Press information To download a 250 pixel wide low-res image for web use or a 300dpi print quality image, go to www.parkfield.co.uk/fia FIA Member Lucid announces the world's first recognised laser safety qualification Released 21 May 2004 Fibreoptic Industry Association member, Lucid Optical Services, whose Technical Director, John Colton, serves on the FIA Council as Director of Training, has gained accreditation for its 'Laser Safety Introduction' course. Aimed at all users of laser equipment, the course is believed to be the UK's first nationally recognised laser safety qualification. It has been accredited by the Open College Network (OCN), an awarding body licensed by the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), at level 2 of the national qualifications framework (NQF), roughly equivalent to an O' level pass at grade A, B or C. Lucid is now planning to submit further laser safety courses, including a higher level course on the management and implementation of laser safety, for accreditation as national qualifications. Lucid, a training company specialising in fibre optics, photonics and related technologies, believe that this accreditation makes it the first organisation in the UK to gain nationally recognised status for a laser safety course. Further, it is highly probable that Lucid has gained a world first as it knows of no other organisation worldwide that has achieved national recognition for a laser safety qualification. Lucid is a City & Guilds approved training centre, a founder member of the UK Photonics Cluster, a member of FOToN UK, a member of TROCN (Regional Open College Network) and a member of the FIA. Senior Lucid staff are very active in the fibre world: John Colton, in addition to his role within the FIA, is an invited member of the UK National Advisory Council for ICT, and Dr Neil Haigh, Senior Consultant at Lucid, is chairman of the UK Fibre Optic Technology Network (FOToN), run in the UK by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). *** Ends: body copy 283 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: FIA contact: Jane Morrison Fibreoptic Industry Association The Manor House Buntingford SG9 9AB tel: 01763 273039 fax: 01763 273255 jane@fiasec.demon.co.uk www.fibreoptic.org.uk Lucid contact: John Colton Lucid Optical Services Garside Sedburgh LA10 5PE tel: 01539 621219 fax: 01539 621205 john@lucidos.co.uk Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Communications Limited Parkfield House Damerham SP6 3HQ tel: 01725 518321 fax: 01725 518378 nigel.may@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk The Fibreoptic Industry Association represents more than 80% of UK companies involved in the manufacture or installation of fibre optic components and systems for voice and data communications. The Association provides advice to end-users, runs training and qualification services for its members, contributes to the development of national and international standards and generally represents the interests of the fibre industry. Its web site, www.fibreoptic.org.uk provides a free online reference service to all visitors.