The TALSO [Triangle Area Laser Safety Officers] group met on July 29 at GSK's Research Triangle Park site.  Special thanks to Dan Sullivan and GlaxoSmithKline for hosting this event.

I. Review notes from March 11 Meeting
- Action: BE to post ANSI-spec warning sign WORD template on TALSO site; DONE
- Discussion item: Laser Safety Listserve http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lasersafetyforum/; TALSO members are encouraged to join this group; currently not much traffic, so it won't flood your e-mail inbox.

II. Presentation: Master's Project - "LGAC Measurement Results in Health Care Laser Setting" [G. Nguyen]
Ms. Nguyen shared results from her recently-completed study measuring particulates, formaldehyde, CO & CO₂ during various CO₂ laser medical procedures.  While she cautioned that her data was preliminary and that her methods lacked definitive rigor, her measurement results indicated that when operators forgot to employ proper local exhaust ventilation, staff could potentially exceed ACGIH's formaldehyde TLV.  Also, her experience anecdotally illustrated the irritating and potentially disruptive effects of these LGACs on operating room personnel.  She concluded with recommendations for further research.
- Congratulations to Giao on completing her MS degree!

III. Presentation: "How Ben Studied for and Passed the CLSO Exam" [B. Edwards]
Mr. Edwards shared his secret formula for passing the CLSO exam (basically, he studied a lot).  He also noted the benefits of having completed this course of study, and encouraged other laser safety professionals to do so as well.  Mr. Hitchcock also supported this suggestion.

IV. Book Review: Henderson & Schulmeister's new "Laser Safety" [Philadelphia; Institute of Physics Publishing, 2004]
Mr. Edwards observed that this new laser safety text is very well written, referenced, and indexed.  Among other things, the international perspective, illustration of the approximate nature of geometric optics, excellent material on the emerging issue of high powered LEDs, and interesting Appendix on "common misunderstandings" make this text a valuable addition to any laser safety professional's library.  We predict it will become a fundamental LS text, right along Sliney & Wolbarsht! (Mr. Edwards has no financial interest in this text and received no compensation for this endorsement...)

V. "Laser Safety Datasheet [LSD]" Mr. Edwards displayed this poster by Sturchio et al, which was presented at the 49th Annual Health Physics Society Meeting, July 11-15, 2004.

VI. Any other business
- Upcoming Event Noted: Dan Sprau will celebrate three years as TALSO President on October 1, 2004
- Noted recent laser eye injury at LANL
Action: BE e-mail group with available information [DONE]

VII. Schedule next meeting
RESOLVED: Next meeting will be held at 2:30 PM on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2004 at GSK; thanks again to Dan Sullivan and GlaxoSmithKline for their critical support in hosting these meetings.  Any suggestions on how to properly observe President Sprau's "Three Year Commemorative Jubilee" are welcome.

Thank you again for your interest.  See you October 14, 2004!