Who is a person within a shop or flight responsible for supporting organization/unit commanders on laser and optical radiation safety program issues?

• A. BE Program Manager
• B. Installation LSO
• C. Unit LSO
• D. Safety Officer

Answer: (C)

In laser safety programs, the person embedded in a shop or flight who advises the unit commander on laser and optical radiation issues is the Unit Laser Safety Officer. This role focuses on the specific hazards, procedures, and controls for that unit’s work, making safety recommendations, reviewing tasks that involve lasers, and ensuring proper training, protective equipment, and engineering or administrative controls are in place. The Unit LSO also coordinates with the Installation Laser Safety Officer for policy direction and broader oversight, while tailoring implementation to the unit’s mission and environment.

The other roles operate at different levels: the Installation LSO oversees the entire installation’s laser safety program, the BE Program Manager handles broader bioenvironmental safety programs, and a Safety Officer generally covers overall safety without focusing specifically on laser safety program management.