ILDA offers five courses covering laser safety for laser lightshows.
Details on each course are below. Lists of past course graduates is here.
ILDA's course material is specific to laser light shows. These courses are NOT suitable for persons working with industrial, research, medical, scientific, military or other non-lightshow lasers.
DO YOU NEED THE LSO COURSE?
A few states such as Arizona, and some venues, require that a Laser Safety Officer manage and/or operate laser shows. However, in most U.S. states and venues, you do not need any type of laser course in order to manage and/or operate a laser show.*
Of course, it is a good idea to understand laser safety details, and to know the U.S. federal requirements you must follow to do legal shows. This is why ILDA offers the courses below.
If you are outside the U.S., the course's safety information is useful in all countries. For laws and regulations, the course only covers specific United States regulations and laws. Many countries have similar regulations, so this general information is helpful. And, as we go over the many requirements of U.S. laws, we also discuss what procedures are required and how they function to make shows safer.
*Note: New York State is special. For shows not in a fixed location, the state requires passing a test for persons needing a Mobile Laser Operator license. The New York State test does NOT cover lasershows. It primarily covers industrial and surveying/alignment lasers. ILDA's courses are NOT suited to take the New York State Mobile Laser Operator's test — you should look for a NY State specific course or a comprehensive multi-day LSO course covering all types of lasers and uses. Or, if your laser show will be in New York State for just a short time, temporarily hire a person with a New York Mobile Laser Operator license to be your official LSO.
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Course schedule and rates
Descriptions and general information about ILDA's laser safety courses are elsewhere on this webpage. Below is a list of course schedules and rates. (If you do not see the four blue bars that contain the list, go to the home page. The list of courses is also on that page.)
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LSO and Lasershow Operator courses
Our main course is the 9-hour Laser Safety Officer (LSO) course. It is for people who create laser shows and are responsible for them being safe and legal (including filling out U.S. federal forms). Sometimes the LSO course is given all in one day; other times it is split into two half days.
We also have a shorter course for Lasershow Operators. It is always the first half, or the first day, of the LSO course. If you do not need a full LSO course, Lasershow Operator is excellent for persons running laser shows or working around them.
Dates and times can be changed if no one has yet signed up; see below on how to ask for a date/time change.
All LSO and Lasershow Operator courses are online using Zoom, unless otherwise noted.
Click on a link to go to the registration page for that course.
• Saturday December 7 2024 - in-person laser safety courses at the LDI show in Las Vegas. Sign up for this is done separately through LDI's website. Look for the courses, and then the two given by ILDA on Dec. 7. You can sign up for Lasershow Operator only (first half of the day) or the entire Laser Safety Officer class (the entire day). Cost information and schedule is at LDI's website.
• Monday December 16 and Thursday December 19 2024: Laser Safety Officer course, split over two days — NOTE THESE TWO DAYS ARE NOT SEQUENTIAL - they are Monday and Thursday. The time is 3 pm - 8:30 pm Eastern both days. The Lasershow Operator course is on Monday Dec. 16 only, 3-8:30 pm.
• Friday January 10 2025: 1-day Laser Safety Officer course, 12 noon - 9 pm Eastern. Lasershow Operator course is the first half, from 12 noon to 5 pm.
• Monday February 3 and Tuesday February 4 2025: Laser Safety Officer course, split over two days, 3 pm - 8:30 pm Eastern both days. Lasershow Operator course on Monday Feb. 3 only, 3-8:30 pm.
• Friday February 28 2025: 1-day Laser Safety Officer course, 2 pm - 11 pm Eastern. Lasershow Operator course is the first half, from 2 pm to 7 pm.
• Monday March 24 and Tuesday March 25 2025: Laser Safety Officer course, split over two days, 12 noon - 5:30 pm Eastern both days. Lasershow Operator course on Monday March 24 only, 12 noon- 5:30 pm.
• Thursday April 17 2025: 1-day Laser Safety Officer course, 7 pm - 4 am April 18 Eastern. Lasershow Operator course is the first half, from 7 pm to midnight.
• Thursday May 15 and Friday May 16 2025: Laser Safety Officer course, split over two days, 3 pm - 8:30 pm Eastern both days. Lasershow Operator course on Thursday May 15 only, 3-8:30 pm.
• Monday June 9 2025: 1-day Laser Safety Officer course, 12 noon - 9 pm Eastern. Lasershow Operator course is the first half, from noon-9 pm.
• Thursday June 26 and Friday June 27 2025: Laser Safety Officer course, split over two days, 3 pm - 8:30 pm Eastern both days. Lasershow Operator course on Thursday June 26 only, 3-8:30 pm.
Changing dates and times to fit your schedule
The date and time of an online class can be changed if no one has yet signed up for the class. For example, if you are in a time zone far from US Eastern, we can change the hours so it fits your schedule. If you are interested in a class but need a date or time change, contact ILDA. Once at least one person signs up for a class, then the date and time for that class will no longer be changed.
Pricing for LSO and Lasershow Operator courses
The cost for an online/Zoom Laser Safety Officer (LSO) course is $525 per person for ILDA Members, or $649 for non-members. This may be higher for in-person courses or the LDI show in Las Vegas due to having to rent room space, travel, and other expenses.
