DOE G 420.2-1, Accelerator Facility Safety Implementation Guide for DOE O 420.2B, Safety of Accelerator Facilities
Functional areas: Facility Authorization
This document is an aid to understanding and meeting the requirements of DOE O 420.2B, Safety of Accelerator Facilities, dated 7/23/04. It does not impose requirements beyond those stated in that Order or any other DOE Order. No cancellation.
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Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
www.directives.doe.gov Office of Science
DOE G 420.2-1
7-1-05
Accelerator Facility Safety
Implementation Guide
for
DOE O 420.2B, SAFETY OF
ACCELERATOR FACILITIES
[This Guide describes suggested nonmandatory approaches for meeting requirements.
Guides are not requirements documents and are not to be construed as requirements in
any audit or appraisal for compliance with the parent Policy, Order, Notice, or Manual.]
U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, D.C. 20585
NOT
MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE
DOE G 420.2-1 i (and ii)
7-1-05
This document is an aid to understanding and meeting the requirements of DOE O 420.2B,
Safety of Accelerator Facilities (7/23/04). It does not impose requirements beyond those stated
in that Order or any other DOE Order. An accelerator safety program may not need to fully
implement all sections of this guidance to satisfy the requirements of DOE O 420.2B; a tailored
approach, based on the complexity of the accelerator facility, can be used when applying this
document. The Guidance is not intended as an audit/assessment tool and should not be used as
such without prior agreement between the contractor and DOE.
DOE G 420.2-1 iii
7-1-05
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acronyms vii
Definitions ix
Foreword xi
I. Introduction 1
A. Integrated Safety Management and Accelerator Facility Operations 1
B. Application of Exclusions in the Accelerator Safety Order 2
C. Tailored Application of DOE O 420.2B 3
D. Tailoring Through Facility Modularization 4
II. Implementation of the Accelerator Safety Order 6
A. Accelerator Facility Preoperational Activities 6
1. Safety Assessment Document (SAD) 6
a. Purpose of the SAD 6
b. General Considerations 6
c. SAD Content and Format 8
d. SAD/ASE Review and Approval Process 14
2. Accelerator Shielding Assessments 14
a. Shielding Policy 14
b. Shielding Assessment Preparation 15
c. Shielding Assessment Review Process 16
3. Accelerator Safety Envelope (ASE) 16
a. ASE Preparation 16
b. ASE Approval 18
c. Oversight of ASE 19
4. Accelerator Readiness Review (ARR) 20
a. DOE and Contractor Commissioning Roles 20
b. Accelerator Commissioning Process 22
c. Unreviewed Safety Issue (USI) 23
5. Procedures 23
a. Preparation of Procedures 23
b. Implementation of Procedures 24
c. Control of Procedures 24
6. Training and Qualification of Personnel 25
a. Development of Training Program 25
b. Training and Qualification Records 25
B. Accelerator Facility Operations Activities 26
iv DOE G 420.2-1
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CONTENTS (continued)
1. Operational Planning and Procedures 27
a. Organization and Administration 27
b. Operational Practices and Control Room Activities 27
c. Non-Routine Conditions 28
d. SAD Maintenance 28
e. Access Control 28
f. Communications 29
g. Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO) 29
Section 2
h. Maintenance 30
i. Shutdown 30
2. Training and Qualification of Personnel 30
a. Training Program Requirements 30
b. Accelerator Facility Experimental Users 32
3. Systems Important to Accelerator Safety 34
a. Beam-Interlock System for Preventing Personnel Exposure 34
b. Cryogenic and Oxygen-Deficiency Hazards 38
c. Electrical Safety 39
d. Fire Protection and Life-Safety Systems 40
e. Natural Phenomena 40
f. Radiation Protection for Workers, the Public, and
the Environment 41
g. Non-Ionizing Radiation 41
4. Experimental Activities 43
a. General Considerations 43
b. Electrical Safety 44
c. Flammable and Non-Flammable Compressed Gas Safety 45
d. Cryogenic Safety 46
e. Special-Materials Safety 46
f. Configuration Control 46
5. Continuous Improvement and Feedback 46
a. Safety Review Process 46
b. Unreviewed Safety Issue 48
c. Lessons Learned 49
C. Accelerator Facility Post-Operations 49
1. Post-Operations Planning Activities 49
a. Post-Operations Plans 49
DOE G 420.2-1 v (and vi)
7-1-05
CONTENTS (continued)
b. Revisions to the ASE 50
c. Project and Task-Specific Hazards and Controls 50
d. Plan Modularization 51
e. Identification of Legal and Other Documents 51
f. Identification of Records 51
2. Concurrent Operations 52
3. Completion of Post-Operations 53
a. Long-Term Records Retention 53
b. Final Verification 53
Appendix A Bibliography of Useful Standard Hazard and Risk Analyses Methods A-1
DOE G 420.2-1 vii
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ACRONYMS
ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
AED Automatic External Defibrillator
ALARA As Low as Reasonably Achievable
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ARR Accelerator Readiness Review
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASE Accelerator Safety Envelope
ASO Accelerator Safety Order (DOE O 420.2B or successor)
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CGA Compressed Gas Association
CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CSO Cognizant Secretarial Officer
DOE Department of Energy
EG Evaluation Guideline
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ERPG Emergency Response Planning Guideline
ES&H Environment, Safety & Health
FHA Fire Hazard Analysis
ISM Integrated Safety Management
ISO International Organization for Standardization
LED Light Emitting Diode
LO/TO Lockout/Tagout Procedures
MCI Maximum Credible Incident
NCRP National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
NEC National Electric Code
NEPA National Environmental Protection Act
NESC National Electric Safety Code
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration
viii DOE G 420.2-1
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NPH Natural Phenomena Hazard
NRTL Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
ODH Oxygen Deficiency Hazard
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PAG Protective Action Guide
PSAD Preliminary Safety Assessment Document
QA Quality Assurance
PC Performance Criteria
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
R&D Research and Development
RF Radio Frequency
Section 3
RPP Radiation Protection Program
SAD Safety Assessment Document
SC Office of Science
TLV Threshold Limit Value
USI Unreviewed Safety Issue
DOE G 420.2-1 ix
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DEFINITIONS
Accelerator is a device employing electrostatic or electromagnetic fields to impart kinetic energy
to molecular, atomic or sub-atomic particles and, for purposes of this Guide, capable of creating
a radiological area as defined in Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835 entitled
Occupational Radiation Protection (10 CFR 835).
Accelerator Facility is the accelerator and associated plant and equipment utilizing, or supporting
the production of, accelerated particle beams to which access is controlled to protect the safety
and health of persons. It includes injectors, targets, beam dumps, detectors, experimental halls,
experimental enclosures and experimental apparatus utilizing the accelerator, regardless of where
that apparatus may have been designed, fabricated, or constructed.
Accelerator Readiness Review (ARR) is a structured method for verifying that hardware,
personnel, and procedures associated with commissioning or routine operation are ready to
permit the activity to be undertaken safely.
Accelerator Safety Envelope (ASE) is a set of physical and administrative conditions that define
the bounding conditions for safe operation at an accelerator facility.
Approve means to confirm that a proposed contractor activity has acceptable safety and health
implications.
Authorize means to give a right to undertake an activity; as applied to contractor activities,
authorization to commence or resume operations is reserved for the DOE Contracting Officer.
Authorization Basis is defined in this Guide as that set of documents or requirements upon which
a decision is made by DOE whether to authorize the commencement or continuation of activities.
Commissioning is the process of testing an accelerator facility, or portion thereof, to establish the
performance characteristics. It starts with the first introduction of a particle beam into the
system.
Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPG) are values established by the American
Industrial Hygiene Association that are intended as estimates of concentration ranges where one
might reasonably anticipate observing adverse effects as a consequence of exposure to a specific
substance.
Exclusion Area is an area that is locked and interlocked to prevent personnel access while the
beam is on.
Experimenters means all persons directly involved in experimental efforts at the accelerator
facility utilizing the accelerator or its beams, including visiting scientists, students and others
who may not be employees of the operating contractor.
x DOE G 420.2-1
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Hazard means a source of danger (i.e., material, energy source, or operation) with the potential to
cause illness, injury, or death to personnel or damage to a facility or to the environment.
Maintenance Personnel means not only those in the specialized crafts generally associated with
maintenance activities, but also accelerator operations personnel and experimenters to the extent
that they undertake to repair, maintain, or improve safety-related equipment.
Protective Action Guide (PAG) is the projected dose to reference man, or other defined
individuals, from an accidental release of radioactive material at which a specific protective
action to reduce or avoid that dose is warranted.
Section 4
Radiation Protection Program (RPP) is the documented program, approved by DOE, including
but not limited to the plans, schedules and other measures developed and implemented to achieve
and ensure continuing compliance with 10 CFR 835 and to apply the as low as is reasonably
(ALARA) process to occupational dose.`
Radiological Area means any area within a controlled area defined in 10 CFR 835 as a radiation
area, high radiation area, very high radiation area, contamination area, high contamination area,
or airborne radioactivity area.
Risk is a quantitative or qualitative expression of possible harm, which considers both the
probability that a hazard will cause harm and the amount of harm.
Routine Operation of an accelerator commences at that point where DOE authorization has been
granted either (1) because the commissioning effort is sufficiently complete to provide
confidence that the risks are both understood and acceptable and the operation has appropriate
safety bounds, or (2) to permit the re-introduction of a particle beam after being directed to cease
operation by DOE because of an environmental, safety, or health concern.
Safety Analysis is a documented process to systematically identify the hazards of a given
operation; describe and analyze the adequacy of measures taken to eliminate, control, or mitigate
the hazards and risks of normal operation; and identify and analyze potential accidents and their
associated risks.
Safety Assessment Document (SAD) is the document containing the results of a safety analysis
for an accelerator facility pertinent to understanding the risks of the proposed undertaking.
Unreviewed Safety Issue (USI) exists if a proposed change, modification or experiment will
either: (1) Significantly increase the probability of occurrence or the consequences of an
accident or malfunction of equipment important to safety from that evaluated previously by
safety analysis; or, (2) Introduce an accident or malfunction of a different type than any
evaluated previously by safety analysis that could result in significant consequences.
DOE G 420.2-1 xi (and xii)
7-1-05
FOREWORD
The DOE O 420.2B, Safety of Accelerator Facilities, approved by Deputy Secretary Kyle E.
McSlarrow on July 23, 2004, provides applicability clarification for all DOE accelerator facilities
while unambiguously confirming the fundamental and operative distinctions between accelerator
facilities and nuclear facilities. The defining distinction between the requirements for DOE
nuclear facilities and DOE accelerator facilities has been clarified by revised exclusion 3.c.(6) of
DOE O 420.2B to assure complete consistency with the exclusion of accelerators and their
operations in 10 CFR 830, Nuclear Safety Management. Where accelerators and their operations
are not a nonreactor nuclear facility by definition and because they also are not a nuclear reactor,
they are not a nuclear facility subject to any requirements of 10 CFR 830 and its implementing
guides/standards, including DOE-STD-1027. The revised 3.c.(6) exclusion reads:
(6) Entire DOE/NNSA accelerator facilities or modules thereof when and only
when accelerators and their operations involve or produce a sufficient inventory
of fissionable materials to create the potential for criticality.
Further information related to the comments received and the resolution of those comments for
DRAFT DOE O 420.2X, Safety of Accelerator Facilities, which led to approval of DOE
O 420.2B, Safety of Accelerator Facilities, can be found in the archives of the DOE Review and
Comment (RevCom) System @ http://www.revcom.doe.gov/.
Section 5
12 DOE G 420.2-1
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I. Introduction
A. Integrated Safety Management and Accelerator Facility Operations
The DOE Safety Management System Policy (DOE P 450.4) commits the DOE to
conducting work efficiently and in a manner that ensures protection of workers, the
public and the environment. This policy is the foundation for the DOE Integrated Safety
Management (ISM) program and a key element of DOE contracts that reflect
expectations for the integration of environment, safety and health into work planning and
execution (48 CFR 970.5223-1). The ISM program outlined in these documents is
founded upon a work-planning approach that integrates safety into the work planning
process, establishes a set of agreed-upon standards for performance of work, and provides
performance-based measures to determine when agreed-upon levels of safety are
achieved. The agreed-upon standards set should be developed by a recognized standard-
setting process, such as the Necessary and Sufficient Closure Process (DOE P 450.3) that
results in Work Smart Standards (see DOE G 450.3-1 and DOE-HDBK-1148-2002).
The application of ISM in DOE has highlighted the importance of effective work
planning as the keystone to safe operations. ISM has also demonstrated that effective
work planning is an iterative process and not simply a one-time effort. As part of this
process of iterative work planning, the DOE research and development (R&D)
community has come to a better understanding of DOE expectations and requirements to
achieve effective and safe operations. The DOE O 420.2B, Safety of Accelerator
Facilities, provides accelerator safety requirements which, when supplemented by other
applicable safety and health requirements, serve to prevent injuries and illnesses
associated with accelerator operations.
This Implementation Guide has been developed to facilitate understanding of DOE
expectations given by DOE O 420.2B. The Accelerator Safety Order (ASO), DOE
O 420.2B, was previously issued as DOE O 420.2A in January 2001, DOE O 420.2 in
November 1998 and DOE Order 5480.25 in November 1992. The current order, DOE
O 420.2B, constitutes a significant improvement over previous versions benefiting from
lessons learned from over a decade of safe operating experience accumulated since the
order was first issued.
This Implementation Guide is intended to support the effective implementation of the
ASO within ISM programs at DOE accelerator facilities. For the purpose of this
document, an accelerator is defined as a device employing electrostatic or
electromagnetic fields to impart kinetic energy to molecular, atomic or sub-atomic
particles and capable of creating a “radiological area” as defined in Title 10, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 835 entitled Occupational Radiation Protection (10 CFR 835).
The requirements provided in the ASO apply to entire “accelerator facilities (accelerators
and their operations) or modules thereof, including injectors, targets, beam dumps,
detectors, experiments, experimental halls, etc.” The experimental areas serviced by the
accelerator as well as the associated plant and equipment that support accelerator
DOE G 420.2-1 13
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operations are the areas of the facility where access is controlled consistent with the
requirements of 10 CFR 835. Uncontrolled offices and support areas need not be
considered part of the accelerator facility.
