1/13/09

Laser Safety Officer Writes Book, Wins Education Award

As Berkeley Lab’s laser safety officer, Ken Barat evaluates the set-up of lasers, monitors controls, and provides training. Wanting to share his knowledge with laser users and safety professionals, Barat recently edited a book called “Laser Safety: Tools and Training.” “Previous books have followed a predictable pattern: defining a laser and its biological effects, necessary eyewear, accident cases, non-beam hazards, and laser classification,” explains Barat. “My book provides more practical, hands-on guidance.”

Barat’s outreach efforts have not gone unnoticed. He recently received the 2009 “R. James Rockwell Jr. Educational Achievement Award” from the Laser Institute of America (LIA).

Asked to describe his passion for laser safety, Barat says: "Too many people involved in safety act as policeman rather than finding successful ways to comply with rules and work safely while still getting their job done. To me safety should be a cooperative effort.”