The cost for an online/Zoom Lasershow Operator course is $295 per person for ILDA Members, or $495 for non-members. This may be higher for in-person courses or the LDI show. -
Audience Scanning Safety courses
We set up an Audience Scanning Safety course for Friday, December 20, 2024 online by Zoom and in-person in Orlando, 2 pm to 6 pm Eastern. Click here to register.
The cost is $395 per person for ILDA Members, or $520 for non-members (same price for online/Zoom and in-person/Orlando).
We will add more Audience Scanning Safety courses in 2025, hopefully 3 or 4 online during the year plus one in-person at the 2025 ILDA Conference. -
Other laser safety courses
• The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for Category A Laser Shows course is usually given only for groups of persons who already have LSO certificates from ILDA or other laser show organizations. This "brings them up to speed" on how to make a show that meets Cat A requirements. We have taught it in the past at the ILDA Conference and at the SELEM laser enthusiasts' meeting. If you have a special need for the Cat A course, contact ILDA.
• Online Lasershow Safety Inspector courses are scheduled usually by a union or group that wants its members to be able to know when laser shows they are working at are safe. Other interested persons are welcomed to take this course. Rates are $525 per person for the first five students, $475 per person for students 6-10, $425 for students 11-15, $375 for students 16-20, and $350 for students number 21 and beyond.
We often present in-person courses at the August SELEM meeting, at the fall ILDA Conference (location varies), and at the fall LDI trade show in Las Vegas. When we do any in-person course, the cost is usually higher than our online rates due to added expenses such as meeting rooms, travel, etc. -
If you need a custom location, date or time
• Custom in-person courses are available in Orlando, Florida or at your location. Course rates depend on the number of persons taking the course at the same time and whether we have to rent a meeting room. If outside of Orlando, there would be additional charges to cover the instructor's travel and accommodations costs.
• The date and time of an online class can be changed if no one has yet signed up for the class. For example, if you are in a time zone far from US Eastern, we can change the hours so it fits your schedule. If you are interested in a class but need a date or time change, contact ILDA. Once at least one person signs up for a class, then the date and time for that class will no longer be changed.
• Custom online courses are available; contact ILDA if you would like to set up a course that we would normally not be teaching. Custom online courses incur a $250 additional surcharge. (This is just for on-demand custom online courses, specifically for one person or group. If ILDA has a regularly-scheduled online course and only one person signs up, there is no additional surcharge. Also, note that ILDA may open a custom course up to other persons — the "custom" part is because normally we would not hold a class at that date or time.)
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LSO and Lasershow Operator courses
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Course materials and instructors
Greg Makhov
Patrick Murphy
These courses were developed by Greg Makhov, ILDA Safety Chair and instructor for LSO courses from other providers, along with Patrick Murphy, ILDA Executive Director and author of numerous papers on laser safety.
MATERIALS
The LSO for Lasershows and Cat A course includes a 125-page laser light show safety reference manual, 350+ PowerPoint slides, and an 100-page printout of the slides.
The Lasershow Operator and Laser Safety Inspector courses have similar materials.
The LSO for Category A course uses the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard as the manual & reference.
The Audience Scanning course is more hands-on, with meters and scopes being used to measure laser beam irradiance and do scanning safety calculations.
ILDA's courses do NOT include copies of copyrighted standards such as those from ANSI, IEC or NFPA. If you do not have these standards, you may wish to purchase them separately.
INSTRUCTORS
Courses whether online or in-person are taught by a live instructor. You can ask questions, interact, and share your experiences and challenges with others.
The instructor for the LSO, Cat A, Lasershow Operator and Laser Safety Inspector courses will be one of the developers; either Greg Makhov or Patrick Murphy, depending on availability. The instructor for the Audience Scanning course will be Greg Makhov.-
Retaking a course
STUDENTS WHO DID NOT PASS
Students who took a course with a test, and who did not pass the test, can re-take the course and test again, one time for no charge. Hopefully they will pass the second time. The re-take must be done within one year of taking the course for the first time.
STUDENTS WANTING A REFRESHER
Students who previously took a course — and if the course has a test, who passed the test — can take the course again. There is a $50 fee for taking a refresher course, plus (for in-person courses) a fee to cover any other ILDA costs such as lunch if it is included.
ILDA reserves the right to limit the number of such persons taking a refresher course on any given date, or at any given location in-person or online. Refresher courses are not available at the annual LDI tradeshow, since LDI has their own registration and requirements.
HOW TO REGISTER
To sign up for a re-take or refresher course, register at the Events page, but do not pay. Contact ILDA and let us know which type (re-take or refresher) you want. We will adjust your invoice and, if a re-take, will automatically finish your registration.-
List of past courses
Below is a list of past courses from 2017 to the present.
