LIA - The Laser Institute (formerly Laser Industry Association, later Laser Institute of America, commonly referred to as LIA) is an international professional society with a focus on laser applications and laser safety. LIA was founded on February 7, 1968, as the Laser Industry Association, and acts as secretariat to the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) Z136, which develops and maintains the Z136 series of laser safety standards. LIA is publisher of these American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 laser safety standards, which provide the foundation of laser safety programs nationally.
LIA is also the publisher of the Journal of Laser Applications and is the organizer of several large international conferences related to laser use and laser safety.
The Board of Laser Safety, a part of LIA, develops and administers the professional certification of Certified Laser Safety Officers (CLSO) and Certified Medical Laser Safety Officers (CMLSO).
History
In 1967, the 90th US Congress Subcommittee on Public Health and Welfare of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce held multiple hearings (August 14, September 28, and October 5, 11 and 17) on electronic product radiation control. Those hearings led to the passage of the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act in 1968. Shortly after the passage of this bill, the US Army created a special joint medical research team at Frankford Arsenal (Philadelphia) known as the Joint Laser Safety Team to study laser biological effects. By the end of 1968, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) had issued guidance on exposure limits and the State of Illinois had produced the first state regulation on laser systems. With these developments, the industry was concerned of needless government regulations. and as a result, the Laser Industry Association (LIA) was formed.
LIA was founded on as the Laser Industry Association by industry pioneers including Theodore Maiman and Arthur Leonard Schawlow. LIA's founders developed the LIA with many objectives, including: Assist the establishment of laser health and safety standards. Activate and direct procedures to establish adequate legislation and formulate legislative relations at the national, international, State and local levels. Educate and formulate a proper image of the laser industry by means of public relations, especially in the areas of laser applications and safety. Act as a focal point for inquiries related to the laser industry and a means of communication between various disciplines, including the organizations engaged in laser technologies, organizations which are interested in learning of laser technology, and government agencies. Act as an agency to establish laser standards, definitions, methods of measurements, and the like.
The LIA would rename to Laser Institute of America in 1972 with the following objectives: To disseminate laser-related information and data in publications and symposia. To promote, conduct and sponsor/co-sponsor events related to laser subjects. To develop and present short courses, programs and curricula for training. To act as a focal point for collecting and disseminating data, inquiries and statistics regarding the laser community with regards to applications, safety, research and development. To act as a liaison with other organizations in the advancement of laser technology. To assist federal and state government agencies to enact legislation relating to the safety of laser products.
Former Names
The organization was founded as Laser Industry Association in 1968. In 1972, the organization was renamed Laser Institute of America.