Laser safety training courses from the uvex academy

A laser safety officer course at a reputable training institute usually costs around €800, depending on the provider and the type of course. It is important to note that there are different course models.

• General laser safety officer course: According to TROS, this course should last two days and provide a comprehensive introduction to the safe handling of lasers.
• Specialist or application-specific courses: For example, there are courses specifically for show lasers or certain medical user groups. These training courses usually last one day as they are limited to a specific application.

Please note that purely online courses without live interaction with a trainer are not permitted according to DGUV Principle 303-005. To qualify as a laser safety officer according to DGUV, the course must include genuine live interaction with a trainer, either in person or online.

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Certain technical and legal requirements must be met to become a laser safety officer. The following qualifications are required to become a laser safety officer:

1. Basic technical requirements
According to TROS Laser Radiation, anyone who meets one of the following requirements may become a laser safety officer.

Completed technical, scientific, medical or cosmetic vocational training
Or at least two years of comparable professional experience.
In each case, this must be combined with recent work experience with Class 3R, 3B or 4 laser equipment.

2. Participation in a recognised laser safety course.
Attendance at a recognised laser safety course is mandatory in addition to professional qualifications.
This course provides the expertise necessary to operate laser systems safely, assess hazards, and implement protective measures.

3. Appointment by the employer:
Following successful completion of the course, the employer must formally appoint the individual as a laser safety officer in writing.
This appointment is often documented as a supplement to the employment contract.

In many companies, an existing employee is appointed as a laser safety officer on top of their existing role. This usually has no effect on their salary, as only a portion of their working time is spent on the tasks of the laser safety officer.

If someone is employed full-time in this role, their salary is based on that of a comparable safety role, such as an occupational safety specialist. The exact amount paid varies depending on the industry, location, and size of the company.

In Germany, the Ordinance on the Safety of Lasers (OStrV), in conjunction with the Technical Rules on Laser Radiation (TROS Laser Radiation), stipulates that a laser safety officer must be appointed for lasers of the following classes:

• Class 3R
• Class 3B
• Class 4 lasers.

In many other European countries, the obligation is somewhat more restrictive. There, a laser safety officer is generally required for:

• Laser Class 3B
• Laser Class 4

Any employee who has completed technical, scientific, medical or cosmetic training, or who can demonstrate at least two years' comparable professional experience, can become a laser safety officer. They must also currently work with Class 3R, 3B or 4 laser systems and have acquired the necessary expertise through a recognised training course. They must also be appointed in writing by the company as a laser safety officer.

In Germany, a laser safety officer must undergo the appropriate training and be officially appointed before a laser is used for the first time in a company. Subsequently, regular refresher courses must be taken at least every five years.
Although this five-year period is not legally stipulated in many other EU countries, continuous further training is also expected. In practice, this can be achieved by attending a refresher course approximately every five years to maintain specialist knowledge and meet the legal requirements for the safe operation of laser systems.

• Monitoring compliance with laser safety regulations
• Inspecting laser safety equipment and products
• Advising management and supervisors on laser safety issues
• Providing annual laser safety training for employees
• Selecting suitable laser safety goggles
• Selecting suitable large-area laser safety products
• Reporting laser accidents to management and the employers' liability insurance association, in cooperation with the company doctor
• Actively studying current laser safety regulations and staying up to date (including participating in an LSO course every five years)