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2024
LSO for Lasershows course, day 2 only (for those who missed Nov. 8), November 15, 2024. 6 am - 1 pm New York Time. 2 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, November 7 & 8, 2024, 3 pm - 7:30 pm each day New York time. 22 students
LSO for Lasershows course, October 22, 2024. 9 am - 5 pm Greenwich Mean Time. Held in Reykjavik, Iceland. 6 students
Audience Scanning Safety course, September 28, 2024, 2 pm - 6 pm CEST. Held in Wrocław, Poland. 5 students
LSO for Lasershows course, September 25, 2024, 9 am - 6 pm CEST. Held in Wrocław, Poland. 2 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, August 26, 2024, 12 noon - 9 pm New York time. 9 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, August 22, 2024, 5 pm - 2 am New York time. 2 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, August 9, 2024, 7 am - 4 pm New York time. 2 students
Online and in-person Audience Scanning Safety course, July 31, 2024. 7 pm - 11 pm New York time. 5 students
Online Lasershow Safety Inspector course, July 30, 2024, 7 pm - 2 am New York time. 2 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 16, 2024, 12 noon - 9 pm New York time. 2 students
Online Lasershow Operator course, July 15, 2024 9 am - 11 am New York time. 1 student
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 2, 2024, 11 am - 8 pm New York time. 4 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, June 25, 2024, 11 am - 8 pm New York time. 4 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, June 14, 2024, 4 pm - 1 am New York time. 6 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 28, 2024, 7 am - 4 pm New York time. 8 students
Online Lasershow Operator course, May 28, 2024 7 am - 12 pm New York time. 1 student.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 10, 2024, 12 noon - 9 pm New York time. 5 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, April 17, 2024, 3 pm - 12 midnight New York time. 4 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, March 26, 2024, 7 am - 4 pm New York time. 3 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, March 11, 2024, 12 noon - 9 pm New York time. 2 students
Laser Safety Officer for Supervising Illinois Laser Shows course, January 11, 2024. Held in Chicago. 33 students -
2023
Online LSO for Lasershows course, December 11, 2023, 7 am - 4 pm New York time, 4 students.
Online Lasershow Operator course, December 11, 2023, 7 am - 12 noon New York time, 4 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, October 23/24, 2023. 10 pm - 6 am New York time. 4 students.
Audience Scanning Safety course, Sept. 20, 2023. Held during the ILDA Conference in Atlantic Beach, NC. 2-6 pm. 13 students, taught by Greg Makhov.
Category A Laser Shows course, Sept. 19, 2023. Held during the ILDA Conference in Atlantic Beach, NC. 4-6 pm. 18 students.
Online Laser Operator course (1 student) and LSO for Lasershows course (15 students), August 14, 2023. 12 noon - 9 pm.
Category A update course (for those who already had ILDA LSO certificates). August 9, 2023. Held in Newark, Delaware at the SELEM meeting. 3 pm - 4:30 pm. 11 students
LSO for Lasershows course, August 8, 2023. Held in Newark, Delaware at the SELEM meeting. 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. 2 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 14, 2023. 1 pm - 10 pm New York time. 7 students.
LSO for Lasershows course, June 12, 2023. Held in Davie, FL at Robe Lighting. 10 am - 7 pm. 10 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 25, 2023, 4 am - 1 pm New York time. 7 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 19, 2023, 10 am - 7 pm New York time. 5 LSO students. This was the first ILDA laser safety course where the Laser Operator material was moved to the first portion, so that a student only needing a Laser Operator certificate could take the first part of the LSO course.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 11, 2023, 12 noon - 9 pm New York time. 3 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, April 17, 2023, 7 am - 4 pm New York time. 7 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, March 15, 2023, 3 pm - midnight New York time. 9 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, February 17, 2023, 11 am - 8 p New York time. 4 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, January 17, 2023, 3 am - noon New York time. 5 students. -
2022
Online LSO for Lasershows course, December 8, 2022, 10 am - 7 pm New York time. 4 students.
Laser Operator and LSO for Lasershows courses were given November 15-16, 2022 at the LDI tradeshow in Las Vegas. 27 students for Laser Operator, 27 for LSO.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, November 10/11, 2022, 7 pm - 4 am New York time. 6 students.
Laser Operator and Audience Scanning courses, November 3, 2022. Held at the ILDA Conference in London (Dartford) UK. Three students for Laser Operator, five for Audience Scanning.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, October 3, 2022, 10 am - approx. 7 pm New York time. 4 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, September 9, 2022, 10 am - approx. 7 pm New York time. 5 students.
Audience Scanning Safety course, August 19, 2022, 2 pm - 4 pm New York time. 2 students in-person (at LDSI in Orlando), 3 students online. Taught by Greg Makhov.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, August 10/11, 2022, 10 am - approx. 6:30 pm New York time. 4 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 19, 2022, 9 am - approx. 6:0 pm New York time. 3 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, June 9, 2022, 10 am - approx. 6:30 pm New York time. 2 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, June 9, 2022, 10 am - approx. 6:30 pm New York time. 2 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 29/30, 2022, 6 pm - approx. 2:30 am New York time. 5 students (from Australia).
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 17, 2022, 10 am - approx. 6:30 pm New York time. 1 student.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, April 25, 2022, 10 am - approx. 6:30 pm New York time. 6 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, April 9, 2022, 2 pm - approx. 10:30 pm New York time. 5 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, March 16, 2022, 9 am - approx. 5:30 pm New York time. 3 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, February 10, 2022, 9 am - approx. 5:30 pm New York time. 10 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, January 28, 2022, 9 am - approx. 5:30 pm New York time. 3 students.
