FEATURED ARTICLE Achieving Success With a BLS Certification
BY BETSY MARONE The Board of Laser Safety (BLS®
) – a nonprofit organization
affiliated with Laser Institute of America (LIA) – was tasked with the development and sustainment of a program that establishes a nationally-recognized level of competence and expertise in the field of laser safety. The BLS first created the Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) program. Upon completion of this program, Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) prove their comprehensive knowledge of laser safety, which designates them as experts in their field. The BLS later developed the Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO) program, through which individuals are recognized as knowledgeable experts in the evaluation and control of laser hazards under the unique conditions found in the medical arena.
In an ever-changing job market, a BLS certification offers immense benefits. Faster and more cost-effective than returning to school for an additional degree, this certification enables individuals to receive a recognizable and respected credential. Certification also improves one’s competitive edge in the industry. Adding a higher level of credibility to experience earned on the job, certification helps individuals stand out from other job candidates. The combination of laser safety experience and certification shows current and potential employers that these candidates are accomplished and qualified in this challenging field.
Greta Toncheva had first-hand experience with this, as she worked to become a CLSO after earning her degrees in Bulgaria and working at Duke University for 10 years. Following her work experience in assembling detectors for the Transition Radiation Tracker in the beam line of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Switzerland and then as a member of Duke Radiation Safety Group, Greta was hired to be the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) LSO.
Greta’s rewarding work at LBNL includes helping staff
researchers, visiting researchers and young graduate and post- doctoral fellows, and educating them on the laboratory’s high safety standards. Greta enjoys playing a role in the success these researchers achieve in the end. While the combination of her laser safety experience and certification continuously sets Greta apart in the field, she finds that the certification adds to her credibility among fellow professionals, who respect her as an expert.
In addition to a competitive edge, a leading advantage of a BLS certification is the increase in job security it affords. No matter the state of the economy, laser safety is an integral component to companies’ successes. Although budget cuts may call for the termination of certain positions, managers may be more likely to retain the certified professionals whose specialized skills, such as laser safety, are an asset to their company.
CLSOs and CMLSOs also provide companies with examples of their adherence to the regulations enacted by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Since OSHA requires employers to provide safe working environments, having CLSOs and CMLSOs on staff demonstrates the company’s dedication to the high safety standards expected in laser safety programs.
This job security can also give way to enhanced opportunities for advancement and increased earnings. With the extensive knowledge and the respect the certification affords, CLSOs are prepared to pursue any future employment opportunities that may arise. Jodi Ploquin, an experienced CLSO, exemplifies this, as she has seized presented opportunities throughout her career. Currently a consultant with Krivonosov Risk Management Consultants Inc. (KRMC), Jodi is a Medical Health Physicist and Certified Laser Safety Officer with expertise in laser safety, laser radiation safety, nuclear security and system reviews following adverse events.
While working at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre as the Radiation Safety Officer, the Provincial Radiation Safety Officer asked if she would be interested in being the Provincial Laser Safety Officer for the Alberta Cancer Board. At this time, although Class 3B and 4 lasers were being utilized, there was no in-house Laser Safety Officer. To fill this void, Jodi took her LSO training and examination to earn her certification. Five years later, Jodi became a Medical Health Physicist at the Ottawa Hospital but quickly learned that the hospital lacked a formalized laser safety program. After conducting a gap analysis, developing a strategic plan for the program’s implementation and presenting it to senior leadership, Jodi’s department was awarded the necessary authority and resources to make the program a reality. Jodi worked as Laser Safety Officer in this new program for five years before she was asked to use her expertise to establish the Calgary Office of KRMC in order to extend laser and radiation safety services to Western Canada. The important work Jodi has completed as a consultant has led to the continuous growth and success of her career.
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LIATODAY FOCUS: LASER SAFETY MAY/JUNE 2016
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