B. Application of Exclusions in the Accelerator Safety Order
Section 6
The previous versions of the ASO provided for a number of exclusions. One exclusion
included identification of modules or areas of the accelerator facility that could be
categorized as a nuclear facility because of the presence of specified quantities of nuclear
and/or radioactive materials. The prior DOE O 420.2A was revised to clearly state the
applicability of the current Order to all DOE accelerator facilities (accelerators and their
operations) except when they have the potential for criticality. Requirements found in
nuclear safety rules and orders will supersede the Order for “Entire DOE/NNSA
accelerator facilities or modules thereof when and only when accelerators and their
operations involve or produce a sufficient inventory of fissionable material to create the
potential for criticality” (see paragraph 3.b.(6), DOE O 420.2B).
In the event that a segment of the accelerator facility involves or produces a sufficient
inventory of fissionable material to create the potential for criticality, that segment of the
facility may be identified as a nuclear facility while the remainder of the accelerator
facility may remain subject to the requirements of the ASO. That remainder of the
accelerator facility is not subject to nuclear safety requirements, only if it can be
demonstrated that the criticality hazards, controls, and operations are entirely defined
within the nuclear segment of the facility.
DOE O 420.2B contains exclusions for certain radiation-generating devices that fall
within the definition of an accelerator and accelerator facility, as defined above.
However, the devices generally have low hazards that experience has shown can be
managed safely within the scope of an institutional ISM program and Radiation
Protection Program (RPP). These exclusions cover unmodified commercially available
units, accelerator facilities not capable of creating radiological areas, non-medical x-ray
generators up to 10 MeV, and low-voltage neutron generators incapable of creating high-
radiation areas. For these small low-hazard units, specified consensus standards and/or
DOE Guide G 441.1-5, Radiation Generating Devices Guide, provides an acceptable
methodology for establishing and operating a control program that will comply with DOE
requirements specified in 10 CFR 835, Occupational Radiation Protection. The basic
RPP requirements presented in DOE G 441.1-5 also are generally applicable to larger
multi-purpose research accelerators. The ASO provides the overarching requirements for
these multi-purpose research accelerators.
The exclusions of the ASO might not specifically address all small research or
developmental units that logic would dictate be managed by the contractor under the
local ISM and RPP. For example, an accelerator that is an experimental unit under
development might undergo continuing change in an iterative process as the research and
development project progresses. In this case the preparation of a formal Accelerator
14 DOE G 420.2-1
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Safety Envelope (ASE) and Safety Assessment Document (SAD) might neither be
practical nor necessary because of the nature of hazards and/or developmental/
operational characteristics for such experimental units. Instead, ISM has been
demonstrated to be an effective safety management tool in the research environment
where the R&D work is an iterative process and not an operational routine. Therefore, in
cases where an accelerator itself is a research project or developmental unit, the
associated safety program should be managed under the local ISM and RPP to allow
optimum flexibility to the research protocol.
Section 7
In cases such as the small units discussed above, the DOE/NNSA Field Element Manager
(DOE O 420.2B, Section 5.b.(6)) may approve specific exemptions from the
requirements of the Order for an accelerator facility or module that does not have the
potential for more than minor onsite or more than negligible offsite impacts to workers,
the public or the environment.
C. Tailored Application of DOE O 420.2B
It is well recognized that there is a tremendous range of accelerator activities within DOE
R&D programs. These activities range from accelerator research demonstration projects
that involve a small unit situated on a bench top to those full-scale research facilities that
may be miles in length/circumference. Experience accumulated since DOE O 5480.25
was issued, has demonstrated that there is no value-added operational or safety benefit
from the imposition of a single implementation approach for all accelerators.
A tailored approach (based on potential impacts) is provided by DOE O 420.2B to
determine the DOE managerial level at which approval of the ASE and authorization to
initiate commissioning or routine operation must be granted.
A tailored process is presented in this Guide based on the potential impact and
complexity of the accelerator facility (see Table 1). For example, an accelerator facility
with no potential hazards/impacts beyond the immediate work area/facility could be
addressed by a brief Hazards/Safety Assessment Document, which references existing
site/facility ISM and RPP, uses simple qualitative hazard assessments, and analyzes the
maximum credible incident.
For accelerator facilities that pose potentially minor impacts outside of the immediate
work area/facility and negligible impact beyond the site boundaries, DOE authorization is
based on a shielding policy approved by top facility management, a suitable ASE to
bound proposed activities, and a supporting SAD approved by senior facility
management. After determining that an appropriate accelerator readiness review (ARR)
was conducted for an accelerator facility, the DOE Site Office would then approve the
facility ASE before authorizing the start of commissioning or routine operations.
For those accelerator facilities with the potential for more than negligible offsite impacts,
DOE Headquarters may contractually require concurrence with the facility SAD in
DOE G 420.2-1 15
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addition to determining that an appropriate ARR was conducted, approving the ASE and
authorizing the start of commissioning or routine operations.
D. Tailoring Through Facility Modularization
Where a large accelerator facility consists of several elements with widely varying types
and magnitude of hazards, dividing the accelerator facility into modules for safety
analysis purposes may be considered to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of
facility safety management. In such cases, separate SAD and ASE documentation should
be prepared for each module. The following items should be considered in applying a
modular approach:
• Safety analysis methodologies and level-of-detail for each module of the
accelerator facility should be separately established as appropriate for the
potential impacts and level of complexity.
• Where appropriate, consideration should be given to tailoring administrative
programs associated with facility operations (e.g., conduct of operations, training
and qualifications, and procedures) separately for each module of the accelerator
facility as appropriate to hazards and complexity.
Section 8
• An overarching SAD and ASE should be considered for common support
facilities and administrative programs associated with the entire accelerator
facility. For facilities that use a modularized approach, particular care should be
used to ensure that boundaries between facility modules are clearly established in
the facility description and analyses portions of the safety documentation.
16 DOE G 420.2-1
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Table 1. Tailoring of Accelerator Safety Order Requirements
Accelerator Facility Features Order
Applicability
Approval ASE/SAD
Small non-complex facilities with local
work area impacts only
Ο Radiation generating devices
Ο Small single purpose units
Ο Electron microscopes, ion
implanters
Ο X-ray or neutron generators
Ο Not capable of high radiation area
Ο Developmental/experimental units
Ο Bench top, or single room
DOE O 420.2B
applies to facilities
not explicitly
excluded;
exemptions may be
used.
Contractor manages
under local ISM and
RPP programs; DOE
G 441.1-5 may be
useful.
Exemptions may be
used.
Complex facilities with negligible1 offsite
impacts
Ο External/extractable beam(s)
Ο Multiple points of entry, caves,
users
Ο Multiple active safety systems
Unique non-radiation hazards not covered
under 10 CFR 835
DOE O 420.2B
applies
ASE approval at local
DOE site/field office
Tailored, as needed, to
address workplace/
onsite hazards and
demonstrate
no more than
negligible offsite
impacts
Facilities with credible potential for more
than negligible1 offsite impacts
Ο Normal operations, > 10 mrem/yr
at site boundary2 from potential
pathways, and/or
Ο Accident conditions, expect > 1
rem3 or > ERPG-14 at site
boundary2 for a mitigated release
DOE O 420.2B
applies
ASE approval at DOE
HQ
Tailored, as needed,
to address
hazards and
assess potential
workplace/site/offsite
impacts
Facilities or module thereof involving or
producing sufficient inventory of
fissionable materials to create potential for
criticality
DOE O 420.2B
does not apply
10 CFR 830
applies to facility or
module with potential
for criticality
10 CFR 830
applies to facility or
module with potential
for criticality
1 The following guidance (DOE 5480.25) defines negligible, minor and major impacts:
“Major” is that level of impact at which permanent health effects or environmental damage could occur.
(Criteria: injuries that require extensive professional medical attention; > 25 rem effective dose equivalent);
“Minor” is that level of impact at which permanent health effects or environmental damage are not expected.
(Criteria: minor injuries; 1 - 25 rem effective dose equivalent);
“Negligible” is that level of impact at which the potential for health effects or environmental damage is very slight.
(Criteria: injuries requiring only superficial professional medical attention; < 1 rem effective dose equivalent).
2 The site boundary will need definition for each facility.
3 EPA Protective Action Guide (PAG): US EPA, Office of Radiation Programs, Manual of Protective Action
Guides and Protective Actions for Nuclear Incidents (400-R92-001)
4 Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values are intended to provide estimates of concentration ranges where one
reasonably might anticipate observing adverse effects as described in the following definitions as a consequence of exposure to
the specific substance. See: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2004 Emergency Response Planning Guidelines
(ERPG) Update Set (Stock number: AEAR04-561).
Section 9
The ERPG-1 is the maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be
exposed for up to 1 hr without experiencing other than mild transient adverse health effects or perceiving a clearly
defined, objectionable odor.
The ERPG-2 is the maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be
exposed for up to 1 hr without experiencing or developing irreversible or other serious health effects or symptoms
which could impair an individual's ability to take protective action.
The ERPG-3 is the maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be
exposed for up to 1 hr without experiencing or developing life-threatening health effects.
DOE G 420.2-1 17
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II. Implementation of the Accelerator Safety Order
A. Accelerator Facility Preoperational Activities
1. Safety Assessment Document (SAD)
a. Purpose of the SAD
The purpose of the SAD is to describe in sufficient detail all significant hazards
presented by the facility and its operations and the controls by which these
hazards will be managed to an acceptable level of risk. The contractor processes
of preparing, reviewing, and implementing a SAD constitutes the application of
the core functions of ISM to an entire accelerator facility or modules thereof.
This assessment need not be duplicative of other activities carried out in the
development of a facility’s overall environment, safety, and health program such
as the development of Work Smart Standards and/or the implementation of a
site-specific ISM system.
b. General Considerations
The objective of the safety analysis is to identify hazards, credible impacting
events, initiators of events, assumptions used in estimating impacts and
consequences of an event, controls required to reduce risks, and in some cases, the
acceptability of risk to workers, the public and the environment.
It is recognized that there are several methods and techniques for performing
safety analyses that will provide a sufficient basis for the DOE to approve the
requirements and limits of the ASE. The safety analysis should be tailored to a
specific accelerator facility and the specific hazards of that facility.
• The SAD should describe the overall process of how safety analysis is done
for the facility. The description should cover the contractor’s approach to
reviewing and approving safety analyses, how hazards are identified, as well
as methods used to perform the hazard, accident or risk analyses.
• The safety analysis methodology may reference the analytical approach used
in the safety analysis as appropriate. A bibliography of some useful
references on hazard and risk analyses methods is provided in Appendix A.
• The hazard identification portion of the safety analyses should include the
characterization and quantification of the inventory of hazards, energy sources
and potential sources of environmental pollution, including the form, type,
location, and total quantity of radiological hazards. The following hazards
may be found at accelerator facilities:
Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
Electrical
18 DOE G 420.2-1
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Fire
Vacuum and pressure
Magnetic fields
Cryogenic
Chemical
Oxygen deficiency
Noxious gases
Mechanical
• A safety analysis includes hazard analyses and evaluation of safety controls.
Section 10
Hazard analyses involve analyzing each hazard as it relates to impacts on the
safe operation of the facility, and the safety of the workers, the public, and the
environment. Evaluation of controls should include a description of
engineered and administrative barriers that will be credited as controls or
mitigation of potential injuries or environmental impact.
The safety analysis should provide the basis for development of accident scenarios.
For accelerator facilities, the focus is typically on the worker and facility impacts
since most accelerators do not have the potential for significant impacts on the public
or the environment.
A range of accident scenarios should be evaluated to identify the bounding scenarios
for the facility. The accident scenarios should evaluate impacts with and without
credited engineered and administrative controls. Part of the accident analysis
typically includes the identification of a maximum credible incident (MCI). The MCI
is that credible accident scenario with the maximum or worst-case consequences.
Identification of the MCI provides a useful perspective on the potential hazards
associated with the facility and can provide information helpful for emergency
planning or site assistance agreements.
While the MCI is often found to be the maximum credible radiological incident that
could occur in the facility, there may be non-radiological accidents that are more
limiting in terms of consequences. These non-radiological scenarios also are to be
captured in the accident analysis.
• Once the consequences and likelihood of occurrence are understood,
conclusions concerning acceptable risk may be made. Demonstrating that a
risk is acceptable confirms the basis for the existence of engineered controls
and administrative controls. If the analysis should show that a risk is
unacceptable, this signifies the need for additional controls to reduce risk to
acceptable levels.
A rigorous quantitative determination of risk is not usually required. Simply
using best professional judgment and process knowledge is often sufficient for
estimating risk. Risk estimates can be improved by using published failure
rates for equipment when available. Semi-quantitative and qualitative
DOE G 420.2-1 19
7-1-05
estimates should be acceptable in most cases. A low-energy accelerator
facility with no off-site consequences and few failure mechanisms probably
will not need to consider a detailed risk analyses, whereas an accelerator
facility with the potential for greater impacts might find this to be very
important.
The risk analyses should conclude that all marginal and unacceptable risks
have been mitigated to acceptable risk either through controls and/or limits on
the operation of the facility. See Appendix A for references
providingguidance on levels of risk.
c. SAD Content and Format
The ASO sets forth specific requirements for a SAD. The requirements and
corresponding citations in the ASO are provided below.
• A Safety Assessment Document (SAD) must identify hazards and
Section 11
associated onsite and offsite impacts to workers, the public, and the
environment from the facility for both normal operations and credible
accidents [4.a.(1)]. Although the SAD need not include a listing and
description of every hazard at the facility, it should be sufficiently detailed to
provide DOE confidence that the contractor has performed a comprehensive
safety analysis. The amount of descriptive material and analysis that needs to
be presented should be related to both the complexity of the facility and the
nature/magnitude, respectively, of its potential hazards/impacts consistent
with a tailored approach. Hazards of the type and configuration commonly
found in general industry that are adequately addressed by pertinent federal
regulations (e.g., OSHA regulations), consensus professional and engineering
standards (e.g., ANSI standards, ASME standards, and ISO qualifications)
need not be addressed in detail in the SAD.