LSO for Lasershows course, January 24, 2022. 8:30 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. Held in Orlando at a coworking space. 4 students. -
2021
Laser Operator and LSO for Lasershows courses were given November 16-17, 2020 at the LDI tradeshow in Las Vegas. 9 students for Laser Operator, 10 for LSO.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, October 14, 2021, 6 pm - approx. 2:30 am New York time. 1 student.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, October 8, 2021, 11 am - approx. 7:30 pm New York time. 5 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, August 16, 2021, 9 am - approx. 5:30 pm New York time. 1 student.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 21, 2021, 10 am - approx. 7:15 pm New York time. 4 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 14, 2021, 5:30 pm - approx. 2 am (July 15) New York time. 2 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, June 22, 2021, 8:30 pm - approx. 5 am (June 23) New York time. 2 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, March 7, 2021, 5 pm - approx. 1 am (March 8) New York time. 3 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, February 11, 2021, 12 noon - approx. 8 pm New York time. 4 students.
Online Lasershow Safety Inspector course, February 4, 2021, 12 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 8 students. -
2020
Online LSO for Lasershows course, December 10, 2020, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 1 student.
Online Audience Scanning Safety course, December 3, 2020 - 2 pm - 6 pm New York time. 9 students.
Lasershow Safety Inspector course given in Chicago, October 15, 2020. 17 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, September 16, 2020, 6 pm - approx. 3 am New York time. 4 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, August 6, 2020, 11 am - approx. 7 pm New York time. 2 students
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 17, 2020, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 2 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, July 8, 2020, 7 pm - approx. 3 am July 9 New York time. 6 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 15, 2020, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 5 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, April 21, 2020, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 2 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, March 11, 2020, 9 am - approx. 5 pm New York time. 3 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, February 7-8, 2020, 8 pm - approx. 4 am New York time. 4 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, January 10, 2020, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 4 students. -
2019
Two private classes (Laser Operator and LSO for Lasershows) in Las Vegas November 25-26, 2019 for three persons from one of the major Las Vegas shows
Laser Operator and LSO for Lasershows courses were given November 19-20, 2019 at the LDI tradeshow in Las Vegas. 16 students for Laser Operator, 10 for LSO.
Laser Operator, LSO for Lasershows, and Audience Scanning courses were given November 7 and 8, 2019, just before the ILDA Conference in Orlando. 8 students for Laser Operator, 5 students for Audience Scanning, 7 students for LSO.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, September 20, 2019, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 2 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, May 30, 2019, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 9 students.
Lasershow Safety Inspector course given in Chicago, April 18, 2019. 17 students.
Online LSO for Lasershows course, February 8, 2019, 10 am - approx. 6 pm New York time. 8 students. -
2018
LSO for Lasershows course November 9-10, 2018 at the 2018 ILDA Conference in Montréal. 6 students.
Two classes: the Laser Operator Class and the LSO for Lasershows course at the 2018 LDI trade show in Las Vegas, October 16-17. 10 students for the Laser Operator course, 12 for the LSO course.
Custom course in Tampa, October 10, 2018. 4 students.
Custom course in Fort Lauderdale on August 10, 2018. 3 students
August 8-9 2018 at the South Eastern Laser Enthusiasts Meeting in Newton-Conover, North Carolina. 6 students.
Online LSO course on Monday July 30, 2018 7 pm - approx. 3 am New York time. 1 student.
Custom LSO course in Orlando on July 19, 2018. 3 students. -
2017
Three classes just before the 2017 ILDA Conference in Bratislava. On Sunday, November 5 was the Laser Operator Class and the Advanced Audience Scanning Class. On Monday, November 6 was the Laser Safety Officer class.
Two classes: the Laser Operator Class and the LSO for Lasershows class at the 2017 LDI trade show in Las Vegas, November 15-16, 2017. 5 students for Laser Operator, 13 for LSO.
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2024
Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for Lasershows and Category A course
ILDA’s Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for Lasershows and Category A course is ILDA's main laser safety course. Whether online or in-person, the course is led by a live instructor who presents the material, answers questions, conducts discussions etc. There is no pre-recorded instruction.
It is for persons working in the field of laser light displays, who are responsible for the overall safety of a show. It comprehensively covers lasershow-specific content and safety requirements. It also covers and meets the requirements of the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard.
We suggest that LSO for Lasershows & Cat A students have real-world experience working with light show lasers.
The course instruction takes about 9 hours total. Here's how it breaks down: The first half of the course is about 3 hours of instruction using Zoom, followed by a test that takes about 45 minutes. The second half of the course also has 3 hours of instruction followed by a second test lasting 75 minutes. After all tests have been turned in, the instructor goes over the answers. The total course time is roughly 9 hours. During this time, we will take a 5 minute break every hour, plus one longer 30 minute break for a meal.
Once you register and pay for the course, ILDA will email to each student the course manual link and the Zoom log-in instructions.
As mentioned above, there is a two-part test.
