Laser Safety: IREPA LASER Updates Its RSL and PCSL Training Programmes for 2027
In 2027, IREPA LASER's laser safety training courses are evolving in line with the new CoNSOL framework established by Photonics France. Key developments include a new Laser Safety Officer (RSL) training course, an enhanced Competent Person in Laser Safety (PCSL) training programme, and greater flexibility to help professionals responsible for laser risk prevention develop their skills.
Laser safety: different responsibilities require specific skills
In industry, laser risk prevention goes beyond simply following safety instructions.
Identifying hazards associated with laser installations, assessing risks, selecting appropriate protective measures and establishing safe operating procedures all require specific knowledge and expertise.
Depending on their responsibilities, professionals need different levels of competence, ranging from managing risks at their workstation to conducting in-depth safety assessments of laser installations.
To support this progression, IREPA LASER is updating its training offering in 2027, in accordance with the new CoNSOL framework established by Photonics France.
New for 2027: Laser Safety Officer (RSL) training
The main new development is the introduction of a Laser Safety Officer (RSL – Level 3) training course, positioned between the Person Exposed to Laser Risks (PERL) and Competent Person in Laser Safety (PCSL) training programmes.
Compliant with the CoNSOL framework established by Photonics France, this course is designed for professionals responsible for organising and overseeing laser risk prevention in the workplace.
Lasting 2 days (14 hours), the training enables participants to:
- Identify and assess risks associated with Class 1 to Class 4 laser installations
- Analyse safety conditions on laser installations
- Adapt protective and preventive measures
- Implement the necessary protective measures during interventions
- Apply relevant regulations
- Ensure their own safety and that of those around them
This training represents a key step in structuring laser risk prevention before progressing to the more advanced technical assessments covered by the PCSL programme.
PCSL training: an enhanced programme for 2027
Another significant development is the update to the Competent Person in Laser Safety (PCSL) training programme in 2027.
The updated programme places greater emphasis on laser safety calculations, particularly:
- ELVs (Exposure Limit Values): more advanced calculations relating to exposure to laser radiation;
- AELs (Accessible Emission Limits): detailed calculations used to characterise laser emissions;
- PPE and CPE (Personal and Collective Protective Equipment): more advanced calculations required to determine appropriate individual and collective protective measures.
To incorporate these developments, the duration of the PCSL training course is increasing from 3 to 3.5 days, representing a total of 24.5 hours.
The objective is to enable participants to strengthen their expertise in risk assessment and the selection of appropriate protective measures for laser installations.
A more flexible training pathway: RSL + PCSL complementary module
To accommodate different professional needs and responsibilities, IREPA LASER now offers two pathways to achieve PCSL-level competence:
- A complete 3.5-day PCSL training programme, covering all the required skills;
- A progressive two-stage pathway: 2 days of RSL training followed by a 1.5-day PCSL complementary module.
This approach allows professionals to develop their skills progressively, from the operational management of laser risk prevention to advanced safety calculations and assessments.
It also provides companies with greater flexibility when planning and organising their teams' skills development.
Training courses tailored to different levels of responsibility
With these developments, IREPA LASER offers a structured training pathway covering several levels of competence:
- PISL – Person Informed about Laser Safety (Level 1): understand fundamental laser risks and prevention guidelines;
- PERL – Person Exposed to Laser Risks (Level 2): understand and manage laser risks and protective measures in the workplace;
- RSL – Laser Safety Officer (Level 3): organise risk prevention, assess hazards and establish safety procedures;
- PCSL – Competent Person in Laser Safety (Level 4): conduct in-depth safety assessments and calculations to determine appropriate protective measures.
These training pathways are designed to meet the needs of operators, technicians, maintenance managers, risk prevention specialists, HSE managers and professionals responsible for the safety of laser installations.
Plan your laser safety training for 2027
With over 40 years of expertise in industrial laser technologies, IREPA LASER supports companies in managing the risks associated with their laser equipment and applications.
The RSL and PCSL training programmes are evolving in 2027 to comply with the new CoNSOL framework established by Photonics France, while offering flexible pathways tailored to professionals' responsibilities and needs.
Are you looking to train a Laser Safety Officer, strengthen your teams' expertise or organise a progressive training pathway towards PCSL-level competence?
