Originally Posted by
soforene
Cheers for the info Jim.
Although I don't see myself doing professional shows anytime soon, it's always handy to have some qualification behind you to cover your ass as I like to do a laser display at family barbies etc.
As I intend to get biggger and better equipment (as I'm sure we all do) the fact that safety has been taken into account must surely count as a big plus if/when I reach out a little further (like Jem is doing).
Would you consider the course good value for those of us who are looking at laser use for 95% of the time in a personal capacity as opposed to those who are seriously looking at it as a way of displaying to the public on a paying basis?
After all, a couple of hundred quid could go some way to a shniy new toy if you are only gonna be doing displays for yourself (and the laser meets of course).
Sorry Richard, missed this post earlier.
I think that the LV course is excellent value for money. It will give you a much better understanding of the whole laser safety issue. Yes, it costs £250ish, but compared to some professional courses that isn't really that bad. The other thing is that once you've done the course James is on hand to advise you on any particular safety issues that you may come across. This alone makes it worth the cost as I shudder to think what it would have cost me in consultancy fees otherwise 
I appreciate that it IS difficult when trying to balance the cost against a nice new toy, but I have to say i'm far more confident about going out and doing public shows. Also, when dealing with the local council's Health & Safety department it always helps if you know what you're talking about and can sound knowledgeable (even if you haven't really got a clue 
), the last Council I dealt with was MOST impressed that I had a 'qualification' in laser safety, he was even more impressed when I sent a copy of the training certificate along with my Safety policy. Subsequently, I have made a very good impression with that particular Council, so much so that in future I only have to send a simple email to inform them where i'm doing a show. He's satisfied that everything will be in order because of the way i've initially presented myself.
Finally, I work in Optics and have always considered eyes to be quite useful. I guess i'm just a bit paranoid when it comes to the safety of the great publics peepers
Sorry for rambling on a bit, but just my twopenneth.
Cheers
Jem
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