• If you pass the test, you receive a Certificate of Completion stating that you attended the LSO for Lasershows & Cat A course and passed the test. Usually about 85-90% of students pass the test, which has a passing score of 80 out of a possible 110 points.
• If you do not pass the test, you can re-take the course one subsequent time, within 12 months, for free (or for a reduced cost if we are at a location with expenses such as lunch or room rental). Notify ILDA when you are ready to re-take the course.
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What you will learn
COURSE CONTENT:
(1) For user personnel routinely working on or around lasers:
(a) Fundamentals of laser operation (physical principles, construction, etc.)
(i) How laser light differs from, and is more hazardous than, conventional light
(b) Bioeffects of laser light on the eye and skin
(i) History of injuries in laser light shows
(c) Significance of specular and diffuse reflections
(d) Non‑beam hazards of lasers (electrical, chemical, reaction by‑products, etc.)
(e) Laser and laser system classifications
(f) Brief introduction to MPE and NOHD
(g) Control measures
(i) How to recognize failure or breach of the control measures
(ii) Avoiding damage to cameras, video projectors, and LED lighting instruments
(iii) How to anticipate and plan for possible problems
(h) Responsibilities of management, LSOs and laser operator
(i) Medical surveillance practices
(j) The need for CPR training for personnel servicing or working on lasers with exposed high voltages and/or the capability of producing potentially lethal electrical currents
(k) Governmental requirements overview
(l) Coverage of ILDA's Category A Laser Show Standard
(i) How Cat A shows differ from government requirements
(2) For the LSO or other individual responsible for the laser safety program, evaluation of hazards, and implementation of control measures, or any others if directed by management to obtain a thorough knowledge of laser safety:
(a) The topics listed in section (1) above, plus
(i) Irradiance significance
(ii) MPE and NOHD significance and calculations
(iii) ILDA's Category A Laser Show Standard
(iv) ILDA's Basic Principles of Lasershow Safety
(v) Analyzing and lowering beam hazards
(vi) Laser safety standards and organizations
(vii) Governmental regulations
How to fill out U.S. FDA variance forms
New York State regulations
(viii) Hazards of laser light outdoors
How to fill out U.S. FDA outdoor laser operations forms
(ix) Hazards of audience scanning
(x) Types and limitations of power meters
(b) Laser terminology
(c) Types of lasers, wavelengths, pulse shapes, modes, power/energy
(d) Basic radiometric units and measurement devices
(e) MPE levels for eye and skin under all conditions
(f) Laser hazard evaluations, range equations, and other calculations
(3) Technical considerations (Arizona note: ILDA's course does NOT include Intense Pulsed Light or IPL devices. Arizona regulators have stated to ILDA that this is OK for laser show producers and operators, since they do not use IPLs.)
(a) Laser device descriptions
(b) Defnitions
(c) Laser device radiation fundamentals
(d) Laser mediums and types of lasers (includes information regarding diodes and solid, liquid and gas laser devices)
(e) Biological effects of laser light
(f) Damage mechanisms
i. Eye hazard
ii. Skin hazard
iii. Absorption and wavelength effects
iv. Thermal effects
(g) Photo chemistry
(h) Photosensitive medications are NOT covered as this is an IPL consideration
(i) Criteria for setting the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) levels for eye and skin associated hazards
(j) Explosive, electrical and chemical hazards
(k) Fire, ionizing radiation, hazards and other hazards as applicable.-
Meets 4 key requirements
ILDA's LSO for Lasershows course has been designed to meet four key requirements:
ILDA's course meets ANSI Z136.1 "Safe Use of Lasers" LSO training requirements in the areas applicable to laser light shows.
According to ANSI Z136.1, a Laser Safety Officer “has [the] authority and responsibility to monitor and enforce the control of laser hazards and effect the knowledgeable evaluation and control of laser hazards.”
Note that this is not a license. Also, it is not a requirement in most jurisdictions (Arizona excepted) that a LSO must supervise or run a laser show. However, LSO training helps a person understand the various risks of laser use, and how to keep employees and the public safe.
ILDA's course meets Arizona state requirements for Laser Safety Officers. Specifically, Title 9, Chapter 7 of the Arizona Administrative Code lists in Appendix D three main areas which must be covered.
Arizona's top laser regulator has told ILDA that applicants must train on subjects which are applicable to them. ILDA's course covers all areas applicable to laser light shows.
Further, ILDA has been told that it is "sufficient if the registrant can supply the [Arizona Radiation Regulatory] Agency with documentation that the LSO has been taught in these subjects" and "show[s] proof of training in all subjects listed." ILDA's Certificate of Completion provides this proof to all who attend and satisfactorily complete the final course test.
ILDA's course meets the requirements in the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard. As the standard states, "Laser safety training shall cover the laser-related hazards (beam and non-beam) specific to the show or display laser use, and appropriate to the responsibilities of the role of the person being trained."
The Cat A standard then lists 17 topics for LSOs who design or supervise Cat A shows. This course covers these 17 topics, plus an additional seven topics for general LSOs who design or supervise shows more powerful or complex than a Cat A show.
ILDA's course meets the requirement for ILDA Professional (IAPLC) accreditation. For IAPLC, at least one person in the company must have satisfactorily completed a Laser Safety Officer course. (Note that IAPLC also accepts LSO courses from any recognized provider, such as Rockwell Laser Industries and the Laser Institute of America.)
