The second TALSO meeting was held December 13 and went very well - I regret that some of you could not make it. Special thanks to Gary Parker and GlaxSmithKline for hosting this event. We introduced some new members, reviewed and reaffirmed TALSO's purpose [cultivate a local, informal laser safety mutual support network; the BALSO model], and had some lively discussions on laser safety training and other topics.

We discovered that while some institutions offer no formal laser safety training for users, others require classes ranging from one to three hours, while a third approach is to provide the information on-line - see e.g.:

http://ehs.unc.edu/radiation/laser/default.htm

http://www2.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/EHS/685/power/685%20lasersafety-2001/sld001.htm

http://www.ehs.ukans.edu/radsafe/lasertraining.html

We also discussed a possible project involving filming an experienced laser user conducting an alignment procedure, then incorporating this footage into a training tool.

Finally, we resolved that the next meeting will be held at the EPA "fortress" (hwy 54 & Alexander in RTP) at 2:30 PM on Thursday, February 14, 2002.

Here's the brainstormed list of specific discussion topics for upcoming meetings:

- Actual laser incidents/accidents

- Medical Surveillance (why, whom & how much?)

- Entry way controls for class 4 systems

- Tracking high power diode lasers

- Appropriate fire-proof materials

- Handling multiple wavelength lasers (e.g. TI:Sapphire)

- Release of class 3b & 4 lasers into surplus & unrestricted use