• The SAD must contain sufficient descriptive information and analytical
results pertaining to specific hazards and risks identified during the
safety analysis process to provide an understanding of risks presented by
the proposed operations [4.a.(2)]. The level of detail necessary depends
largely upon the complexity of the facility and magnitude of the hazards. A
purpose of the SAD is not only to detail the hazards identified but also to
demonstrate that a rigorous study of facility work activities has been
completed where all corresponding hazards have been analyzed.
Supplemental documents can be summarized or referenced in the SAD to
provide this information.
• The SAD must provide appropriate documentation and detailed
description of engineered controls (e.g., interlocks and physical barriers)
and administrative measures (e.g., training) taken to eliminate, control,
or mitigate hazards from operation [4.a.(3)]. The SAD should demonstrate
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that controls are sufficient to satisfy requirements and manage identified
conditions associated with the hazards. Supplemental documents summarized
or referenced in the SAD can provide an acceptable approach. In most
instances, this does not necessitate quantifying risk, but can be accomplished
by qualitatively describing the method that will be implemented to mitigate
the hazard to the extent prescribed by the applicable requirements, codes or
consensus standards. In some areas, particularly those associated with
assessment of radiation dose, quantitative analysis may be a useful method for
communicating residual risk.
• The SAD must include or reference a description of facility function,
location and management organization in addition to details of major
facility components and their operation [4.a.(4)]. The description of
facility function, location and management should be of sufficient depth and
breadth that a reviewer familiar with accelerator operations, but unfamiliar
with the particular site and facility, can readily understand the identified
potential hazards and populations or environments at risk. Site and facility
characterization is necessary to provide the framework within which the
reviewer can relate accelerator operations to the hazards and potential
impacts. Links to web sites can be used to provide access to background
documentation.
Section 12
• The SAD must be prepared as a single document addressing the hazards
of the entire accelerator facility or as separate SADs prepared for
discrete modules of the facility such as injectors, targets, experiments,
experimental halls, or other type modules [4.a.(5)]. Changes to an
accelerator facility should be documented in a revision of the SAD. Changes
to a module of an accelerator facility should be documented for that particular
module. A benefit to the preparation of SAD documents in modular fashion is
that changes in hazards or control measures necessitate revision only to those
documents describing activities impacted by the changes. An important point
for the preparation of modular SADs is that the aggregate assembly of SADs
must comprehensively describe the entire facility in an integrated fashion.
Relationships between various operations must be clearly identified and
described. Care must be taken to assure that operational changes are
integrated into all affected SAD documents.
A separate SAD is not required for an accelerator facility module where the
risks are adequately addressed in the safety analysis document of another
operation, because of the integrated contribution of the module to that
operation. This means that duplication of effort is not necessary where
hazards, control measures and the subsequent risk of operating an accelerator
facility module are adequately addressed in documentation for another
operation. This modular approach can be particularly advantageous for small
accelerators, experimental set-ups, or frequently changing experiments.
Facility Modularization is also addressed in Section I.D of this Guide.
DOE G 420.2-1 21
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The SAD should be prepared by cognizant representatives of the contractor
organization responsible for designing, constructing, and operating the accelerator
facility. The level of detail should be commensurate with the size, and scope of the
facility. Professional engineering and professional environment, safety, and health
expertise should be utilized to assure performance of an effective assessment. While
a centralized organization may prepare the SAD, participation of the line organization
ultimately responsible for the facility should be sufficient to assure development of a
relevant product. The document should be prepared well ahead of initial operation of
the facility or modified operations addressed by a revision to an existing SAD to
insure timely availability for relevant reviews/use of the documentation.
In order to implement the general requirements discussed above, the preparation of
the SAD should be initiated as early in the life of a project as possible. For
accelerators that are large and complex in nature, the details of civil design and
facility engineering may not be available in sufficient detail to provide for an
effective assessment at an early stage. In these situations, a preliminary safety
assessment document (PSAD) may be prepared to provide an effective tool to
document an initial assessment. A PSAD can, for example, provide a convenient
mechanism to document the issues that must be addressed during design,
construction, operation, and decommissioning to be discussed in greater detail prior
to initial operations.
The following suggested outline is a generally accepted SAD format, which has
proven effective in communicating requisite information. Other formats may be used
that might be more amenable to the complexity of the facility. Whatever format is
selected, the ASO requirements for the SAD must be met.
Section 13
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter should provide a basic understanding of facility activities and the
intentionally-designed protection afforded the public, the workers, and the
environment. The design codes, consensus safety standards, regulations and DOE
orders that were used to establish acceptable safety for workers and the public are
appropriately listed or referenced here, or elsewhere in the document.
Chapter 2: Summary/Conclusions
The summary chapter should provide an overview of the results and conclusions
of the analyses provided in the SAD. The comprehensiveness of the safety
analysis and appropriateness of the proposed ASE should be addressed. It is also
within this chapter that proposed exemptions from the ASO can be identified
referencing other sections of the SAD for justification as appropriate.
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Chapter 3: Site, Facility and Operations Description
The purpose of this chapter is to accurately depict: 1) the environment within
which the facility will be constructed, 2) those facility characteristics that are
related to safety, and 3) the management methods to be used in operating the
accelerator facility. The following items should be addressed in this chapter:
• The accelerator site location should be characterized including any special
site requirements or unusual design criteria. Information typically
addresses site geography, seismology, meteorology, hydrogeology,
demography and adjacent facilities that may impact accelerator safety or
be adversely impacted by accelerator operations. The treatment of these
items need not be duplicative of analyses performed in compliance with
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. A tailored
approach should be used that narrows this discussion to those points
relevant to the safe operation of the accelerator facility. Small or
bench-top accelerators, for example, may have a greatly abbreviated site
description. References to other site characterization documents may be
cited to provide further detailed information.
• Design criteria and as-built characteristics of the accelerator, its supporting
systems and components with safety-related functions should be detailed
in this chapter or in appropriate references cited. Particular attention
should be given to those design features that exclude or minimize the
presence of hazardous environments such as confined spaces, and assist in
achieving chemical and radiation exposures as low as reasonably
achievable (ALARA) during operation, maintenance and facility
modification.
• Administrative functions should be addressed in the chapter with a
summary presentation of the contractor and the facility organizational
structure, perhaps with links to more detailed references, and a delineation
of responsibilities. The functioning of administrative controls should be
described both for routine operation and emergency conditions. Critical
operational procedures to prevent or mitigate accidents should be
specifically identified to direct attention to relevant hazard/accident
scenarios, identify operations instructions linked to limits addressed in the
ASE, and assure that significant procedures are verified during an ARR.
Other site documents that can be referenced are an acceptable means of
providing this information. The topics may include emergency
preparedness, configuration control, administrative controls, calibration
and testing, unreviewed safety issues (USIs), radiological and
environmental programs, and records management.
Section 14
• The experiments to be conducted in the accelerator facility should be
described, including those design criteria and characteristics of the
experimental equipment, and systems and components having safety
DOE G 420.2-1 23
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functions. These descriptions may be done more efficiently in a separate
SAD, which could be supplemented or revised as the experimental
program develops.
Chapter 4: Safety Analysis
This chapter should document 1) identification of potentially hazardous
conditions associated with operation of the accelerator, 2) evaluation of potential
impacts to workers, the public, and the environment, and 3) selection of control
measures that reduce risks to acceptable levels. The level of detail included
should be correlated with the size, complexity, hazards, potential impacts and
risks associated with facility operation.
Numerous methods for performing hazards analysis have been effectively used at
DOE accelerator facilities. A tailored approach is appropriate, and each
accelerator facility should choose a suitable approach based on complexity of the
facility and the magnitude of its potential impacts. In all cases, the hazards
analysis should be comprehensive, and explore the full range of consequences
each hazard could have on workers, the public, and the environment. It is
expected that the analysis will be based on sound assumptions so that effort is
focused on analysis of credible and realistic consequences.
The SAD should document or reference a survey of the hazards present at the
accelerator facility, including prompt radiation, radioactive materials,
non-ionizing radiation, hazardous materials, and sources of energy. Standard
industrial hazards normally do not need to be addressed in the SAD. Standard
industrial hazards are those that are routinely encountered and accepted in general
industry and for which national consensus codes and/or standards exist to guide
safe design and operation. However, standard industrial hazards should be
evaluated for the potential to serve as initiators for accidents related to specific
accelerator processes.
The impacts of the hazards should be evaluated using sound and realistic
assumptions. Where considerable uncertainty exists, assumptions should be
selected carefully to assure a sensible and defensible outcome whose limitations
are readily understood. Analysis of estimated consequences and likelihood of
occurrence may identify the need for mitigation. In most circumstances,
engineered controls are preferred to administrative control. The hazard evaluation
information in the SAD should include credible initiating events, the assumptions
used in estimating the impacts, the impacts, and controls required to reduce
hazards and associated risk to acceptable levels.
Identified controls should be evaluated to determine which, if any, should be
designated as credited controls. A credited control is one determined through
hazard evaluation to be essential for safe operation directly related to the
protection of personnel or the environment. The number of credited controls
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should be a limited subset of the total number of controls employed for overall
facility operation. Credited controls should be assigned a higher degree of
operational assurance than other controls. A listing of all credited engineered and
administrative controls should be included in the SAD. Since credited controls
are essential for acceptably safe operations, they should be suitably addressed in
the ASE.
Section 15
A suitable description of the maximum credible incident for the accelerator
facility should be presented to provide perspective of the potential hazard
associated with the facility and information helpful for emergency planning or site
assistance agreements.
Implicit in the above discussion is that analysis of hazards, impacts, and types and
reliability of controls involve professional judgment. This judgment is to be
based on sound technical and/or scientific bases using accepted methods for
hazard analysis suitable for the types and magnitudes of hazards present.
Chapter 5: Basis for Accelerator Safety Envelope
This chapter provides a connection between the engineered and administrative
bounding conditions and the ASE. The focus here on this connection facilitates
greater details being provided elsewhere, as appropriate. Impacts to workers, the
public and the environment should be shown acceptable for normal operations
within the bounding conditions of the ASE. The impacts associated with
abnormal operations should be adequately addressed to assure that the level of
risk to a person offsite or outside the facility is maintained at an acceptable level.
The ASE must include consideration of both routine and non-routine operating
conditions.
Chapter 6: Quality Assurance
This chapter should describe the quality assurance (QA) program to be applied to
the accelerator facility, focusing upon the activities that impact protection of the
worker, the public or the environment, as well as accelerator maintenance and
operations. The QA program should address the ten management performance
and assessment criteria of DOE O 414.1B.
Chapter 7: Post-Operations Planning
A description of structural and internal features, which would facilitate future
decommissioning/dismantling of the facility, should be provided in this section.
Operations considerations to minimize the generation of radiological and/or
hazardous materials may also be included. A consideration of long-term records
management to facilitate post-operations activities should be included. Waste
management of radiological and hazardous material generation from the post-
DOE G 420.2-1 25
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operations period should be discussed within the context of existing DOE
requirements. Post-operations planning is also addressed in Section C of this
Guide.
Chapter 8: References/Glossary/Acronyms
Documents that provide supporting information for the SAD (e.g., shielding
policy, site/facility environmental assessment, etc.) should be included in the
reference section. If it is necessary to include a copy of such a document in the
SAD, the document can be included as an appendix to the SAD.
d. SAD/ASE Review and Approval Process
The following steps are recommended for the internal review of SADs and/or
ASEs by DOE contractors:
1) Representatives of an organization approved by contractor management
should provide an internal review of the SAD. It is highly desirable that some
of the reviewers be significantly independent of the preparers of the document
to render an impartial review. It is not uncommon for multiple iterations to be
required to assure a credible, comprehensive, unified, and understandable
safety assessment document.
2) The contractor management review should be documented with a level of
formality that expedites completion of the document and convergence of
responses to comments.
3) Senior contractor management should demonstrate approval of the SAD by
means of a documented protocol.
Section 16
4) The approved SAD should be maintained in the contractor’s permanent
records in accordance with applicable DOE requirements. While the posting
of a SAD on a web site may be an acceptable mechanism for accessibility,
particular care should be taken to assure permanent retention of the document.
5) The DOE organization having jurisdiction for the accelerator facility should
be made aware of the SAD preparation status and receive advance notification
of changes to safety assessment activity that may affect the ASE and/or
project milestone completion status specified by other DOE requirements.
2. Accelerator Shielding Assessments
a. Shielding Policy
The contractor must approve and implement a written statement of the
shielding policy for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation [4.h.]. The purpose of
the shielding policy is to:
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• Define the contractor’s radiation control guidelines for the facility (e.g.
facility worker, non-facility worker, member of public, groundwater
activation, etc.).
• Describe the process for identifying engineering and/or administrative
controls that will be utilized to assure radiation control guidelines are not
exceeded.
• Define the initial and periodic assessments that will be conducted to
demonstrate compliance with the shielding policy.
• Identify a process for configuration control of facility shielding.
It is expected that the shielding policy should address workers and the general
public as well as any other special considerations deemed appropriate by facility
management. The shielding policy typically is included in the SAD. It may be
useful to specify the roles, responsibilities, and authorities associated with this
policy. If the shielding policy is not included in the SAD, it should be approved
by facility management and be included within the accelerator facility document
control system. The contractor shielding policy does not require DOE approval.
b. Shielding Assessment Preparation
As a part of the accelerator safety assessment process in support of the
preparation of the SAD, a shielding assessment is often necessary to assure proper
control of prompt and residual radiation hazards and to fully support the adequacy
of the ASE with respect to the radiological hazards. For small installations, this
process may well be integrated into the overall safety assessment that is covered
by the SAD. For large, complex installations, it may be preferable to conduct this
portion of the safety assessment process as a separate endeavor, as the shielding
assessment may be a series of documents. The topics that might be covered by
such an assessment and adapted to the needs and conditions of individual facilities
include:
1) Radiation exposure related calculations and measurements, radiation
shielding, beam optics, soil and groundwater contamination, airborne
radionuclide releases and any associated required monitoring activities where
relevant.
