LSO Workshop: University Laser Safety

At the University of Minnesota, there are well over 120 research labs, teaching labs, and clinical spaces in which some form of hazardous laser is operated. When I moved from the physics department to the position of Research Safety Professional within Health, Safety, and Risk Management in 2021, laser safety was primarily in reactive mode. The scope of the program was mainly addressing questions and investigating potential exposures. However, in 2022, I was asked to become the new laser safety officer for the university with the expectation of developing a robust and proactive laser safety program. During this presentation, I will describe why I was deemed suitable for this position and review the creation of the laser safety program from the ground up, including the development of written programs and online training resources. I will also discuss some of the challenges involved when working with diverse groups of researchers at a university and some of the surprises I encountered along the way.

Brian Andersson, MS, ASP, CLSO, is a Research Safety Professional and Certified Laser Safety Officer at the University of Minnesota. As a Research Safety Professional, he conducts annual safety audits of research and teaching labs in the College of Science and Engineering, consults on experimental procedures and chemical handling, and leads the University's fume hood testing and certification program. In his Certified Laser Safety Officer role, he performs annual audits of laser labs and clinical spaces across the University and maintains comprehensive laser safety programs for both research and healthcare.

Previously (2001-2021), Brian served the School of Physics and Astronomy as an Education Program Specialist, where he managed the lecture demonstration facility. During this time, he was also the Department Safety Officer, developing and disseminating training materials covering a wide array of topics specific to physics, including the use of lasers.

Brian holds an M.S. in Physics from the University of Minnesota and is credentialed as a Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) and an Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and has co-authored recent publications on safety culture evolution and vertical safety engagement.