Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

Job Summary

The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) leads the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of the Institute's Laser Safety Program, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards (ANSI Z136 Series, Cal/OSHA, and institutional policies) while supporting the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) mission.

Job Duties

• Serve as the designated institutional Laser Safety Officer in accordance with ANSI Z136.1, managing all aspects of laser safety compliance and associated safety documentation.
• Stay current with evolving regulations, standards, and emerging technologies in laser and optical safety.
• Develop, implement, and maintain written programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training related to laser use in laboratories, machine shops, and instructional settings.
• Conduct hazard assessments and safety inspections of laser laboratories and other research facilities to identify hazardous conditions and recommend solutions to mitigate workplace hazards.
• Develop metrics to measure overall laser safety program performance and facilitate continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance on new laser installations and modifications, and laboratory renovation design, ensuring appropriate engineering and administrative controls.
• Assist with incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of training, inspections, incidents, and corrective actions.
• Serve as a certified member of the campus HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) team, responding to laboratory spills, chemical releases, and other hazardous material incidents.
• Collaborate with the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in evaluating research configurations where lasers interface with radiation-producing devices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• MSc degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in laboratory or research safety, including specific experience with laser systems.
• In-depth knowledge of ANSI Z136 standards, Cal/OSHA or OSHA laser safety regulations, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations relating to laser use (21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11).
• Strong communication, training, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, or engineering.
• Working knowledge of electrical safety, especially as it relates to electrical work in research settings.
• Experience in an academic research environment.
• Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) credential through the Board of Laser Safety.
• Familiarity with radiation safety principles and California RHB regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B and 70E Standards.
• Working knowledge of Articulate 360 for online training development.