Laser safety inspection criteria

Many institutions have developed laser audit checklists or survey forms. In many institutions, the sole Laser Safety Officer (LSO) or a number of Deputy LSO’s perform these audits. For that matter, a few institutions request users to perform a self-assessment. Most audit findings are subjective because they are based on the experience and interest of the LSO or auditor to particular items on the checklist. Beam block usage, to one set of eyes might be completely adequate, while to another, inadequate. In order to provide consistency, the NIF Directorate has established criteria for a number of it ems found on the typical laser safety audit form. This presentation is to share that criteria and solicit comments.