FAQ - Frequently asked questions about laser shows in Switzerland

Class 1 and 2 lasers must be reported in the reporting portal of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) at least 14 days before use. A technical qualification is not required for operation.
Lasers of all other classes (1M, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4) require expert knowledge for use, which must be obtained through training and passing an examination. If the public area is hit by laser radiation, proof of competence level 2 of the operator is always required (confirmation of competence level 1 is sufficient for the operator if a person with proof of competence level 2 has set up the system). If the public area is not affected, the certificate of competence is sufficient (course and passed examination).

The following applies: Class 1M, 2M, 3R, 3B and 4 lasers require the expertise of the operator for events with laser radiation. Appropriate training is mandatory.

All natural persons who have reached the age of 18 (capable of acting according to Article 12-14 of the Civil Code) can be admitted to the training for certification of competence level 1 or level 2 in laser shows according to V-NISSG. Previous knowledge is not required.
Upon registration for the training, each participant will receive a document with instructions for the event as well as a preparatory task that must be completed prior to the training in order to ensure the necessary prerequisites for an efficient course of the training.
Persons who cannot be admitted to the examination for the certificate of competence level 2 are not admitted to the training.

The training to become a laser safety officer in Germany differs not only insignificantly from the required training according to V-NISSG in Switzerland. Therefore, the training to become a laser safety officer in Switzerland is not recognised for the performance of laser shows. With the validity of the V-NISSG, either a certificate of competence level 1 or level 2 must be available if lasers of class 1M, 2M, 3R, 3B or 4 are used for events with an audience.

The training for the certificate of competence level 1 according to V-NISSG lasts 1 day, the examination takes place on the same day.
The training for the certificate of competence level 2 lasts 4 days with the practical examination on an additional day.

Yes. The V-NISSG does not differentiate and does not assess prior experience. The rule is: No laser show without certified expertise.
Of course, previous experience helps with the training, and the examination should not be a problem anyway.

The maximum number of participants for the courses for the certificate of competence is 10 persons.
The maximum number of participants for the courses for the certificate of competence is 8 persons.

You do not need to bring any additional materials with you for the training to confirm your expertise.
As part of the training, a show laser system and a corresponding control unit are provided to complete both the practical training and the examination. In order to be able to operate the system accordingly, you will receive corresponding preparation documents with your registration, which you should work through in advance.

For the training courses for the certificate of competence, you should bring a version of the SN EN 60825-1 standard as well as a calculator, a geo-triangle and writing materials. You can also bring your own laser system and your own control solution, provided you can use them independently.
As part of the training, a show laser system and a corresponding control system will be provided in order to complete both the practical training and the examination. In order to be able to operate the system accordingly, you will receive corresponding preparation documents with your registration, which you should work through in advance. The practical examination must be completed on a system provided by the training centre.

YES! The training courses and examinations are recognised by the FOPH and listed in the EDI-V. The examining body is Laserworld (Switzerland) AG.

In the past, it was common practice to use a cover-up operator for lasers, especially for international productions where the production company brought the laser operator with them. In this way, a professionally trained person was "placed next to" the laser, but the foreign operator operated the laser.
This practice is not permitted under the O-NISRA! The actual operator of the system must at least have a certificate of competence.

Yes, and a very high proportion of 50-60% of the total training. This ensures that the actual application in the show can be done safely and that the material is also technically mastered.

Yes, there is a theoretical and a practical examination for both the training for the certificate of competence and the certificate of competence. In terms of the proportionate scope, these are comparable to the training parts.

Yes, that is quite possible. However, there is then the possibility of repeating it within an appropriate framework:

If a participant has passed the practical part but not the theoretical part, he or she can attend the theoretical part of the training again at another training date and then sit for the theoretical examination again. In this case, the practical part as well as the practical examination do not have to be taken again.

If a participant has not passed both parts, he/she must repeat the training. The training provider reserves the right to impose separate requirements on repeaters for the preparation prior to admission to repeated attendance of a training course.

There is no specific time limit with regard to a repeat attempt, but a repeat attempt is not permitted on the same day as the failure. Each part of the examination may be repeated a maximum of two times in case of failure. Exceptions are possible on application.

If the candidate fails a part of the examination, he/she may discuss the results with the examination expert.

No. Due to the complexity of the subject matter and the requirements with an extensive practical training part, an online course is not possible. However, some parts of the training must be prepared in advance of the classroom training in order to ensure that all participants have the same level of knowledge. You will receive information on this after registration.