Get trained in laser safety
The use of laser equipment requires strict risk management and an understanding of the associated hazards in order to implement the necessary safety measures.
The Photonics France Optical and Laser Safety certification guarantees that training programs comply with the standards set by CoNSOL, ensures the traceability of your training, and recognizes personnel trained by members of the Photonics France federation.
Identify your risks to better protect your employees
Identifying specific laser hazards in your workplace is essential. Whether you handle laser equipment for industrial, scientific, or medical applications (ophthalmology, dermatology), it is crucial to train your teams to ensure their safety.
The commission has established a training framework designed to meet the requirements of laser safety regulations. These training programs are tailored to the different profiles and skill levels of your employees, based on their exposure to risks.
Ask the Photonics France certification to ensure the quality of your training programs
The Photonics France certification is a mark of quality. By working with a certified organization, you can be sure that your teams’ training meets the highest safety standards, in compliance with current regulations. It is required by leading French companies.
CoNSOL (National Commission for Optical and Laser Safety) is an expert commission on optical safety, led by Photonics France. It brings together training organizations, companies, and researchers.
For the past 10 years, CoNSOL has been actively involved in the development of regulations and standards for optical and laser safety.
Our trainers and CoNSOL-certified organizations are recognized experts, ready to meet your specific needs.
Our accredited training organizations
The CoNSOL label guarantees that you are working with a training organization certified by Photonics France, capable of providing services that meet our quality standards.
Laser Safety Training Guidelines
The National Commission for Optical and Laser Safety has established a training framework designed to comply with laser safety regulations.
Each training level has a specific designation and curriculum, which are guaranteed by trainers and training organizations accredited by CoNSOL.
1. Person Trained in laser safety
People working in the vicinity of laser equipment who are not exposed to radiation levels exceeding the exposure limit value.
Authorized classes: Class 1; Class 1M; Class 2; Class 2M
See the classification of laser classes (fr).
Examples: automated machine operators, facility maintenance staff, etc.
2. Person Exposed to Laser Hazards
Persons working in the vicinity of laser equipment and exposed to radiation levels exceeding the exposure limit value.
Persons working in a controlled laser hazard zone, in accordance with a procedure validated by a qualified person.
Authorized classes: all classes.
This person is responsible for their own safety.
Example: Laser machine maintenance supervisor, operating room staff.
3. Key Contact for Laser Safety
This training course is aimed at organisations operating Class 3R, 3B or 4 laser equipment, which are subject to the regulatory requirement to appoint a Laser Safety Officer in accordance with the requirements of the Labour Code.
It aims to:
- Assess and manage risks: acquire the necessary skills to analyse situations involving exposure to risk.
- Implement appropriate prevention and protection measures to ensure the safety of staff working on site.
The calculation and specification of protective equipment must be validated by a Competent Person in Laser Safety (PCSL).
This person is responsible for ensuring the safety of the workstation and its surroundings.
Authorised classes: all classes.
Example: manager of manual operations (welding, etching…).
This course enables participants to progress to Laser Safety Officer status by undertaking additional training (see below).
4. Laser Safety Officer
Individuals working with laser equipment who are exposed to radiation levels exceeding the maximum permissible exposure limit when handling the beam.
Individuals working in a controlled laser hazard zone who are involved in:
- assessing the risks faced by workers operating near laser machines or equipment;
- in the implementation on-site of all measures necessary to ensure the health and safety of workers working near laser machines, systems, or devices;
- in the continuous improvement of risk prevention based on the analysis of work situations.
The Laser Safety Officer designated by the facility manager may provide training/information to Persons Trained on Laser Safety. This level of training complies with Art. R.4452-21 of the Labor Code.
Authorized classes: all classes.
Person responsible for their own safety and that of others.
Example: physician, laser manufacturing technician/engineer, laser maintenance technician/engineer, laser facility supervisor …
Supplement to the Key Contact for Laser Safety training course: this optional supplementary module, lasting 1.5 days (10.5 hours), may be undertaken alongside the Key Contact for Laser Safety course or as a follow-up within 12 months. This module must be fully refreshed within 5 years in order to maintain the Laser Safety Officer status.
See more
Visit our page dedicated to the National Commission for Optical and Laser Safety (CoNSOL) or contact our laser safety training coordinator.
