LSO training course by LIA

[ZeroPoint]

I've been debating which route to take with regards to the Laser Safety Officer training course. As it stands I have three options; 1) take a week long course in person here in Phoenix, 2) Take an online course which allows me 15 days to finish, 3) Take the IDLA sponsored course at the ILDA conference in Texas this Novermber. Each option has its own pros and cons. The online course and the course in Phoenix are both roughly $900 and cover all aspects of laser application even though I will only be using it for laser shows and displays. The ILDA course will be cheaper and focus only on the laser show application. I like the idea of the ILDA course because it focuses only on the relevant aspect of laser shows but the downside is that it's still 8 months away. Even though the cost of the course is cheaper I will likely end up spending over $1000 to make the trip to the conference anyway. I would like to take the course in person which would allow me to interact with the instructor and ask questions but I fear the fact that I work 6 days a week would make taking this course difficult. I seem to be leaning toward taking the online course which will allow me to take it immediately at a cost approximately similar to the other two options and allow me to take it at my convenience (which is usually 12am-8am lol). The downsides to this option is that I will have to learn about the other fields of application such as medical, industrial, research, etc. and also the fact that I will not have an in-person instructor to interact with. I guess my ultimate question is, can this online course be completed by a novice (such as myself) with the help of the course notes that will be provided by LIA, this forum, and google? Also, can anyone who has taken the full course (not just the ILDA version) point me in the direction of things to study before beginning? I am currently looking into the biology of the eye and the effects of laser light and thermal damage, as well as MPE's and NHZ's. Is there anything else I should be familiar with? I appreciate any and all responses. Thanks again.


-Luke

[Bradfo69]

Having taken the course that you would be presented with at ILDA, my only concern would be, "What course am I most likely to pass for the money I'm putting out?" I was not prepared enough in advance for the course I took the first time and will probably repeat it in November where I expect a much better outcome. But, putting out $400-$500 for a class and not passing stings a little. While the extra information you'd learn with the week long course or online course may be informative, it's also more information you may be tested on, thereby increasing your risk of not passing. Unless you specifically need this in order to earn an income, I'd opt to wait until the ILDA conference.

[ZeroPoint]

Yeah, I really wanted to wait for ILDA, however, my goal of doing laser shows is slowly becoming the sole reason I am staying here in Phoenix. I was hoping to to have my feet wet already and know that I could make this work before I make the decision to extend my lease and stay in AZ. I came here to go to school for motorcycle mechanics but there really aren't any job opportunities here. Ironically, my passion of lasers has surpassed my passion for motorcycles and there is actually a market for them here (unlike my home in upstate NY). My dilemma is deciding whether or not to stay in Phoenix to pursue laser shows or to move back to NY and work as a mechanic. I was hoping to be doing laser shows already to help me decide if it's worth staying here or moving home. My lease is up in October so waiting til November would mean I'd have to extend again still without know if I can make it work or not. I suppose it's not a huge issue but it just seems like a waste of 8 months that I could be building a solid foundation to reassure myself that staying in AZ is the right thing to do.

[dsli_jon]

Hey Sir Luke -

First, Kudos and Thanks to you for 'taking the high-road'... Great to see 'newbies' taking the pains to educate themselves / set a good example..

Second, I assume you've already been in-touch with Karl R. http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...Laser-Wizardry , right in your 'back yard', there? He's a well-seasoned laserist, current on the AZ-regs, and will be an invaluable resource for you, compliance-wise, et al... Since you're saying things like "the" LSO training course, sounds like you are on the right-track, either way... but, you should get under his wing, asap...

Also...Is there anything else I should be familiar with?

If you can't find it in your local Library, *make* the investment in it: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/safe...ney/1013172904 - it is the single-most 'common denominator', I've found anyway, in the 'foundations' of several of the State Reg-bases.. (for those that have hardcore-Regs, etc, ie: NY, TX, AZ... AZ being the 'strictest', currently... )

..but, if I can at least 'encourage you' with this: There isn't a *single* Pro Laserist out there, that is trying to 'do it right', that just 'rolled out of bed one am and knew everything'... we all were 'noobs', till we dug / asked questions - and learned - so, if we can do it - You can do it... Yes, the 'path' to doing things right / safely is arduous, but, imo, well 'worth-it', in the long-run... If you sow quality and craftsmanship - in your shows, gear, *and* your 'mode of operation', you'll reap-such, in growth / stability and longevity.

..Or something like that...

Hope that helps...
ciao
j

[ZeroPoint]

Thanks Jon! I've definitely been in touch with both Karl and Swamidog but have yet to catch up with either in person. We all seem to be very busy and its difficult to find a time when we are each available. i think I've definitely found my calling in life in the laser industry so i have every intention of doing things "by the book". although it has shown to require a lot of effort, i know it will be worth it in the end to have that stability and reassurance that comes with doing things legally. i think ive decided to take the online course as soon as i brush up on a few things here and there. i tried checking out the link you shared to barnes and noble but it didnt work properly. if you tell me the title and author ill be sure to check it out. thanks again for your support!

Edit: Nevermind, i got the link to work so i willl check out that book this week for sure. Thanks!

-Luke