2) Conditions and controls that serve to limit the intensity of the maximum beam
loss and/or its duration.
3) The occupancy status and radiological posting requirements of affected areas
in accordance with the accelerator facility RPP.
4) Changes to shielding when determined to be significant. Modifications to
shielding should be formally reviewed and the need for a revision determined.
DOE G 420.2-1 27
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c. Shielding Assessment Review Process
Section 17
The contractor should specify a formal protocol for reviewing completed
shielding assessments including, where practicable, a reasonable level of
independency of review. Where applicable, results of the shielding assessment
should support the SAD and, where relevant, the ASE.
3. Accelerator Safety Envelope (ASE)
a. ASE Preparation
1) Purpose of the ASE
A documented Accelerator Safety Envelope (ASE) must define the set of
physical and administrative bounding conditions for safe operations
based on the safety analysis documented in the SAD [4.b.(1)]. An ASE
serves to define the physical and administrative parameters where the hazards
of operation and experimentation are limited to acceptable levels and managed
using engineered and administrative controls. This is not to say that
operations outside the envelope will necessarily result in an accident or
unacceptable risk, but that the safety limitations and/or authorization bases
established by the contractor and approved by DOE for commissioning or
operation of the facility are not satisfied. It is expected that all operating
limitations of the ASE will be readily verifiable.
2) Basis of the ASE
The basis of the ASE is the safety analysis conducted and appropriately
documented in the SAD. While the ASE is a safety-driven requirements
document, close communication between accelerator designers and end-users
is critical to ensure that machine performance and beam characteristics meet
desired specifications while controls are adequate to assure safe operation.
Within its ASE, an accelerator facility can experience unplanned events that
interrupt operation but do not compromise safety at the facility. An
unscheduled electrical power outage is an example of such an unplanned
event. The ASE should be formulated clearly so that the effects of such
unscheduled, but anticipated events fall within the bounds of the ASE.
Accelerators should be designed to accommodate transient events during
normal operation, such as the partial or total loss of beam, without degradation
of safety. Such events would not be expected to exceed the ASE. However,
such events may cause beam termination or less efficient operation, which
could result in remedial actions being taken because of machine operability or
beam quality concerns.
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Limits specified in the ASE may apply to the conduct of experiments if
necessary to protect workers (including experimenters), the public or the
environment as determined in the SAD. Where the research mission of the
accelerator facility requires frequent reconfiguration, new hardware, new
experimental setups or new materials, the careful specification of the ASE is
important. The contractor may choose to prepare a separate ASE for each
experiment, each group of experiments, or include the entire facility and
anticipated experiments into a single ASE.
3) Content of the ASE
Bounding conditions and limitations specified in the ASE should be based on
engineered and administrative controls identified in the SAD as being
necessary for safe operation of the facility. The credited controls should be
addressed in the ASE with provisions to assure that these controls are
maintained. Categories of items that should be considered for inclusion in the
ASE are:
i. limits on operating variables (e.g., currents, voltages, energy potentials,
beam power, pressures, temperatures, flows, etc.) as identified in the
SAD needed to preserve physical barriers or to otherwise prevent
excessive short-term or long-term risk to persons;
Section 18
ii. shielding criteria adopted for different operational modes;
iii. requirements related to the calibration, testing, maintenance or
inspection of credited engineering controls identified in the SAD to
ensure their continued reliability;
iv. requirements related to assuring that credited administrative controls
identified in the SAD are promulgated;
v. monitoring, release control of ventilation effluent and mitigation
measures for the protection of the environment as identified in the SAD;
vi. administrative controls such as minimum staffing levels, qualification,
and training for operation, minimum operable equipment, critical
records to be retained, procedures to be maintained current, and
immediate mitigative actions to be taken if the ASE is exceeded; and,
vii. procedures addressing the ASE-required minimal administrative or
engineered controls for operation. Alternative procedures may be
necessary for certain minimal ASE requirements when they will not be
met for particular conditions and where alternative requirements are
specified in the ASE. The authorized use of such alternative ASE
requirements must not decrease the overall level of safety.
DOE G 420.2-1 29
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An alternate approach used at some accelerator facilities involves basing the ASE
on specification of radiation levels or potential maximal exposures derived from
operational experience and extrapolation of empirical data, in lieu of machine
parameters. When carefully applied, use of prior measurements and analyses of
empirical data can be used to establish radiation levels or maximal exposures,
which are then specified as ASE-bounding conditions.
The scope and level of detail given in the ASE generally is a function of the size,
complexity and hazards of the operations involved. For a simple accelerator
operating in a single room, the safety envelope might be only the maximum beam
energy and current. The supporting safety analysis would then show that facility
shielding reduces the dose rate in all relevant areas to acceptable levels. If a
system operates with several particle types, the impact of the beam that will
generate the largest source of radiation exposure would be analyzed, as a
minimum. The radiation levels from other type beams would be sufficiently
analyzed to demonstrate why they are of lesser consequence than the selected
particle beam type.
Radiation levels from some beams may be low enough that it is acceptable for
persons to be in or adjacent to target enclosures during operations. If operation is
proposed while an area is occupied, the safety envelope should identify acceptable
combinations of beam type, energy, and current or other critical parameters as
well as administrative controls that ensure that no unacceptable levels of radiation
will be generated in that area while it is occupied.
For many accelerators, especially large ones, the containment shielding is often
not uniform. Here, the safety envelope might include the energies of the beam
and loss intensities at various specified locations. The safety analysis would then
show that beam interactions and losses from all operations conducted within ASE
limits would not cause unacceptable radiation levels or exposures at any location
where personnel occupancy is allowed during facility operations.
Section 19
The safety envelope should identify those parameters that ensure acceptable
operation when the system is operated. The examples above apply primarily to
radiation concerns, but other safety concerns, particularly those associated with
experiments, should be similarly bounded in order to constrain operations within
the defined regions shown to be safe.
b. ASE Approval
The ASO requires DOE review and approval of an ASE for both commissioning
activities and for routine operations. The six steps for internal review and
approval that were earlier described for the SAD Review and Approval Process
could be used here. In any case, these actions by DOE should be conducted using
a tailored approach based upon the scope and nature of the accelerator facility or
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module. In general, the review and approval of the ASE should occur before an
Accelerator Readiness Review (ARR). However, for new facilities or modules,
the review of the ASE may be conducted as an integral part of the overall
assessment of accelerator readiness. The ARR process is addressed in greater
detail later in this section of the Guide.
At most accelerators, improvements in operations, enhancements in accelerated
beam power, and reductions in beam losses represent an ongoing process of
continuous improvement as operational experience is gained and technological
advances are implemented. From time-to-time, the need arises to revise an ASE
based upon improvements achieved, operational experience gained, or updated
analyses. The technical basis for a modification to the ASE should be supported
by analysis, preferably in the form of a revision or addendum to the SAD. The
revised ASE should be submitted to DOE for approval. The methodology to be
used by DOE to review and approve the revised ASE should be scaled to the
scope and nature of the accelerator facility and level of significance of the
proposed revision. All revisions to an ASE should be documented as part of the
permanent record of the facility.
c. Oversight of ASE
Any activity violating the ASE must be terminated immediately, and the
activity must not recommence before DOE/NNSA has been notified. [4.b.(2)]
Upon determination that approved ASE limitations have been exceeded, the
contractor should terminate activities impacted by or causing the violations at the
earliest time it is safe to do so. The contractor should notify the local DOE
authority when an ASE is exceeded and begin an investigation into the cause and
consequences of the activity. A report outlining the cause of the incident and
describing actions taken to mitigate future occurrences should be completed.
DOE should be notified before activities are resumed, and informed of any
corrective actions taken and the intention to restart the activity.
Strict adherence to the approved bounding conditions of the ASE is expected
during all commissioning and operations activities. The contractor may choose to
establish an operations envelope within the ASE for each subset of operations.
By defining the nominal operating parameters beyond which the operating
procedures would require adjustments to be made, an operations envelope serves
to prevent the ASE from being exceeded. Having different operations envelopes
for different operating modes of an accelerator would be expected, since the
combinations of operating parameters may need to change to carry out different
sets of experiments. Variations of operating parameters within an appropriate
operations envelope of an accelerator would be considered normal operations.
Variation outside the operations envelope but within the ASE merits appropriate
attention; it does not require termination of activities or notification of DOE. In
Section 20
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summary, DOE is to be informed of: 1) USIs and 2) proposed changes to
ASE-bounding conditions that DOE must approve.
4. Accelerator Readiness Review (ARR)
a. DOE and Contractor Commissioning Roles
Accelerator Readiness Reviews (ARR) must be performed before approval
for commissioning and routine operation and as directed by the DOE
Cognizant Secretarial Officer/NNSA Deputy Administrator or a DOE field
manager [4.d.]. An ARR is not a method for achieving readiness, but for
verifying it. An ARR is conducted both to verify the information that is
submitted in support of a request to undertake accelerator activities and to assure
that the data address the full scope of activities proposed. An ARR is not an
extensive wall-to-wall assessment of all the contractor analyses, but rather an
overview of the operation, inspection of the hardware and a sampling based on a
review of supporting documentation and, if available, past operational experience.
Where commissioning of an accelerator facility is accomplished in discrete
segments, the ARR must also be performed incrementally. Generally, an ARR is
not required when the contractor identifies a safety concern and subsequently
ceases operations to correct the problem.
The ASO places the requirement to perform an ARR solely on the contractor and
requires [i.e. 5.b.(1)(b)] that DOE ensure that the contractor's review was
conducted with appropriate scope and depth. DOE also has the responsibility to
verify that the findings/observations of the readiness review have been
satisfactorily addressed/ resolved by the contractor. The ARR team may be
composed of DOE employees, contractor personnel and/or consultants and all
should possess expertise in their assigned area. To the extent practicable, the
team members should have minimal current involvement with the activity being
reviewed, and past involvement should be sufficiently distant or of such a nature
that they have reasonable independence from the activity being assessed.
However, whenever deemed warranted, DOE may require an ARR be performed
following a self-imposed shutdown by the contractor.
A readiness review may be undertaken and accomplished using a variety of
methodologies, provided that it truly verifies the readiness of the proposed
activity. The ARR should include applicable portions of support functions such
as training, maintenance, health physics, environmental monitoring, waste
management, and pollution prevention. While this guidance addresses verifying
the readiness of items important to environment, safety and health, the scope of an
ARR can be expanded as desired by the contractor's senior management to
address other “best management practice” topics. The review should be
conducted within the facility’s ISM program.
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The ARR should verify that:
• An acceptable SAD (or its equivalent) has been properly developed in
accordance with DOE O 420.2B requirements, and has been reviewed and
approved in accordance with the contractor internal safety review system.
• An adequate ASE has been developed in accordance with the ASO and is
supported by the SAD.
• An appropriate commissioning plan has been developed.
• An appropriate USI process has been developed.
• Procedures necessary for the safe operation of the activity have been
developed, reviewed, and approved, and an appropriate process for the
development, review and approval of new and revised procedures is in
place.
Section 21
• Procedures to deal with abnormal and emergency situations have been
prepared and are approved for use.
• Records important for operational and post-operational activities are
controlled.
• Equipment and systems having safety importance meet criteria established
in the SAD and have been appropriately tested.
• Training and qualification programs relevant to safe operation in
compliance with the ASO and ISM have been established.
• Staffing requirements specified in the ASE are met.
The ARR report should adequately document the activities of the review
committee and be formally transmitted to DOE Site Office or other designated
DOE official specified by the Contracting Officer. The role of the responsible
DOE organization in the ARR process is to:
• Maintain cognizance of the contractor plans for conducting an ARR and
obtain and evaluate detailed information related to this activity as
necessary as a component of operational awareness activities;
• Provide sufficient real-time oversight, supplemented where needed by
first-hand sampling to support a determination by DOE of the
appropriateness of the contractor ARR results;
• Provide authorization to proceed when satisfied that the findings identified
by the ARR have been adequately addressed;
• Keep Headquarters informed of the progress and results of the ARR; and,
• Require the contractor to perform an ARR when changes in operations
warrant.
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b. Accelerator Commissioning Process
Commissioning is the process of bringing a new, or significantly modified
accelerator facility or associated experiment on-line in a safe, efficient manner
that assures protection of workers and members of the public, provides protection
of accelerator components, experimental equipment, and other capital resources,
and assures compliance with the site requirements, DOE Orders including the
ASO, and applicable laws and regulations. DOE responsibilities for approving
the ASE, the start of commissioning, and the commencement of routine
operations are specified in Section 5, RESPONSIBILITIES, of the ASO.
Commissioning often can be done in phases or modules, where each module is
brought on-line safely before proceeding to the next module. These modules can
follow or correspond to geographical locations within a facility (e.g., a specific
beam line) or can represent stages of operation (e.g., step functions of increased
intensity, energy, or beam power) or combinations of both factors dependent upon
the configuration of the facility.
Under some conditions, commissioning activities may encompass operations
under restricted conditions that are necessary in order to accomplish specific
tasks. An example would be the need to conduct specified measurements of the
prompt radiation levels needed to support the ASE. Other examples could include
magnetic field measurements, measurements of beam losses, flammable gas
levels, or airborne radioactivity levels.
A commissioning plan should be developed and should be reviewed as part of the
ARR. The plan should specify the milestones to be achieved and the process for
assuring safe operation. Completion of the milestones should be documented
prior to the commencement of routine operations. Consideration should be given
to allowing some possible form of public participation as part of the
commissioning plan. The scope of public participation could be based on the
NEPA process.
Section 22
Commissioning an accelerator facility incrementally can be advantageous,
particularly when the contractor desires to operate portions of the facility while
others are still under construction. In a typical installation, the modules could be
as follows: the beam source, injector, main accelerator, storage ring,
experimental halls, etc. As each module is completed and tested, a
commissioning ARR is conducted on that particular module. The commissioning
activity for each separate module requires DOE approval before it is initiated
unless the contractor receives DOE approval for an overall commissioning
program. The development of an overall commissioning program plan tends to
focus on the required approval by DOE and reduce the likelihood of delays in
obtaining a number of discrete approvals. A commissioning program plan should
include:
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• A description of the content of each module;
• Identification of any additional administrative and technical controls and
contingency plans beyond those established for prior modules;
• A description of the content of that portion of the overall facility ARR that
is needed for each module; and,
• The schedule for commissioning each module.
c. Unreviewed Safety Issue (USI)
The contractor should have a formal USI process. The USI process should be
evaluated during the ARR.