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How to register
Go to the Events page at ILDA's membership database website, to see if the Laser Safety Officer - Lasershows & Cat A course is listed as currently being offered. If so, you can register on that page.
If this course is not listed, you can contact ILDA for alternatives such as a custom course online or in-person.
Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for Category A Laser Shows course
ILDA’s Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for Category A Laser Shows course is for persons producing or operating simplified shows with all beams 6 watts or less, no beams on or near humans, all beams terminated, continuous monitoring by the Laser Operator, and all other requirements listed in the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard,
Whether online or in-person, the Cat A course is led by a live instructor who presents the material, answers questions, conducts discussions etc. There is no pre-recorded instruction.
It is both for people who want to make or run only Cat A shows, and for LSOs or others with light show experience who want to be able to make or run Cat A shows in addition to general laser light shows.
The course instruction takes about 1.5 hours, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for taking the 27-question test.
For in-person courses, you will receive a printed copy of the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard. For online course, once you register and pay, ILDA will email the Zoom log-in instructions.
There is a test.
• If you pass the test, you receive a Certificate of Completion stating that you attended the LSO for Cat A Laser Shows course and passed the test. The certificate states that it is for being LSO for Cat A laser shows only. Usually about 85-90% of students pass the test, which has a passing score of 80 out of a possible 108 points.
• If you do not pass the test, you can re-take the course one subsequent time, within 12 months, for free (or for a reduced cost if we are at a location with expenses such as lunch or room rental.) Notify ILDA when you are ready to re-take the course.
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What you will learn
COURSE CONTENT:
- How laser light differs from, and is more hazardous than, conventional light.
- Bioeffects of laser light on the eye and skin. Pulsed lasers will be mentioned but most emphasis is on continuous wave (CW) laser bioeffects since the Standard only allows use of CW lasers.
- History (number of occurrences) and examples of laser injuries to technicians and audience members at laser light shows.
- Overview of non-beam hazards of lasers (mechanical/falling, electrical).
- Specular and diffuse reflections, and how the hazard levels of the reflections may vary.
- How lasers are classified, and what the Classes are.
- Brief introduction to MPE and NOHD concepts; why they are important.
- Control measures.
- How to recognize failure or breach of the control measures.
- Avoiding damage to cameras, video projectors and LED lighting instruments.
- How to anticipate and plan for possible problems (moving stages/trusses, audience unruliness, equipment being moved, changes to performer positions, etc.)
- Laser safety responsibilities, authority and expectations of the various parties involved, including the Employer, Laser Safety Officer, Laser Operator, Laser Spotter, Laser Personnel, and General Public. Includes chain of command, and reporting requirements when potential hazards develop.
- Governmental regulations and requirements. Includes a discussion of how the ILDA requirements differ from governmental regulations, and what additional steps may be required to make a show that is legal for the jurisdictions (country, state/province, city, etc.) of the laser show.
- Irradiance significance, including the difference between power and irradiance for safety considerations.
- Maximum Permissible Exposure and Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance significance and calculations (for CW lasers).
- Presentation and discussion of the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard, including the requirements of the Standard.
- (Optional) Presentation and discussion of ILDA's Basic Principles of Lasershow Safety.
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Meets ILDA's key requirement
ILDA's LSO for Category A Laser Shows course meets the requirements of the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard.
Note that this is an ILDA-developed standard. At this time, other organizations such as ANSI and U.S. FDA have their own standards or requirements. Specifically, FDA requires all Class 3B and 4 laser shows to have an FDA-approved variance before the show can be set up and presented (as well as other forms such as filing annual reports). If you follow ILDA's Category A requirements, your show will have all safety features required by FDA but to be legal, you still must file variances, annual reports, etc. with FDA.
ILDA's course meets the requirements in the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard. As the standard states, "Laser safety training shall cover the laser-related hazards (beam and non-beam) specific to the show or display laser use, and appropriate to the responsibilities of the role of the person being trained."
The Cat A standard then lists 17 topics for LSOs who design or supervise Cat A shows. This course covers these 17 topics.-
How to register
The Cat A course is usually only taught to groups where most of the registrants already have lasershow and/or LSO experience, such as at the ILDA Conference or the SELEM laser enthusiasts' group. Go to the Events page at ILDA's membership database website, to see if the Laser Safety Officer for Cat A Laser Shows course is listed as currently being offered. If so, you can register on that page.
If this course is not listed, you can contact ILDA for alternatives such as a custom course online or in-person.
Lasershow Operator course
ILDA’s Lasershow Operator course provides a basic overview of laser safety, for those who are operating laser show equipment, or are working around laser shows. It goes over laser safety basics and why it is important to follow procedures set up by the Laser Safety Officer.
This course is actually the first portion of the LSO for Lasershows course. You and the LSO students will go over the same material. You will take the Lasershow Operator test, and then the course will be over for you. (The LSO students will continue for a few more hours and will have an additional test.)
The Lasershow Operator part takes about 4 hours plus there is a 45 minute test. Attendees who pass the test receive a Certificate of Completion.
