ABSTRACT: Harmonizing laser safety courses from different providers, to improve consistency and quality
This presentation examines the process by which laser safety professionals developed a common set of knowledge expectations for courses taught to prospective LSOs and operators in the laser show and display sector.
In March 2025, two harmonization meetings at the International Laser Safety Conference in Orlando brought together 17 stakeholders to address inconsistencies in training content and course rigor.
A key driver was the growing number of LSO courses with widely varying rigor, ranging from as little as one to two hours to more comprehensive programs lasting nine hours, creating potential gaps in knowledge and practice. This variability, combined with the unique aspects of laser show operations—such as the risks of Class 3B and 4 beams near or on audiences and specialized regulatory requirements—underscored the need for dedicated, lasershow-specific content.
To prepare for the meetings, a 31-page background document summarizing regulations, standards, and industry practices was distributed in advance.
At ILSC, participants then used a structured, spreadsheet-based process to evaluate 60 potential training topics, ranking them from “Not required” to “Essential” to identify core, advanced, and role-specific competencies. The result was a set of recommended topics and guidelines covering LSO and operator training, advanced subjects, course structure, testing procedures, refresher expectations, and potential certification pathways, including consideration of Board of Laser Safety certification for light shows and displays.
The principles are applicable to any specialized laser field seeking to promote common knowledge and consistent competency.
In March 2025, two harmonization meetings at the International Laser Safety Conference in Orlando brought together 17 stakeholders to address inconsistencies in training content and course rigor.
A key driver was the growing number of LSO courses with widely varying rigor, ranging from as little as one to two hours to more comprehensive programs lasting nine hours, creating potential gaps in knowledge and practice. This variability, combined with the unique aspects of laser show operations—such as the risks of Class 3B and 4 beams near or on audiences and specialized regulatory requirements—underscored the need for dedicated, lasershow-specific content.
To prepare for the meetings, a 31-page background document summarizing regulations, standards, and industry practices was distributed in advance.
At ILSC, participants then used a structured, spreadsheet-based process to evaluate 60 potential training topics, ranking them from “Not required” to “Essential” to identify core, advanced, and role-specific competencies. The result was a set of recommended topics and guidelines covering LSO and operator training, advanced subjects, course structure, testing procedures, refresher expectations, and potential certification pathways, including consideration of Board of Laser Safety certification for light shows and displays.
The principles are applicable to any specialized laser field seeking to promote common knowledge and consistent competency.
BIO: Patrick Murphy
Patrick Murphy is executive director of the International Laser Display Association. He is the instructor for ILDA's Laser Safety Officer for Lightshow course; over 700 persons have successfully passed the 2-hour test and received a Certificate of Completion. Murphy is a member of ASC Z136.1, Z136.6 and Z136.10. He served on FDA's Technical Electronic Product Radiation Safety Standards Committee, which advises FDA on changes in laser and radiation safety proposals. He serves on two SAE laser/aviation safety committees, and has helped FAA write their outdoor laser procedures. Since 1997 he has presented papers at each biennial International Laser Safety Conference.