5. Procedures
Procedures should be established to provide specific direction, where appropriate, for
processes, systems, and equipment during routine and non-routine conditions. These
procedures should be designed to ensure that there is compliance with the ASE, and
that facility operation remains within the operations envelope where this concept is
employed.
a. Preparation of Procedures
Written procedures must include descriptions of the tasks to be performed;
appropriate safety and health precautions and controls; and requirements
for initial conditions to be verified, operating conditions to be maintained,
and data to be recorded, as applicable [4.f.(2)]. The actual format of the
written procedure can be customized for the specific facility or task but should
include the above-mentioned information at a minimum. Uniformity in the
format of written procedures at an individual facility is highly recommended as it
minimizes the possibility of confusion, which can result in an incident affecting
safety. The use of formats developed in the implementation of other DOE
requirements such as ISM and regulatory requirements is encouraged.
A typical written procedure would include:
• the objective of the procedure,
• roles and responsibilities for individuals or organizations as they pertain to
the successful execution of the procedure,
• identification of the hazards associated with the activity and safety and
health precautions/controls to be applied during the activity,
• detailed instructions for performing the task,
• requirements for record keeping and logs, and
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• review and approval status, and effective date.
b. Implementation of Procedures
At a minimum, the contractor must prepare procedures for operation
startup, normal operation, emergency conditions, conduct of maintenance,
approval and conduct of experiments, review and approval of facility
modifications, management of safety-related changes, and control of facility
access [4.f.(3)]. The scope and level of detail of written procedures should be a
function of the facility hazards, operational complexity and workforce expertise.
Section 23
Procedures should be implemented through the contractor chain-of-command
directly responsible for operation of the accelerator, experiment, or module. This
is a clear line management responsibility as part of the facility’s implementation
of ISM, and where applicable, Work Smart Standards.
Requirements for appropriate responsible parties to indicate by signature their
acknowledgement of having read and understood the procedure(s) have been
found to be effective. Electronic “signatures” are considered equivalent to
handwritten ones.
c. Control of Procedures
Written procedures and instructions for conducting activities safely must be
maintained; must be clear, current and consistent with management systems
and the configuration of the facility and equipment; and must be approved
by a facility contractor’s senior line manager who is actively involved in the
day-to-day operation of the facility [4.f.(1)]. The review and approval of
written procedures by technically-qualified professionals is essential to assure that
the information and instructions provided to workers promote consistency and
reflect safe work practices and environmental policy. Issues such as task
complexity and associated hazard will dictate the technical disciplines and level
of management attention necessary for approval and the frequency of
revalidation.
Procedures should be maintained as controlled documents with approval status
and effective dates clearly indicated. Revisions should be communicated to the
responsible parties in a manner that clearly identifies obsolete versions.
Electronic methods can provide an effective way to assure the presence of current
versions and disappearance of obsolete versions of written procedures.
6. Training and Qualification of Personnel
a. Development of Training Program
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Training and qualification requirements must be established for each
individual at an accelerator facility whose activities could affect safety and
health conditions or whose safety and health could be affected by facility
activities. Training and qualification must be documented and kept current
[4.e.(1)]. A trained and qualified workforce is essential to the safe and
environmentally responsible operation of accelerators. Training serves as the
primary means of familiarizing personnel with hazards and communicating the
actions required. A qualification process for those personnel whose activities
affect the safety and health of themselves or others is necessary to formalize the
evaluation of a person’s competence to undertake the proposed activity as
required. Qualification may be granted based upon a review of a person’s
credentials and experience or through a formal testing procedure or a combination
of both. The major elements of this training program should be in place prior to
initial commissioning activities, subject to revision later as operational experience
is gained. The guidance for the major elements of the training program are thus
discussed in this section while subsequent sections will be limited to specific
expectations on training pertinent during operations and decommissioning.
The overall training program should be approved by a designated senior
line-management official and evaluated periodically for adequacy. It is
recommended that the accelerator training program developed to implement the
ASO be incorporated into the contractor’s overall training program.
b. Training and Qualification Records
Section 24
An auditable system of records documenting training content and results should
be established to demonstrate achievement of training goals. Records
recommended for retention in electronic or conventional format include:
• course syllabus,
• instructor’s handbook/lesson plan,
• handouts provided to trainees,
• copies of written examinations with date given, answers expected and
results, and
• attendance sheets.
Requirements and processes for measuring proficiency and granting qualification
should be established that set the minimum levels of proficiency for qualification
to perform safety related functions without direct supervision, and describe how
the acquired qualification will be maintained. Qualification should be valid for a
specified time established by management for each position, by which time the
person must be re-qualified in accordance with established re-qualification
requirements.
DOE G 420.2-1 37
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Standards and processes should be established for granting exceptions to specific
areas of the training program based on education and experience. The basis for
granting an exception should be documented thoroughly.
Documentation to be maintained for each individual should include an auditable
record of training received, examination results and qualifications acknowledged.
Suggested documentation may include:
• education, relevant experience,
• status of health evaluation where directly relevant to facility and personnel
safety and maintained in compliance with medical-privacy requirements,
• most recent, graded, written examinations in each training element,
• written critiques of task performance during training, including tasks
observed and overall conclusion of the evaluator,
• summary of training attendance, training completed, proficiency
demonstrated, and other information used as the basis for judging whether
the individual was qualified for confirmation,
• copies of acknowledgment of qualification, and
• documentation of the basis for granting an exemption to a training
element.
B. Accelerator Facility Operations Activities
This section describes operational programs and activities important to the safe operation
of an accelerator facility. While many required controls will come from hazards analysis,
many of these plus others are compliance-based controls. The intent of this section is to
provide a useful list of compliance-based programs and activities that address federal
requirements and national standards pertaining to safety of accelerator facilities (e.g.,
OSHA, DOE, NFPA, ANSI, ACGIH, CGA and NCRP). However, a tailored approach
based on a facility’s complexity and potential impacts should be considered when
applying this guidance. For example, a simple low-energy accelerator might require only
minimal programs to assure safe operations while a high-power complex facility might
require very comprehensive programs. Additionally, a tailored approach to the level of
operational rigor applied to different modules within the same facility can be
advantageous when a particular module has a significantly different type of hazard than
the other modules of the same facility.
1. Operational Planning and Procedures
a. Organization and Administration
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Section 25
Accelerator operations may require a high degree of flexibility for the effective
execution of experiment programs and/or R&D activities; but these activities also
must be conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Specific
guidelines and appropriate procedures for accelerator operation and for
conducting experiments will ensure that a high level of performance is achieved
in a safe and environmentally-sound manner, and in accordance with applicable
rules, regulations, and contractor environment, safety, and health policies.
Procedures or other definitive documentation should describe lines of authority
and responsibilities for the safe execution of program goals, staffing requirements,
availability of resources and interfaces to other groups, relationships to safety
organizations, operations performance, monitoring guidelines, accountability,
training policies, and safety planning policies.
It is especially important that the control room staff of operators and other
relevant personnel document the receipt and understanding of governing
procedures and modifications on a real-time basis.
b. Operational Practices and Control Room Activities
Guidelines for maintaining a professional atmosphere in control centers of the
facility should be established, commensurate with the importance of the control
room as an operating base and coordination center for important facility activities.
Policy regarding authorization for, and supervision of, the operation of equipment
should be specified, both for routine shift operation and for research development
activities conducted from the control room.
Standards for the conduct of work practices for operations staff should be
established. These standards should address adherence to operating procedures
and equipment specifications, status awareness and response practices of
operations staff, and emergency response requirements. The operations records
should contain a narrative log of the facility’s status and of all events as required
to provide an accurate history of facility operations. Proper use of a required
reading file, or equivalent, by operations personnel has proven useful in ensuring
that appropriate individuals are made aware of important information that is
related to job assignments. Logkeeping and reporting requirements should also be
specified. Electronic logkeeping provides an effective means for tracking
activities provided it is implemented in a manner that provides for proper
archiving. In particular, electronic logkeeping systems should track all changes
made to the record without deletion. Mistakes in electronic logkeeping should be
documented as subsequent revisions, not as overwrites of the original record.
Guidelines should be established to ensure that R&D programs at the accelerator
facility are properly reviewed and conducted consistent with all facility safety
requirements. The guidelines should ensure appropriate safety controls for access
DOE G 420.2-1 39
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of accelerator specialists and experimenters to the facility equipment for the
purpose of research, development, and experimentation.
c. Non-Routine Conditions
Personnel responsible for control room operations should be trained to
discriminate between routine operation and abnormalities that could indicate the
onset of problems, in particular those events that are indicative of imminent
hazards to personnel, property, or the environment or may be precursors to
potential violations of the ASE. This ability should be instilled through training
procedures and discussion sessions. In some cases, it may be feasible and
advisable to conduct exercises to develop these skills.
Section 26
Control Room personnel frequently may be called upon to respond to a variety of
emergencies. If so, proper training documented in accordance with site policies
should be conducted to assure readiness for such circumstances.
d. SAD Maintenance
The SAD must be maintained current and consistent with the administrative
control measures and physical configuration of the facility and major safety
equipment [4.a.(6)]. The SAD should be maintained such that it accurately
reflects the engineered and administrative status of safety systems at the facility.
The contractor and DOE organization approving the ASE should agree upon the
significance of modifications requiring an update to the SAD. Proposed revisions
to the SAD should be evaluated to determine if the change constitutes a USI. An
updated SAD may be required in the event that other DOE requirements are
changed such that safe operation of the facility is impacted. Also, updated SADs
are commonly needed to reflect altered operation conditions and significant
modifications to the experimental program. The system used to document and
implement updates between SAD revisions is left to the discretion of the
contractor as long as the associated analyses are available for review. Updates
may be appended to the most current SAD until a SAD revision is conducted.
e. Access Control
1) Discussion
Control of access at accelerator facilities is necessary to protect persons
working at the facility and casual visitors from injury, including unauthorized
visitors; to protect property from damage or theft; and to provide reasonable
assurance that all persons at the accelerator facility are either aware of the
potential hazards and the emergency procedures, or are under the guidance of
someone who is fully aware of these matters. Access controls should be
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consistent with programs established to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 835,
Subpart F.
2) Unsupervised Occupancy
All persons who are given unsupervised access to controlled areas of the
accelerator facility must be given appropriate orientation and training
concerning the hazards and safety requirements related to the relevant areas.
No exemption for unsupervised occupancy qualification should be granted to
any personnel, including research staff, employees of the facility, and DOE
employees.
3) Two-Person Rule
Implementation of a two-person safety rule for selected areas of the facility
should be considered. The Two-Person Rule has proven effective at many
facilities for specific areas of the facility in concert with certain activities such
as electrical work, welding, transfer of toxic chemicals, or access to areas with
the potential for having a hazardous, or oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
4) Access Control Mechanisms
Remote mechanisms for access control should be considered for enhanced
assurance that only trained and qualified personnel are permitted entry to
hazardous or sensitive locations. Commonly implemented remote access
controls include closed circuit television monitoring of access points. Key
card systems may provide this assurance as well.
f. Communications
Guidelines covering the correct use of communications systems including radios,
telephones, public address and paging equipment should be issued. This should
include emergency communications and the announcement of changes in
operating conditions.
g. Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO)
Section 27
The purpose of LO/TO is to provide a method for equipment status control
through component tagging, locking, and verification, which is intended to protect
personnel from hazardous energy in any form. The important elements of a
LO/TO program can be found in 29 CFR 1910.147.
h. Maintenance
DOE G 420.2-1 41
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Procedures should be established to ensure that the facility configuration is
maintained in accordance with design requirements; changes are properly
authorized; and operating staff are aware of the status of the equipment and
systems.
i. Shutdown
Termination of operations may pose hazards that need to be controlled.
Procedures may be needed to address items such as radiation surveys, securing of
electrical equipment, placement of other items posing potential hazards in a safe
condition, etc. Shutdown activities should follow documented procedures that
have been developed in accordance with applicable requirements that assure
protection of the accelerator and any experimental apparatus.
2. Training and Qualification of Personnel
a. Training Program Requirements
Requirements must be established for each individual at an accelerator
facility whose activities could affect safety and health conditions or whose
safety and health could be affected by facility activities. Training and
qualification must be documented and kept current [4.e.(1)].
Only appropriately trained and qualified personnel, or trainees under the
direct supervision of trained and qualified personnel, are permitted to
perform tasks that may affect safety and health [4.e.(2)]. In addition to initial
qualification requirements, and a general safety orientation addressing facility
specific hazards, re-qualification requirements should be established for
operations, maintenance, and support personnel, and experimenters to carry out
their responsibilities safely. For some procedures, the appropriate monitoring and
training of personnel may need to be confirmed with periodic testing or
performance reviews.
The facility-specific portion of training is intended to communicate information
about local work hazards and their control, and to convey knowledge of safe
operating procedures. Facility-specific training may include, but is not restricted
to such topics as:
• self-contained breathing apparatus
• oxygen-deficiency hazards
• controlled-entry procedures
• radioactive, hazardous, and mixed-waste generator rules
• radiation-safety practices
• facility-emergency procedures
• respirator use
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• confined-space location and rules
• lock and tag process
• control of activated material
• hoisting and rigging
• primary and secondary-beam control
• forklift operation
• cryogenics handling
• electrical work
• compressed-gas handling
• working at elevated surfaces
• environmental protection.
Accelerator operations personnel training should emphasize safe and efficient
operation of the facility. An appropriate understanding of the physics and
engineering principles underlying key operations and the development of
diagnostic skills for early recognition of abnormal equipment performance is
important. Training should also convey an understanding of the regulatory
requirements associated with a particular hazardous operation.
Section 28
Training for maintenance and other support personnel should include an emphasis
on the accelerator structures, systems and components related to safety and
identified in the SAD, and experimental components and systems that are
important to worker safety and health and/or protection of the public and
environment. The training should also take into account specific duties the
individuals will perform and the level of supervision required.