(The longer LSO course goes into more detail on many of the topics covered in the Laser Operator portion. The LSO course also goes over how to fill out and submit FDA variances and FAA outdoor laser operation forms, and discusses hazards of audience scanning)
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What you will learn
COURSE CONTENT:
(1) Fundamentals of laser operation
(2) How laser light differs from, and is more hazardous than, conventional light
(3) Bioeffects of laser light on eye and skin
(4) History of injuries in laser light shows
(5) Non-beam hazards
(6) Significance of specular and diffuse reflections
(7) Laser and laser system classifications
(8) Brief introduction to MPE and NOHD
(9) Control measures
(10) How to recognize failure or breach of the control measures
(11) Avoiding damage to cameras, video projectors and LED lighting instruments
(12) How to anticipate and plan for possible problems
(13) Responsibilities of management, LSOs and operators
(14) Governmental requirements overview
(15) ILDA's Category A Laser Show Standard
(a) How Cat A shows differ from government requirements
(16) Test — 45 minutes-
Meets 2 key requirements
ILDA's Lasershow Operator course has been designed to meet two key requirements:
ILDA's course meets Arizona state requirements for user personnel routinely working on or around lasers. Specifically, Title 9, Chapter 7 of the Arizona Administrative Code lists in Appendix D the areas which must be covered for such personnel.
Arizona's top laser regulator has told ILDA that applicants must train on subjects which are applicable to them.
Further, ILDA has been told that it is "sufficient if the registrant can supply the [Arizona Radiation Regulatory] Agency with documentation that the LSO has been taught in these subjects" and "show[s] proof of training in all subjects listed." ILDA's Certificate of Completion provides this proof to all who attend and satisfactorily complete the final course test.
ILDA's course meets the requirements in the ILDA Category A Laser Show Standard. As the standard states, "Laser safety training shall cover the laser-related hazards (beam and non-beam) specific to the show or display laser use, and appropriate to the responsibilities of the role of the person being trained."
The Cat A standard then lists 14 topics for Lasershow Operators at Cat A shows. This course covers these 14 topics.-
How to register
Go to the Events page at ILDA's membership database website, to see if the Lasershow Operator course is listed as currently being offered. If so, you can register on that page.
If this course is not listed, you can contact ILDA for alternatives such as a custom course online or in-person.
Photo courtesy Mike Gould
Audience Scanning Safety course
ILDA’s Audience Scanning Safety course covers how to do deliberate audience scanning legally in the U.S., and safely in any jurisdiction.
It is an advanced class. Students should have already taken, and successfully passed, ILDA’s LSO - Lightshows course. If you have not, contact ILDA in advance to see if your prior experience and knowledge qualifies you for the class.
Due to the course requirements, it is not taught online — it is only taught in person. Usually this is given once per year at the annual ILDA Conference. However, it may be given at other times/locations depending on the instructor's schedule, and can be given as a custom course as well.
The course takes about four hours; there is no test at the end. Attendees receive a Certificate of Completion.
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What you will learn
COURSE CONTENT:
(1) Review of laser safety basics
(2) Audience scanning definition
(a) Not intended for direct eye exposure (byproduct of making patterns in and around the audience)
(b) Deliberate exposure only (not after-the-fact accidents)
(c) Only uses continuous-wave lasers (not pulsed lasers)
(d) Only uses visible lasers
(3) Past audience scanning experience
(a) Few reported or claimed accidents from CW lasers
(b) Reasons for so few CW laser injuries
(c) Review of injuries from pulsed lasers
(4) MPE, NOHD and how they relate to audience scanning
(a) Keeping audience exposure below scanning MPE
(b) Techniques to increase apparent beam brightness in the audience
(5) Methods of audience scanning
(a) Inertial scanning
(b) Galvanometer scanning
(6) PASS and similar U.S.-approved methods of audience scanning
(a) Description of U.S. requirements
(b) Using and maintaining PASS-type systems
(7) Making audience scanning measurements
(a) Proper equipment (meters, scopes, etc.)
(b) Proper measuring techniques
(c) Simplified measuring technique (static beam at 4x MPE)
(d) Recording measurements for future needs (regulators, claims, ILDA Awards, etc.)
(8) ILDA’s “Lasershow Safety - Basic Principles”-
How to register
Normally, the Audience Scanning Safety course is only offered once each year, at the ILDA Conference which is usually in November. Go to the Events page at ILDA's membership database website, to see if this course is listed as currently being offered. If so, you can register on that page.
If this course is not listed, you can contact ILDA for alternatives such as a custom course online or in-person.
Lasershow Safety Inspector course/Laser Safety Officer for Supervising Illinois Laser Shows course
ILDA’s Lasershow Safety Inspector course is intended for persons working in live production environments, including concerts, theatrical productions, corporate shows, and special effects. The person is reviewing a laser light display created by another party, to help determine if the show is safe and legal.
Illinois students: A version of this course is offered for Illinois-based students. The material is essentially identical. The title of the Illinois course is Laser Safety Officer for Supervising Illinois Laser Shows. That's because Illinois requires a Laser Safety Officer to supervise laser shows. However, this LSO does not need to know how to create shows, how to fill out FDA and FAA paperwork, etc. — they need to know how to inspect and supervise shows. The remainder of this section applies equally to the Lasershow Safety Inspector course and to the Laser Safety Officer for Supervising Illinois Laser Shows course.
