The role of the LSO in small clinics Available to Purchase

ANSI Z136.3, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities, requires the appointment of a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and the standard prescribes a number of roles for the LSO. The appointment of an LSO is required for all Class 3b and Class 4 laser operations (apparently without exception) by the basic laser safety standard, ANSI Z136.1, Safe Use of Lasers. While the role of an LSO may make since in large institutional settings, such as in a large teaching hospital, but the role—and even the need—for an LSO in a small clinic or office setting can reasonably be questioned. Today there are large numbers of single-laser users employing Class 4 lasers in individual medical and dental offices. Indeed, some Class 3b or 4 lasers have even been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for home use. From the experience of dealing with the single-physician office and the small medical clinic, recognition should be given in future editions of ANSI Z136.1 and ANSI Z136.3 that a second person need not be appointed as LSO, and the user assumes full responsibility for safe use of the laser. Perhaps this alternative to a formal LSO could be termed the “responsible person” or “responsible single-user.” The LSO remains a useful concept for large institutions but appears to be illogical for individually owned and operated lasers.