What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laser Safety Officer position at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health?
Overview
Oversees the development, implementation, and management of the healthcare laser safety program at DHMC, Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics, and System Members to ensure compliance with OSHA and the Joint Commission according to ANSI Z136.3 guidelines. This position is responsible for establishing a clear and standardized laser safety program designed to protect patients and personnel from hazardous exposures and enhance the safe delivery of patient care
Responsibilities
- Develops, implements, and maintains a comprehensive laser safety program.
- Acts as the subject matter expert and consultant to DHMC, Clinics and System Members.
- Serves as the primary contact for all internal and external audits, or inspections related to laser safety.
- Standardizes laser policies and procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA, Joint Commission, and ANSI standards.
- Performs program review and annual compliance audits. Defines and implements control measures, including engineering controls, signage, and PPE.
- Maintains a laser inventory including classifications and specifications.
- Oversees the Dartmouth Health System Laser Safety Committee. Through the Committee, the LSO approves purchase, installation, and use of laser systems.
- Oversees the DHMC Laser Safety Committee and creates the quarterly agendas and minutes.
- Oversees vendor management activities.
- Investigates any near misses or laser accidents/injuries.
- Coordinates and creates laser safety training.
- Ensures that each site maintains required documentation including incident reports and training records.
- Participates in Employee Safety and Environment of Care Committees
- Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Qualifications
- Associates degree in related clinical or scientific field, or equivalent years of direct clinical laser safety work experience.
- Minimum 4 years direct experience either using or overseeing lasers or laser safety programs. Hospital or clinical experience is required for this position.
- Must have solid written and verbal communication skills.
- Must have laser safety training and familiarity with different classes of lasers and their associated hazards.
- Must be fluent with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Smartsheet training will be provided.
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- Certification as a Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) or Medical Laser Safety Officer (MLSO). Otherwise, the candidate is expected to take and pass the MLSO training within one year of hire. CLSO certification expected within 3 years.
Required Licensure/Certifications
- None