Training for experimenters should address the safety aspects of the facility and
relevant safety and health requirements and practices. Experimenters should be
required to demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the hazards for the systems
with which they are involved and the means of controlling them before being
permitted to interface their experimental equipment to the accelerator and engage
independently in experimental work at the facility.
Regulatory required training that is specifically required by federal, state and local
regulations should be identified (e.g., OSHA training requirements in 29 CFR
1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards). The contractor should ensure
regulatory training is provided to all employees and sub-contractors who have
duties governed by these regulations.
All personnel assigned to or using the accelerator facility (including
emergency response personnel) must be trained in the safety and health
practices and emergency plans consistent with their involvement and the
hazards present [4.e.(3)]. The general safety orientation provided to all
DOE G 420.2-1 43
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personnel who are permitted unescorted access to the facility should at a
minimum, address hazards that may be encountered, actions to minimize or
mitigate exposure to the hazards, and the person’s role in the emergency response
plan. Specific topics, which may be addressed, include, where applicable:
• first-aid capability
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator
(AED)
• emergency notification and evacuation procedures
• general hazards present at the facility
• safety characteristics of the facility
• radiation-safety practices
• fire protection
• security requirements
Personnel should not be permitted unescorted access to the accelerator facility
until they have satisfactorily completed the general safety orientation and
appropriate portions of the facility-specific training.
Particular attention should be paid to the training of experimenters. The
procedures that they may follow at their home institutions may not be the same as
those required at the host DOE institution. Consideration should be given to
providing retraining to experimenters and other personnel who have intermittent
experience at the facility, or when site conditions have significantly changed since
their initial training. It is critically important to assure the proper training of all
users of the accelerator facility, regardless of their time in residence because the
activities of an experimenter can, under some circumstances, greatly affect the
safety of themselves and others.
b. Accelerator Facility Experimental Users
Users play an important role in the safety program for activities on the
experimental floor. In many facilities, particularly at the light sources, as many as
2000 users per year will visit and work within the facility for different periods of
time. Since DOE accelerator facilities often operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, users will find themselves working nights and week ends on the
experimental floor with only limited support and oversight available.
Section 29
In addition, users come from many different institutions throughout the world,
and often may be unfamiliar with the safety expectations of the DOE accelerator
community. This lack of familiarity and support, coupled with potential pressures
of limited beam time and high research expectations, can create severe challenges
to the safety program. In addition, in many DOE facilities, some user groups may
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assume responsibility for the operation of a beam line or a module, adding further
challenges to the operational and environment, safety, and health programs.
To provide a safe working environment, it is important that facility management
incorporate the following ISM principles into the safety program:
• Definition of roles and responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities for
safety of users in the operation and maintenance of a beam line and
equipment, and for the conduct of an experimental program should be
fully defined, particularly at the interface points where facility staff is
involved.
• Experimental review. Experiments should be reviewed and approved by
facility staff prior to operation. Any changes or the addition of any
significant hazards to an already approved experiment should also be
reviewed and approved.
• Support and oversight of user research teams. User teams will vary
greatly in their experience in working at a beam line and in their
understanding of requirements. Facility management should address
support and oversight of user activities to ensure safe operation on a
24 hour a day basis.
• Review of experimental apparatus. Frequently user groups will bring
experimental apparatus from their home institutions to the facility.
Management should implement specific review programs to ensure that
such equipment is compliant with facility requirements.
• Configuration control of beam-line equipment and components. There
should be a clear understanding by user groups of the type of changes that
they are authorized to make during their work on the experimental floor.
This always is particularly important for electrical and pressurized systems
and for beam-line shielding.
• Training. Each user should receive sufficient training to ensure
understanding of facility requirements and emergency response
requirements.
• Accountability. Facility management should respond at an appropriate
level to users whose actions are non-compliant or irresponsible. The range
of response by facility management should include denial of access to the
facility.
• Communications. Facility management should establish a communications
process that will ensure pertinent environment, safety, and health information
is routinely communicated to and from users. Management should make users
aware of the environment, safety and health policy and any procedures
necessary to conduct their work. Facility management should involve users in
the development and review of pertinent policies and procedures aimed at
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eliminating or reducing environment, safety and health concerns associated
with an experiment, and should provide users with an opportunity and
mechanism to voice their concerns.
3. Systems Important to Accelerator Safety
Accelerator systems important to safety should be maintained and associated
documents kept current. In addition, administrative controls should be in place to
provide for the review and approval of changes in any of the systems important to
safety.
Section 30
a. Beam Interlock System for Preventing Personnel Exposure
A reference standard useful in the design of interlock systems is Application of
Safety Instrumented Systems for the Process Industries, ANSI/ISA – 84.01 –
1996. Management should designate a qualified custodian of the system
documents important to safety. The choice of an appropriate beam interlock
safety system to prevent employee radiation exposure above permissible limits
and limit access to other hazards associated with accelerator operation affects not
only the degree of protection afforded individuals, but also the technical and
administrative burden. The level of protection provided and the system’s
reliability are to be appropriate for the hazards present in order to avoid having
users disregarding the system on one extreme or be negligent in providing for
protection of persons at the other extreme.
Where the potential consequences are significant, a major design effort including
independent reviews, a rigorous program of testing and maintenance, and
comprehensive administrative controls should be specified. Use of administrative
controls or locks may be particularly beneficial for operations that are temporary
or that utilize portable radiation generators in accordance with the scope and
nature of the accelerator facility. The interlock system and the administrative
controls on it should be summarized in the SAD. Since the installation and
maintenance of an interlock system represents a significant technical and
administrative consideration, the choice and features of a system should be
justified by careful analysis.
1) Technical Design Features
i. The protective functions of the interlock system should be robust against
single-point failures, and designed such that they fail in a “safe” manner,
including loss of power or pressure, open circuits, and shorts to ground.
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ii. System components should be protected from damage, tamper resistant,
and conspicuously labeled to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent
modification. Cable runs outside of cable trays should be armored cable
or in conduit.
iii. Critical devices are specific accelerator or beam line components that
are used to ensure that the accelerator beam is either inhibited or cannot
be steered into areas where people are present. Common examples are
steering magnets, beam stops or collimators. Other examples are
systems that operate on the injector or ion source to inhibit the beam.
The specification and use of critical devices and the associated
redundancy requirements should be governed by a documented criterion.
(a) Two or more critical devices should be considered for use in
interlock systems where a very high radiation area, as defined in
10 CFR 835, can be produced during operations.
(b) The status of each critical device should be monitored to ensure
that the devices are in the “safe” condition when personnel access
is permitted. If the “safe” condition is lost, then the beam should
be inhibited by operation of other critical devices upstream.
Critical device command systems should be independent of the
monitoring systems.
iv. The system could be modular in design so the interlocks for different
parts of the facility can be serviced independently. This is particularly
important for individual experimental areas, which are often shut down
for modification while the rest of the facility is running.
v. The system design should allow for complete function testing.
Section 31
vi. An independent documented review of beam interlock system design,
including modifications, and the system’s testing program should be
performed.
2) Access Control Features
i. Safety devices should not be used as routine shutdown mechanisms.
The equipment design and procedures should provide for an orderly
means of turning off beams other than activation of an entry interlock
before entry is attempted into a controlled access area. The entry
interlocks should not constitute the normally-used means of disabling
beam. However, interlocked safety devices should be employed to
maintain the disabled status of beams.
ii. An exclusion area is an area that is locked and interlocked to prevent
personnel access while the beam is on. A fully enclosed and interlocked
area is considered inaccessible. Emergency shut-off devices, which are
clearly visible, unambiguously labeled and readily accessible should be
provided in exclusion areas where practicable and where advisable,
DOE G 420.2-1 47
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taking into account the details of all hazards present. In addition,
interlocked exit doors should serve as emergency shut-off devices.
iii. Emergency exit mechanisms as required by OSHA standards (29 CFR
1910.37) should be provided at all doors, even when interlocked.
Emergency entry features for interlocked doors should not be precluded.
iv. Signs or clearly labeled lights reflecting current interlock or beam status
should be provided at all entry doors.
v. Exclusion areas should be searched before the beam is introduced to
ensure that no people remain inside. Procedures to ensure the reliability
of the search process should be comparable with the design procedures
to ensure the reliability of the interlock system.
(a) Search confirmation buttons, or check stations should be placed to
ensure that the search team views each area.
(b) After an exclusion area is secured, an audible and visual warning
should be provided before the beam is introduced.
(c) If entry control is compromised, the search and warning interval
should be repeated before introducing the beam.
vi. A “Limited Entry,” also commonly called “Controlled Access,” mode
could be desirable for larger accelerators. Under this mode with beam
operation excluded, a small number of workers are permitted to enter an
already searched area to carry out specific tasks. Strict controls, which
include issuing an in-tunnel warning and well-defined procedures, are
required for this mode to be acceptable. When tight administrative
controls are maintained during this mode such that the number of
persons entering equals the number leaving, then operations can
commence after the workers have exited without a further search. At
some accelerators where only secondary particles of low intensity are
involved, radiation levels may be sufficiently low to allow such access
with beam enabled.
3) Documentation Requirements
The following documentation should be prepared and maintained:
• functional description of the interlock system;
• the physical and electrical configuration of the system;
• a description of the document control and review system for keeping
documentation complete, accurate, and current;
• an auditable record of interlock system test results; and,
• the management review and approval of the system as described.
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4) Administrative Controls
Section 32
i. There should be a well-defined and rigidly-enforced configuration
control process that provides a mechanism for the review and approval
of changes in the system design and of modifications of function and
logic. The detail of the review and the level of approval should be
commensurate with the degree of hazard involved. This process should
protect the circuits and functions against unauthorized or inadvertent
modification. Critical devices, security and safety devices, and wiring
should be clearly labeled to note that tampering is strictly forbidden.
ii. A notable example of modification of function is the bypassing of an
interlock. This should be permitted under very strict controls and only if
equivalent safety is provided by procedures or by alternate equipment.
The proposed bypassing should be reviewed and approved by
management and the interlock system should be tested with bypass in
place and again after it has been removed.
iii. There should be a definitive policy for the procedures and restrictions on
interlock maintenance work. This policy should assure that:
(a) only authorized persons should do the work;
(b) proper safeguards, e.g. a locked beam stop, should be required
before the interlock is taken out of service. The safeguard should
be independent from the system being worked on; and,
(c) the system should be returned to service only after suitable testing
has been done.
5) Testing Protocols
i. Testing (i.e., validation that the system works as designed under
conditions of use) should validate the interlock system at least annually.
An interlock system should not be used to provide protection unless it
has been validated within the specified testing period. A short grace
period could be allowed if specified in the administrative procedures. A
successful testing program will depend on a system design, which
accommodates testing and the commitment of machine time and
resources to accomplish the tests. Testing intervals should also take into
account the system reliability and the overall reliability design goal as
specified by the probability of the protective electronic system to fail on
demand of a safety challenge.
ii. A functional test should also be completed after modification or
maintenance work is done on an interlock system. Those maintenance
and service actions, which are deemed to be trivial and which do not
require functional testing, should be identified and justified generically
or individually.
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iii. Written test procedures having sufficient detail to ensure a complete
functional test of the interlock system should be used. Testing should be
executed with a check sheet with a check-off for each observed
response, thus providing an auditable record.
(a) The functional test of the interlock system should exercise the
system inputs and verify each protective response. If a digital
system using software in mission critical applications is employed,
then both “black box” functional testing and “white box” structural
testing should be performed. The structural testing should include
a verification and validation program for the life cycle of the code.
(b) Integrity of redundant interlocks should be determined.
(c) It is important that critical devices are tested in their operating
configuration, and at least once during the test the system should
be exercised from end to end. For example, it should be verified
that opening an entry door causes the expected result.
(d) Testing should also verify that the system provides protection in
response to likely improper actions.
Section 33
b. Cryogenic and Oxygen-Deficiency Hazards
Liquefied gases are used as targets, cryogenic fluid in superconducting magnets,
radiofrequency (RF) cavities, and other accelerator components at many
accelerator facilities. It is well understood that leaks of cryogenic fluids can,
under some conditions, displace the oxygen in the accelerator enclosure such that
the ventilation and travel distance to an exit would not be sufficient to allow safe
egress. Such installations should receive a detailed, documented analysis.
General considerations should be given to the gas density of a cryogen; density
greatly affects the nature of the hazard. Gases such as helium will travel
horizontally along the ceiling of the accelerator enclosure until a vertical opening
is reached, where they will follow that upward to perhaps a service building and
potentially create an oxygen deficiency hazard (ODH). Gases that are denser than
the ambient air, e.g. escaping liquid argon, will concentrate on the floor of the
accelerator enclosure and will flow to lower areas, where they may accumulate
and create a potential ODH condition. Provisions for entry and egress should
account for these conditions. Model programs for control of this hazard have
been established at several DOE Laboratories. Qualified engineering expertise
should be consulted.
c. Electrical Safety
A wide variety of electrical systems are encountered at accelerator facilities to
meet the energy requirements of the accelerator itself and to supply energy to
experimental apparatus. Accelerators, by their nature, employ hazardous levels of
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electrical energy. Some applications are identical to those common to industrial
settings while others are unique to research facilities such as the particle
accelerators covered by the ASO. Electrical systems and equipment and all
related design, construction, installation, inspection, testing, and operations
activities should be in accordance with electrical safety standards to the extent
that a standard applies. These standards include:
• 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S, Occupational Safety & Health Standards,
Electrical Subpart, OSHA
• 29 CFR 1910.137, Occupational Safety & Health Standards, Electrical
Protective Equipment, OSHA
• 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K, Occupational Safety & Health Regulations for
Construction, Electrical, OSHA
• NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
• NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery
• NFPA 70, ANSI C1, National Electrical Code
• ANSI C2, National Electric Safety Code
When systems or equipment lie outside the scope of established standards and
specially developed laboratory or division/section policies/procedures, prudent
engineering judgment, peer review, and available industry guidance should be
employed to ensure safety of personnel and safeguarding property. For unique or
non-standard electrical equipment applications, DOE Electrical Safety Handbook,
DOE-HDBK 1092 (online at
http://www.eh.doe.gov/techstds/standard/hdbk1092/hdbk10922004.pdf), should
be considered. Compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S requires
electrical equipment, including custom equipment, be ‘accepted’ by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) or other authority having jurisdiction.