We suggest that Lasershow Safety Inspector students have real-world experience working with live productions. This course will tell you what the legal and safety requirements are for laser light displays, and what you need to look for to help ensure these requirements are met.
The course instruction takes about six hours, followed by a test which you have up to two hours to complete.
• If you pass the test, you receive a Certificate of Completion stating that you attended the Lasershow Safety Inspector course and passed the test.
• If you do not pass the test, you can re-take the course one subsequent time, within 12 months, at a lower fee. (The re-take fee amount varies depending on location.) Notify ILDA when you are ready to re-take the course.
Persons who take this course will NOT be qualified to independently take measurements to determine whether audience scanning is safe. This requires specialized equipment and knowledge which is covered in ILDA's Audience Scanning Safety course. However, the Lasershow Safety Inspector course will discuss the basics of audience scanning safety, including the U.S. regulatory and documentation requirements with which the laser show company must comply.
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What you will learn
COURSE CONTENT:
(1) Training and familiarity in the following areas:
(a) Fundamentals of laser operation (physical principles, construction, etc.)
(b) Familiarity with the type of laser equipment utilized in laser light shows
(c) Bioeffects of laser radiation on the eye and skin
(d) Laser and laser system classifications
(e) Control measures
(f) Non‑beam hazards of lasers (electrical, fall, etc.)
(g) When or if medical surveillance practices are needed
(h) Laser terminology
(i) Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) levels for eye and skin for light show lasers
(j) Overall responsibilities of management, LSO and laser operator
(k) U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and variance requirements
(l) Audience scanning safety and regulations
(m) U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations for outdoor laser displays
(2) Discussion of Illinois Title 32, Part 315 as it applies to entertainment laser shows.
(3) Inspections, historical overview and non-body damage
(a) Overview of a laser safety inspection
(b) Checking documentation and as-performed effects
(c) Who is responsible for laser show safety
(d) Lasershow safety basic principles
(e) What you should look for at a laser show
(1) FDA requirements, general
(2) FDA and FAA special requirements for outdoor shows
(3) FDA special requirements for audience scanning shows
(4) State and local laws
(5) Venue, insurance companies and other interested parties
(f) History of injuries in laser light shows
(g) Preventing camera and video projector damage
Appendix
FDA variance application form
Example FDA variance approval letter
FAA AC-70-1 notice form and worksheet
Outdoor laser show example
Canada notice of proposal
Simple laser safety checklist-
Meets Illinois requirements
ILDA's Lasershow Safety Inspector course has been designed for persons who review the safety of laser show displays in live production environments. It applies to any location.
Additional discussion is given to Illinois state requirements as they apply to entertainment laser shows.
ILDA's course gives attendees basic training in the evaluation and control of laser hazards. Attendees will know basics of laser safety and will evaluate third-party laser show displays for safety and for legal compliance.
Note that if there are detailed questions about the laser show displays, or if there are disagreements with the laser show display company, the course attendee may need to consult a person with more training and experience.
This is similar to the Laser Safety Officer definition in ANSI Z136.1 which states,"The LSO either performs the stated task or ensures that the task is performed” (emphasis added). In this case, course attendees will either evaluate the display for safety and legal compliance, or will ensure that others with more experience do so if necessary.-
Additional Illinois information
The following will be covered in the Lasershow Safety Inspector course. It is presented here as additional information for persons involved with laser light displays in the state of Illinois. (Note that there are other Illinois requirements as well in Title 32, Section 315; we are calling out this requirement for entertainment shows.)
Section 315.140 Additional Requirements for Entertainment Laser Light Show
(a) The operator shall notify the Illinois Emergency Management Agency in writing or facsimile, at least 10 working days in advance of the proposed laser light show, and shall include the following information:
1) Name, address and telephone number of:
A) Laser registrant;
B) Laser safety officer;
C) Individual in charge of the laser light show;
2) The location, time and date of the show;
3) Documentation that a variance has been obtained in accordance with 21 CFR 1040.11 [from U.S. FDA using FDA Form 3147];
4) For outdoor performances, a copy of the notification to the Federal Aviation Administration;
5) Manufacturer, class, wavelength and output power of the laser systems to be used; and
6) Sketches showing the location of the laser systems, operators, performers, laser beam paths, viewing screens, walls, mirror balls and other reflective or diffusive surfaces that may be struck by the laser beam.
(b) The operator shall also supply additional information as may be required by the Agency for the evaluation of the safety of the proposed laser light show.-
How to register
Go to the Events page at ILDA's membership database website, to see if the Lasershow Safety Inspector course is listed as currently being offered. If so, you can register on that page.
If this course is not listed, you can contact ILDA for alternatives. Normally for this course we travel to a city where a union or group of inspectors are, and present the course to a number of students at the same time.
For more information, visit our other ILDA websites:
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Top photo: October 17, 2018 LSO class at the LDI trade show in Las Vegas. Photo by Erin Collopy.