;
- Ability to learn construction and building fire prevention codes;
- Ability to learn to understand blueprints and engineering drawings;
- Ability to learn to understand and apply State fire prevention laws, codes and regulations to specific inspection requirements;
- Ability to learn fire prevention and safety inspection methods and techniques;
- Ability to learn and explain relevant laws, codes and regulations to property owners, local government officials and the general public;
- Ability to exercise diplomacy, fairness and good judgment;
- Ability to learn to prepare reports and other documents.
- Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
- Experience: None
- Note: Experience inspecting buildings and other places of public assembly for compliance with fire prevention and safety laws, codes and regulations may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
VI. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASSIFICATION:
1. Employees are assigned duties in a given service area of the State.
2. In accordance with Department of State Police Article, ss 15 (b), (4), candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to an initial drug screening, a physical examination and a complete criminal background investigation before permanent appoint3nent can be made. A criminal conviction record may be grounds for rejection of the candidate.
3. In accordance with Article 38A, ss (d) (3), employees in this classification must successfully meet the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1031) for Fire Safety Inspector I prior to completion of the probationary period.
Job description
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COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES
The following responsibilities apply to all ICS personnel:
a. Receive assignment, notification, reporting location, reporting time, and travel instructions from your
home agency.
b. Upon arrival at the incident, check in at designated check-in locations. Check-in locations may be found at: Incident Command Post, Base or Camps, Staging Areas, Helibases, Division Supervisors (for direct line assignments).
c. Agency representatives from assisting or cooperating agencies report to Liaison Officer at
theCommand Post after checking in.
d. All radio communications to Incident Communications Center will be addressed: "(Incident Name)
Communications".
e. Use clear text and ICS terminology (no codes) in all radio transmissions.
f. Receive briefing from immediate supervisor.
g. Acquire work materials.
h. Organize, assign, and brief subordinates.
i. Complete forms and reports required of the assigned position and send material through supervisor to
Documentation Unit.
i. Ensure continuity using in/out briefings.
j. Respond to demobilization orders.
k. Brief subordinates regarding demobilization.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
The Safety Officer is responsible for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe situations and
developing measures to assure personnel safety.
The Safety Officer will correct unsafe acts or conditions through the regular line of authority, although the
Safety Officer may exercise emergency authority to prevent or stop unsafe acts when immediate
action is required.
The Safety Officer maintains awareness of active and developing situations.
The Safety Officer ensures the Site Safety and Health Plan is prepared and implemented.
The Safety Officer ensures there are safety messages in each Incident Action Plan.
Only one Safety Officer will be assigned for each incident, including incidents operating under Unified
Command and multi-jurisdiction incidents. The Safety Officer may have assistants, as necessary, and the
assistants may also represent assisting agencies or jurisdictions.
a.During initial response, document the hazard analysis process, hazard identification, exposure
assessment and controls.
b. Participate in planning meetings to identify any health and safety concerns inherent in the operations
daily workplan.
c. Review the Incident Action Plan for safety implications.
d. Exercise emergency authority to prevent or stop unsafe acts.
e. Investigate accidents that have occurred within incident areas.
f. Ensure preparation and implementation of Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP)
g. Assign assistants and manage the incident safety organization.
h. Review and approve the Medical Plan (ICS 206).
•
Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS 214).
FUNCTIONS OF THE SAFETY STAFF
Site Safety Officer Assistant:
a. Provide assistance to the Safety Officer. Ensure all Safety functions continue when the Safety Officer
is attending meetings.
Site Characterization and Monitoring:
a. Initial on scene hazard assessment of the incident.
1. Deploy on scene immediately and report back to Safety Officer
b. Conduct air monitoring and sampling of spilled oil on scene.
c. Provide continuous air monitoring if necessary.
d. Ensure workers are safely monitored by use of passive dosimeters.
e. Provide heat or cold stress monitoring, using WBGT or other measuring device.
f. Provide on scene fatigue monitoring for work-rest regimen recommendations.
Site Safety Plan
a. Draft initial emergency response site safety plan. Ensure copies get distributed as soon as possible to
staging areas and field personnel.
b. Receive reports from Site Safety Enforcement Assistant and incorporate changes into the site safety
plan.
c. Ensure site safety plan is completed in time to be incorporated into Incident Action Plan.
d. Provide safety messages for ICS form204, prior to the planning meeting. If site safety plan is
completed, consider inserting: “All personnel shall review site safety plan prior to commencement of
operations.”
e. Review Medical Plan 206 and forward to the Safety Officer for signature.
f. Review Incident Action Plan. Ensure plan provisions are in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.120.
Review HAZWOPER Compliance Checklist to ensure requirements met.
Site Safety Enforcement:
a. Enforce site safety plan on scene.
b. Use site safety enforcement log and ensure completion in time for updating new site safety plan for
next operational period.
c. Terminate all imminently dangerous operations immediately. For other non-time critical safety
hazards contact the Safety Officer for termination guidance.
d. Attend morning field safety briefings at Staging Areas and assembly points to ensure site safety plan
was covered.
e. Keep workers, supervisors and the Safety Officer informed often.
Health and safety inspector : Job description
Case studies
Inspector of health and safety: Zameer
Health and safety inspectors work to protect people's health and safety by making sure risks in the workplace are properly controlled. They ensure employers comply with all aspects of health and safety laws and that workplaces are not the cause of ill health, injury or even death. They do this by inspecting business premises and investigating accidents, and through enforcement of the law.
Health and safety inspectors work mainly for The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) . They work either for a general team or specialise in a particular area, such as construction, forestry or hazardous goods.
Typical work activities
Work activities vary depending on the geographical location and specialism but generally include:
visiting various business and industrial premises to inspect processes and procedures and ensure good health and safety practice;
investigating accidents and complaints and determining if there has been a breach of health and safety law;
carrying out examinations of machinery, working environments and structures, taking measurements of noise, heat and vibrations, and taking photographs and samples where necessary;
ensuring workers are provided with suitable protective equipment, such as eye goggles, ear protectors or appropriate types of gloves and clothing;
investigating precautions taken to prevent industrial diseases;
investigating procedures for working in hazardous environments or with potentially harmful substances;
keeping up to date with new legislation and health and safety standards;
staying informed about developments within particular sectors, e.g. in agricultural or construction settings;
providing specialist advice and information on health and safety to businesses and organisations and advising on changes required;
negotiating with managers and operators to try to eliminate possible conflicts between safety considerations and production/profit;
writing reports on results of inspections and investigations and completing detailed paperwork;
determining when action (i.e. notices and/or prosecution) may be necessary and gathering and presenting the appropriate evidence;
developing health and safety working programmes and strategies;
developing methods to predict possible hazards drawn from experience, historical data and other appropriate information sources;
preparing for and presenting court cases if a decision is made to prosecute (this differs in Scottish law) and also appearing as a witness in court or at an employment tribunal;
providing training and educational support to employers and new/trainee employees.
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