Subpart S also defines acceptance methods for equipment that no nationally
recognized testing laboratory accepts, and identifies alternatives for determining
compliance with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC).
Section 34
The ISM system of each accelerator facility should assure that there is a suitably
comprehensive program in electrical safety. Personnel should be trained to
recognize electrical hazards, use proper mitigation techniques including personal
protective equipment (PPE), and fully understand and comply with contractor
policies. As part of the overall electrical safety program, a specific process for
designing, inspecting, certifying, and labeling custom electronics should be
instituted to assure compliance with regulatory requirements.
d. Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
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The National Fire Protection Association Codes, including Life Safety Code
(NFPA Standard 101), provide requirements for life safety and fire protection. It
is recommended that qualified engineering experts should be used to determine
the status of compliance with the Life Safety Code requirements or equivalent
requirements.
DOE accelerator facilities and emergency service organizations should have a
comprehensive fire protection program to minimize the potential for:
1) a fire or related occurrence;
2) unacceptable onsite or offsite release of hazardous or radiological material
that could impact the health and safety of workers, the public, or the
environment;
3) interruption of vital DOE programs as a result of fire and related hazards;
4) property loss exceeding limits established by the responsible DOE
organization; and,
5) damage to critical process controls and credited engineered systems.
Standards for new construction or modification of DOE accelerator facilities
should be identified through a recognized process, such as the Necessary and
Sufficient Closure Process (DOE M 450.3-1), that includes identification of
applicable building codes and NFPA standards.
DOE Order 420.1, Facility Safety, requires that a fire hazard analysis (FHA) be
made for all significant new facilities and facilities that represent unique or
significant fire safety risks. It is desirable that the FHA use a graded approach
and that the results are incorporated in the accident analysis sections of the SAD.
e. Natural Phenomena
DOE O 420.1A, Facility Safety, requires contractors to establish a comprehensive
natural phenomena hazards (NPH) program to protect the workers, the general
public, and the environment from the impact of any NPH event (e.g., earthquake,
wind, flood, and lightning). The program should ensure that standards for new
construction or modification of DOE accelerator facilities include the standards
developed by a recognized process such as the necessary and sufficient closure
process (DOE M 450.3-1), or applicable consensus building codes and/or national
consensus industry standards.
DOE STD-1020-2002, Natural Phenomena Hazards Design and Evaluation
Criteria for Department of Energy Facilities, describes the Performance Criteria
(PC) to be used for evaluating building design for earthquake, wind and flood
phenomena. DOE-STD-1020-2002 employs the tailored approach in assigning
PC categories to DOE buildings. An analysis of the appropriate PC category
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should be performed by the contractor for each accelerator facility under their
purview.
f. Radiation Protection for Workers, the Public, and the Environment
The primary standard for DOE programs in occupational radiation protection is
10 CFR 835. This regulation contains specific requirements for RPPs at DOE
sites. The set of DOE guidance documents related to implementation of this
Regulation provides extensive information on how to achieve excellence in
occupational radiation protection.
Section 35
NCRP Report 144, Radiation Protection for Particle Accelerator Facilities,
provides comprehensive guidance on radiation protection programs at particle
accelerators.
The report SLAC-327, A Guide to Good Practices for DOE Accelerator Health
Physics, also may be useful in establishing basic elements of a health physics
program unique to DOE accelerator facilities. Requirements pertaining to
environmental protection of the public and the environment are provided in DOE
Order 5400.5 and in Environmental Protection Regulations found in 40 CFR.
DOE Order 450.1, Environmental Protection Program, provides guidance on
determining the potential impact to air and ground water quality because of
accelerator operations. Environmental Protection Agency regulations specified in
40 CFR and in some cases local, or state regulations apply to DOE accelerators.
g. Non-ionizing Radiation
1) Magnetic Fields
High magnetic fields are present at many particle accelerator facilities. The
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
specifies guidelines for personnel protection in the form of Threshold Limit
Values (TLVs). Use of the ACGIH guidelines for static magnetic fields, in
their most current form, is required by DOE O 440.1A as part of worker
protection management for DOE contractor employees. The most sensitive
population to be protected includes persons with pacemakers. Perceptible or
adverse effects have also been documented on persons with other implanted
ferromagnetic medical devices (suture staples, aneurysm clips, prostheses,
etc.). High magnetic fields may also present safety hazards from the forces
that they exert on ferromagnetic materials such as tools (i.e., launching them
as projectiles).
An accelerator facility should institute written policies on this topic if there is
the potential for human exposure to magnetic fields. Exposures should be
assessed, controls established, and appropriate postings applied.
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2) Radio Frequency (RF) Sources
To avoid exposure of persons to unacceptable levels of RF fields, engineered
control measures, such as shielding, prevention of wave guide leakage,
enclosures, interlocks preventing accidental energizing of circuits, and dummy
load terminations, should be given first consideration over any use of personal
protective equipment. Where exposure in excess of the limits is possible, RF
leakage tests should be conducted when the system is first operated and after
modifications which might result in changes to the leakage. Area RF
monitors are appropriate when RF energy can be expected in occupied areas.
The ACGIH specifies guidelines for personnel protection in the form of
TLVs. Use of the ACGIH guidelines, in their most current form for
RF/microwave fields, is required by DOE O 440.1A as part of worker
protection management for DOE contractor employees.
3) Lasers
Lasers are in common use both in the accelerators and in the experiments that
they support. Although eye injury from non-ionizing radiation is generally the
primary hazard, laser systems can present electrical and chemical hazards as
well. Labels on the laser or laser product should provide guidance on the laser
beam hazard. Lasers are classified in the categories: 1 (safe) to 4
(dangerous). Most precautions apply to Class 3b and 4 lasers. The use and
procurement of these lasers should be discouraged where lasers of a lower
classification can be used. The ACGIH provides TLVs for lasers while ANSI
Z136.1, American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, provides
more detailed guidance on acceptable practices to provide safety.
Section 36
In addition to the non-ionizing radiation hazard, electrical hazards are
associated with the high voltage power supplies used in many laser systems.
In particular, Class 4 lasers often use large power supplies that carry an
appreciable risk of electrocution, especially in maintenance and adjustment
procedures. Chemical hazards can be associated with halogen and dye lasers,
as well as with radiation decomposition.
Fiber optic communications systems are commonly used to transmit signals at
modern accelerators. ANSI Z136.2, American National Standard for the Safe
Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED
Sources, provides recommended practices for these systems.
• It is recommended that accelerator facilities where lasers are used
implement a laser safety program implementing the requirements in
ANSI Z136.1 and ANSI Z136.
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• Modern day high peak-power, femtosecond pulsed lasers are capable
of producing x-ray hazards that should be considered as part of the
overall hazard assessment.
• A new technology known as laser-plasma wakefield acceleration is
currently under development. It involves utilizing two synchronized
high peak-power, femtosecond pulsed lasers to accelerate electrons to
high energies. Hazard assessments and safety controls for these
systems will require consideration of both the laser hazards as well as
the ionizing radiation hazards.
4. Experimental Activities
a. General Considerations
The safety assessment of experiments is of special importance and should be
initiated at the earliest possible state, especially in view of the considerable cost
and long lead-times involved. Each experiment needs to be evaluated for its
safety and health implications, and a safety analysis performed if it cannot be
shown that the experiment clearly falls within the bounds that have already been
analyzed and documented in another approved hazard assessment. The following
considerations are of special importance for experimental installations:
1) The safety implications of each experiment or set of experiments should be
addressed in the hazard assessment. The experimental activities may, in some
cases, be adequately covered by the hazard assessment for an accelerator
facility as a whole. To the extent practicable, the safety analysis of
experimental work should address sets of experiments and establish the
bounding conditions within which each particular set of experiments can be
conducted in a safe and environmentally-sound manner.
2) For each set of experiments, the safety analysis should identify the safety
training needs, including who needs training, and the nature, content, and
frequency of the training beyond the general safety orientation provided to all
experimenters.
3) The scope and content of written and approved safety procedures for
experiments should be appropriate to the safety, health, and/or environmental
impacts the experiments present.
4) For each experiment, a written assessment of the safety and health
implications should be made as early as possible in the design of that
experiment. The assessment should compare the experimental conditions
against the ASE using a checklist to ensure that all issues have been evaluated.
The experiment should be briefly described and the hazards identified. The
assessment should consider whether additional training and/or controls are
DOE G 420.2-1 55
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Section 37
required to perform the new experiment or if it can be reasonably considered
as part of an existing set of experiments.
5) The contractor can authorize the initiation of the experiment if the assessment
concludes that: the experiment falls completely within the bounds of a
previously analyzed, documented, and approved set of experiments; the
experiment's environmental, safety, and health characteristics are adequately
controlled by the existing ASE; and the contractor's independent internal
review supports these conclusions. Where these conditions are not met, a
safety analysis will be needed to support a request for DOE approval of a
modification to the ASE that encompasses installation and operation of the
experiment.
6) Copies of operating safety procedures for experimental activities should be
available to all individuals involved in those aspects of the experiment.
7) During the operational phase for most experiments, particularly complex or
long lasting ones, periodic audits should be conducted with a frequency no
less than annually to verify that no changes to the safety and health conditions
analyzed in the hazard assessment have occurred.
8) To avoid inadvertently exceeding the ASE, a system should be employed that
identifies which experimental apparatus, monitoring systems, and procedures
cannot be changed without prior approval, and who is the approval authority.
b. Electrical Safety
Electrical equipment is fundamental in virtually all modern scientific experiments,
including those present at accelerators. Of particular concern is local custom built
R&D electrical equipment, which is not NRTL listed. The electrical requirements
specified earlier for accelerator operations should also be applied to experimental
installations. In addition, there are important unique characteristics of
experiments that warrant special attention with respect to the topic of electrical
safety:
1) Low-Voltage/High-Current Power Distribution Systems
The distribution of current from a low-voltage power source to one or
more loads, though generally not considered to present a personal shock
hazard, can present a significant hazard because of possible high-current
capability of the power source. This can present a serious burn hazard to
the worker, especially if contact is made with tools or jewelry.
High currents, coupled with lack of adequate over-current protection
and/or undersized conductors, can lead to overheating of the conductors
between source and load, thus presenting a fire hazard. Arcing from
improper termination of high-current conductors is an additional fire and
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personnel hazard. The designer or user of such a system or systems
should take all reasonable steps to assure safe operation under foreseeable
fault conditions. In particular, sufficient over current protection with
respect to multiple conductors and/or multiple loads must be provided.
Problems of this type have been notable where power is distributed from a
low-voltage, high-current source by the conductors of ribbon cable. This
problem generally arises in installations designed and built by the
experimenters themselves from the “ground up”. Commercial systems are
manufactured according to specified industrial standards and generally are
of less concern. Qualified electrical engineers should make the
determination of a safe configuration.
2) Electrical Connections
Section 38
Experiments use a variety of coaxial cables and other electrical conductors
to transmit electrical power, high voltages, and signals efficiently and
quickly from the apparatus to the point of data collection. The accelerator
facility should have clear policies and specifications on the choice and use
of such cables in experimental installations.
Important considerations relate to the need to assure that: high-voltage
conductors are not used for signal transmission, signal and control cables
are not used to transmit power, cables are properly identified and labeled,
any fire-protection requirements pertaining to electrical conductors are
observed, and all cables should be used within their designed ratings
unless specific tests to assure safety under planned and potential
conditions of use are conducted successfully. Safe work practices should
assure that cables (e.g., high-voltage and/or high-current) are not
disconnected while energized.
c. Flammable and Non-Flammable Compressed Gas Safety
The use of flammable gases in experiments presents a unique type of installation
generally not found in general industry, thus requiring special considerations. In
many cases, mixing of gases is involved. Large volumes of gases may be present;
thus even small leaks or ruptures of thin windows may cause incursions into the
flammable concentration region with a large inventory to support fire. Some
flammable gases may be stored in the liquid state, increasing the inventory.
Electrical equipment is an integral part of such installations and can thus provide
an ignition source if such a system is improperly designed, fabricated, or
operated. The contractor should establish a policy for assessing the hazards of
these systems and assuring proper mitigation.
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For non-flammable gas sources, the principal hazard is that of asphyxiation or
oxygen displacement. Such gases may either originate as compressed-gas sources
or arise from the use of cryogenics. The methodology employed to address
oxygen-deficiency hazards may be used effectively here. Compressed gases can
represent considerable hazards that are adequately addressed by standards such as
those promulgated by the Compressed Gas Association.
d. Cryogenic Safety
Experiments commonly use cryogenic gases. Precautions described earlier in this
Guide should be followed to assure safe handling of the cryogens as well as
proper assessment and mitigation of any oxygen-deficiency hazards. In some
circumstances, flammable liquefied gases such as liquid hydrogen are used. Use
of these flammable materials requires that appropriate fire protection
considerations must be addressed and planned for.
e. Special-Materials Safety
Experiments that use materials with unusual safety-related characteristics may
have industrial hygiene and waste management implications. Proper assessment
of these materials well in advance of experiment operation is essential.
f. Configuration Control
Given the nature of experimentation, it is highly important that the configuration
of the current experiment in progress be the same as that reviewed in the pre-
operation hazard assessment or be within the scope of allowable change.
Proactive review mechanisms should be used to insure configuration control.
5. Continuous Improvement and Feedback
a. Safety Review Process
Section 39
An internal safety review system must be established and maintained to
periodically assess and document the condition of the facility, equipment,
and engineered safety systems [4.g.(1)]. The DOE requires the contractor to
implement an internal safety review system to provide assurance that contractor
management has independent feedback on the safety status at the accelerator
facility. Documented reviews by a group of experts independent of the operation
provides a “reality check” that should complement the findings of
self-assessments performed by accelerator operations personnel.
Both the internal safety review system and operational self-assessments serve to
focus management attention on improvements necessary for continued safe
operation. A modular approach to safety assessment and review is recommended.
