Writing Your First DSR
A practical walkthrough of the Display Safety Record — what goes in each section and common mistakes.
The Display Safety Record (DSR) is the single most important document in your laser operation. It proves you assessed the hazards, designed appropriate controls, and verified they work. If something goes wrong, the DSR is the first thing a regulator, insurer, or court will ask for.
Start with the equipment section. List every projector: make, model, serial number, laser class, maximum power per wavelength, and SFS type/response time. Include the controller software and version. If you rent equipment, get these details from the rental company before the event — not on-site.
The venue section should reference your venue assessment. Include a venue plan showing projector positions, beam paths, zone boundaries, audience areas, access points, reflective surfaces, and beam termination points. Measurements are essential — 'projector is high enough' is not acceptable. 'Projector at 5.2 m on overhead truss, minimum beam height 4.8 m at closest audience point (1.2 m horizontal from stage edge)' is.
The hazard analysis section works through every hazard systematically — not just beam hazards. Use the hierarchy: beam hazards (direct, specular, diffuse), then electrical, fire, atmospheric, crowd, structural. For each hazard, state the control measure and reference the standard clause.
Exposure assessment is where your calculations go. Show your working: beam parameters, the limit used for each group, exposure measurements, safeguard response time and tests, and how the beams meet the limit. If you're doing audience scanning, this section needs to be detailed and precise — it's the most scrutinised part of any DSR review.
The personnel section lists the LSO (you), the Responsible Person, and the LPA reviewer (if required). Include your qualifications and contact details. The operator(s) should be named with their training status.
Finally, the contingency plan: what you'll do if a scanner fails, if the software crashes, if someone enters a zone, if there's a power failure. Each scenario needs a specific response, not just 'hit the E-stop'. The LSO, operator, and key crew should all know the contingency plan before the show.
Quick tips
- •Write the DSR before you arrive at the venue — the venue assessment fills in the details
- •Use a template and customise it for each event — starting from scratch every time leads to omissions
- •Include photos in the venue section — a picture of the reflective pillar is worth more than a description
- •Version-control your DSR — if conditions change during setup, update it and note the revision
- •Keep DSRs for at least 5 years — they're your evidence trail
Want to learn more? The LSO Certification course covers this topic in depth with interactive exercises, quizzes, and a final exam. Module 1 is free to preview.