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These assessments can be performed as part of the institution’s overall self-
assessment process.
Appropriateness and implementation of procedures, administrative controls
and personnel training and qualifications must be periodically reviewed and
documented by the internal safety review system [4.g.(2)]. The contractor
internal safety review system may be based on one or more standing or ad hoc
committees but should be comprised of persons independent of the accelerator
operation under review. This group functions primarily in an advisory capacity to
a designated manager having the authority to direct actions based upon the review
findings. The rigor with which the review system is implemented should be
commensurate with the hazard potential of the facility. While the system is
intended to be internal to the contractor organization, independent technical
competence in all areas required for an appropriate review may not be readily
available within the organization. Consultants from other DOE accelerator
facilities may be used as a regular complement to internal staff to provide an
additional degree of objectivity and independence as well as nurturing good
communications within the DOE.
Administrative aspects of the review system, which should be clearly delineated
in a line management approved document, typically include: purpose; objectives;
functions; authority; responsibility and composition of membership; quorum;
format of documentation reporting results of reviews; and, the format for
responding to and closing out recommendations from the reviews.
Documentation of actions taken in response to the internal safety review system
recommendations should also be retained as should the rationale for altering or
rejecting recommendations. Documentation of the safety reviews should be in
sufficient detail to permit audit of review system performance.
Audits of each accelerator facility by an internal safety review system should be
conducted at least every three years and address the physical condition of the
facility, record keeping, compliance with or satisfying applicable requirements
and performance of the safety training programs. This review should be
incorporated into the facility-wide self-assessment and quality improvement
programs. Specific aspects of the accelerator facility that typically merit
investigation by the internal safety review system include:
• the safety and environmental aspects of the design of the accelerator
facility prior to the start of construction;
• development and modification of a SAD;
• proposed modifications to the accelerator facility, its operation, or any
equipment that has potential safety implications;
Section 40
• accelerator facility procedures related to safe and environmentally
responsible operation;
DOE G 420.2-1 59
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• approved ASE;
• whether proposed activities are within the ASE;
• identified causes of any violation of ASE;
• corrective actions proposed in response to a facility shutdown because of
safety concerns; and
• the content of safety training programs.
Reviews should not be limited to documentation and procedures, but should also
include field observations to evaluate implementation and execution of the
procedures. Interaction with representatives of the facility is encouraged so long
as the conclusions of the review are free from pressures and constraints by the
program under review. Reviewers should seek to minimize their disruption of
activities although facility management should be accommodating to the needs of
the reviewers and provide complete access where feasible.
b. Unreviewed Safety Issue
Activities that involve Unreviewed Safety Issues must not be performed if
significant safety consequences could result from either an accident or a
malfunction of equipment that is important to safety or for which a safety
analysis has not been performed. Activities involving identified Unreviewed
Safety Issues must not commence before DOE/NNSA has provided written
approval [4.c.]. The requirement concerning USIs is a logical extension of the
safety analysis requirements in the order. Activities posing significant safety
hazards must not be performed until an analysis of the hazards has been
conducted and proper controls implemented.
A USI exists if a proposed change or modification to the accelerator facility or an
experiment will:
• Significantly increase the probability of occurrence or the consequences of
an accident or malfunction of equipment important to safety from that
evaluated previously by safety analysis; or
• Introduce an accident or malfunction of a different type than any evaluated
previously by safety analysis that could result in significant consequences.
A situation may arise in which a previously unevaluated hazard is discovered in
an ongoing operation. This discovery should be evaluated to determine if it
constitutes a USI in accordance with the criteria above.
When and how to perform and document a USI evaluation should be addressed in
a facility specific procedure.
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c. Lessons Learned
A process needs to exist to review internal and external events and conditions
having operational or safety relevance to the accelerator facility, for the purpose
of increasing the likelihood of repeating positive outcomes, and decreasing the
likelihood of negative outcomes. DOE standards DOE P 450.4, Safety
Management System Policy, DOE M 411.1-1C, Safety Management Functions,
Responsibilities, and Authorities Manual, DOE-STD-7501-99, The DOE
Corporate Lessons Learned Programs, and DOE-HDBK-7502-95, Implementing
U.S. Department of Energy Lessons Learned Programs address this important
aspect of ISM.
C. Accelerator Facility Post-Operations
1. Post-Operations Planning Activities
a. Post-Operations Plans
Post-operations activities normally include a transition period, deactivation,
decommissioning and remedial surveillance and maintenance activities. These
activities will likely require development of a written plan that meets whatever
requirements are in place at the time of post-operations. This plan should
incorporate budget and schedule realities. For large projects, the expectation for a
post-operations plan is that it follows the principles of DOE O 430.1A, Life Cycle
Safety Asset Management, similar to those illustrated in the associated Guides:
Section 41
DOE G 430.1-2, Implementation Guide For Surveillance And
Maintenance During Facility Transition And Disposition;
DOE G 430.1-3, Deactivation Implementation Guide;
DOE G 430.1-4, Decommissioning Implementation Guide; and
DOE G 430.1-5, Transition Implementation Guide.
The above DOE Guides provide implementation guidance specific to the
transition and disposition of excess facilities that are contaminated, but portions of
these guides may be useful to accelerator facilities for gleaning perspectives on
good planning. It should be noted that accelerator facilities remain under the
ASO during post-operations activities.
Many accelerator facilities are large and complex and could contain radioactive
and/or hazardous substances long after termination of operations. The plan
should be developed by the facility owner when an accelerator facility or module
completes its mission and is declared excess. The accelerator or module then
passes into a transition period where it is ultimately prepared for disposition. The
disposition period of a facility’s life-cycle may include deactivation,
decommissioning, and surveillance and maintenance activities.
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As part of the post-operations plan, specific end-points should be agreed upon by
the applicable regulators and stakeholders. End-points are the detailed
specifications of conditions to be achieved for the facility space, systems, and
major equipment. These end-points should be developed as early in the process
as possible as they can be used to determine cost and schedule estimates,
demonstrate conformance to previously negotiated agreements, and show
compliance with both local and federal regulations.
b. Revisions to the ASE
Surveillance and maintenance activities are conducted throughout the facility
life-cycle, possibly continuing after a facility ceases operations. It is important to
ensure that surveillance and maintenance activities are adequate to maintain the
ASE during the final stages of operations through a seamless transition to the final
disposition of the facility. The basis for surveillance and maintenance activities
may be described in a revision to the SAD.
Surveillance and maintenance should be adjusted during the facility life-cycle as
transition, deactivation, and decommissioning activities are completed.
Surveillance and maintenance activities may include periodic inspections and
maintenance of structures, systems related to safety, and equipment to ensure, at a
minimum, that there is adequate containment of any radioactive or hazardous
materials and that the potential hazards to workers, the public, and the
environment are eliminated or mitigated and controlled.
c. Project and Task-Specific Hazards and Controls
The process to assess all post-operations jobs for environmental, safety and health
risks should be consistent with the facility’s ISM program. On-going surveillance
and maintenance activities should also be considered when evaluating post-
operations jobs. The job identification process should cover non-routine as well
as routine post-operations activities.
Some hazards may arise from activities or tasks not associated with a specific job.
The facility to be decommissioned may itself present certain exposures to hazards
such as electrical equipment, access and egress, fire hazards, asphyxiation
hazards, heat or cold conditions, tripping hazards, noise exposures, radiation
exposures and chemical exposures.
Section 42
It may be useful to draw on the personal experience of key operational personnel
who may be aware of hazards that are not apparent from records. Interviews with
former operating and maintenance personnel may also be useful. Their insights
may help develop controls, as well as identify additional hazards.
d. Plan Modularization
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Post-operational activities may be facilitated by using a modular approach. The
overall post-operations plan may be better prepared as separate plans focused on
discrete logical modules of the facility such as injectors, targets, experiments, or
experimental halls rather than a single document addressing the entire facility.
For example, a modularized approach where only a portion of an operating
accelerator is being decommissioned may be advantageous. Another example
where a modularized approach may prove advantageous would be when the
module to be decommissioned has a significantly different type of hazard than
other modules of the same facility.
e. Identification of Legal and Other Documents
Requirements that apply to post-operations activities need to be identified.
Requirements may originate from several sources, including regulatory
requirements, contract obligations, internal laboratory procedures, and formal
commitments made by the post-operations organization’s management. A
process may be needed to manage requirements in order to identify and have
access to legal and other requirements, including occupational safety and health
requirements. These requirements may address an acceptable level of
environmental protection including any required monitoring and personnel safety.
Requirements may also address appropriate LO/TO of equipment, hazardous
chemical and radioactive material storage and/or disposal, periodic walkthroughs/
surveillances to verify continuing safe conditions, and physical security measures
to prevent unwanted public access.
f. Identification of Records
An accelerator facility should institute, early in its life cycle, a process for
collecting and retaining records on appropriate aspects of facility operations that
may be needed to facilitate decommissioning or return of the accelerator site to
other uses. The types of records and data to be collected and retained should be
determined keeping in mind that the nature and scope of the standards to be met
in the future may change. Important elements of records control for the post-
operations purposes are as follows:
• A responsible authority/organization for maintaining data records
pertinent to post-operations should be identified, preferably early in the
life cycle of the facility.
• Consideration should be given to the best media type for the long term
storage of records. Recent history has shown a rapid obsolescence in
various types of electronic media.
• The records should be reviewed periodically to provide assurance that they
are being properly maintained.
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• Documentation records should be written with the understanding that they
will be utilized by personnel, perhaps in the distant future, who may not be
familiar with temporary conditions or jargon.
• Types of records that should be considered for long term retention to
facilitate post-operational activities might include items such as:
o Records that document the use, storage, and disposition of
regulated or hazardous chemicals or of radioactive materials.
o Records that document routine and non-routine facility releases of
radioactive or hazardous materials.
Section 43
o Records that document parameters (e.g. beam intensity, repetition
rate, pulse length, beam energy, etc.) that would facilitate
assessments of the extent of component/materials activation
because of routine and non-routine operations of the facility
including items such as shielding, components and adjacent soils.
o Records that document routine and non-routine contamination
events including decontamination efforts and long-term residual
contamination.
2. Concurrent Operations
Operations at adjacent facilities may be ongoing concurrent with post-operational
activities. Considerations need to be given to the potential impact from those
operations as well as impacts to those operations by any post-operational activities.
These considerations should include:
• Safety impacts including radiation burdens, ODH hazards, etc. from adjacent
operations;
• Possible disruption of safety systems shared between facilities, e.g. fire alarm
system;
• Structural impacts including alignment and stability of nearby structures or
equipment; and,
• Operational impacts including disruption of access or services to adjacent
operations or restrictions on access and services caused by adjacent
operations.
Interfaces with the adjacent operations organization should be established to facilitate
communication between projects to define, minimize, and mitigate these impacts.
Additionally, the ASE may have to be revised to account for concurrent operations.
3. Completion of Post-Operations
a. Long Term Records Retention
64 DOE G 420.2-1
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Detailed records from operations as well as records of post-operations activities
may need to be archived for proper long-term retrieval consistent with applicable
regulations, e.g. DOE O 200.1, Information Management Program.
b. Final Verification
Final verification involves completion of the post-operations plan and resolution
of any issues raised during the process.
DOE G 420.2-1 A-1
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Appendix A. Bibliography of Useful Hazard and Risk Analyses Methods
“Barrier Analysis,” DOE-76-45/29, SSDC-29, Safety Systems Development Center, EG&G
Idaho, Inc., July 1985.
Bullock, M.G., “Change Control and Analysis,” DOE 76-45/21, SSDC-21, Systems Safety
Development Center, EG&G Idaho Inc., SSDC-21, March 1981.
Bender, L., “Guide 7: A Guide for Using Energy Trace and Barrier Analysis with the STEP
Investigation System,” Events Analysis, Inc., Oakton, VA, 1985.
Briscoe, G.J., “Risk Management Guide,” EG&G Idaho, Inc., SSDC-11, June 1977.
Crosetti, P. A., “Reliability and Fault Tree Analysis Guide,” EG&G Idaho, Inc., SSDC-22,
February 1982.
Department of Defense, Military Standard 882C, “System Safety Program Requirements,”
January 1993.
Department of Defense, Military Standard 756, “Reliability Prediction,” 1985.
Department of Defense, Military Standard 1629A, “Procedures for Performing a Failure Mode,
Effects and Criticality Analysis,” November 1980.
DOE Fire Protection Website, see for guidance on developing a fire hazard analysis.
Department of Energy, DOE/EH-Draft, “Preliminary Guide for Conformance with OSHA's Rule
for Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals,” March 1993.
Department of Energy, DOE/EH-Draft, “Guide for Chemical Process Hazard Analysis,” March
1993.
Department of Labor, 29 CFR 1910.119, “Process Safety Management,” July 1992.
“Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures,” Center for Chemical Process Safety/AIChE,
1992.
Section 44
Haddon, W., “Energy Damage and the Ten Counter-measure Strategies,” Human Factors
Journal, August 1973.
Hammer, W., “Handbook of System and Product Safety,” Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ,
1972.
Hammer, W., “Occupational Safety Management and Engineering,” Prentice-Hall, 1981.
A-2 DOE G 420.2-1
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Johnson, W., “MORT, The Management Oversight and Risk Tree,” SAN 821-2, U.S. Atomic
Energy Commission, February 1973.
Radiological Shielding Analysis. It is expected that radiological shielding analysis would be
based on the use of commercial or widely accepted public domain software packages, such as
Microshield, CASIM, MCNP, LAHET, and EGS.
“Risk Assessment Techniques Manual,” Transportation Safety Institute, U. S. Department of
Transportation, Oklahoma City, OK, August 1986.
Roland, Harold and Moriarty Brian, “System Safety Engineering and Management,” John Wiley
& Sons, 1983.
Secretary of the Air Force, Air Force Pamphlet-AFPAM 90-902, “Operational Risk Management
(ORM) Guidelines and Tools,” December 2000.
Vesely, W.E. et al, “Fault Tree Handbook: NUREG-0492,” U.S. Government Printing Office,
January 1981.
Wallace, R.C., “A Step by Step Guide to FMECA,” Reliability Review, Vol. 5 No. 2, June 1985.