The only official copy of this file is the one on-line in the NSLS ESH website. Before using a printed copy, verify that it is the most current version by checking the document issue date on the NSLS ESH website.

Table of Contents

1. Purpose and Scope

2. Description of Facility

3. Description of Hazards

4. Authority and Responsibility

5. Notifications

6. Emergency Signals and Communication

7. Control Points

8. Outdoor Assembly Area

9. Indoor Assembly Area

10. Accounting for Personnel

11. Local Emergency Equipment

12. Training

13. Drills

14. Re-entry

Appendix A: Hazards and Emergency Responses for NSLS Occupancies of Buildings 726, 727, 728M, 729, 535A, and 535C/ Basement.

Appendix B: Response to BNL Site Alerts and Emergencies for NSLS Occupancies of Buildings 726, 727, 728M, 729, 535A, and 535C/Basement.

I.  Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this document is to acquaint the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) staff and visitors with the hazards that may exist at the NSLS and to describe the actions that should be taken by building occupants in the event of an emergency. It also assigns specific duties to personnel during the response to an emergency.

This plan applies primarily to emergencies that occur inside of Building 725. Buildings 726, 727, 728M, 729, 535A, and 535C/Basement are part of the NSLS and many occupants of those areas spend much of their time in Building 725. Hazards and responses specific to those areas are covered in Appendix A to this document.

The response to an emergency that originates elsewhere at BNL, and that is the subject of a BNL Alert or Site Emergency, is set forth in the Emergency Preparedness Subject Area. The response at the NSLS to such conditions is described in Appendix B.  NSLS users located in Bldg. 801 follow the procedures of that building.

II.  Description of Facility

Building 725 houses the National Synchrotron Light Source, a user facility that provides infrared, ultraviolet and X-ray radiation for research in many disciplines (Experimental Floor, Second Floor). This radiation is generated in two electron storage rings, one at 800 MeV and the other at 2.8 GeV electron energy. An electron linac and a booster synchrotron are used to fill the storage rings. The experimental floor and machine areas are Controlled Areas, with card readers at the doors. BNL I.D. cards are coded for personnel qualified for access to the NSLS Controlled Areas. Qualification is based on training.

The NSLS is one of the largest user research facilities in the world, with ~ 2300 users performing over 1000 experiments per year. There may be as many as 85 experiments active and 150 visiting users in the building at any given time.  In addition, there is a resident NSLS staff of ~175.  These factors determine, in large measure, the response to emergencies at the facility.

III.  Description of Hazards

Most of the hazards at the NSLS are those common to industrial occupancies: Fire, Electrical Equipment, and Common Hazardous Chemicals. However, there are some hazards related to the nature of the facility and the research that have a bearing on emergency response.

A. Solvent and Corrosive Storage. Yellow safety cabinets for flammable liquids and blue safety cabinets for corrosives are located throughout the facility to cut down on the need for storage of solvents at work locations. There are >25 of these cabinets, each holding ~ 10 gallons of common solvents.  Eye wash and shower stations are located throughout the facility.

B. 90-Day Waste Collection Area. This is a commercial "HAZSTOR" module located on the ramp area outside the west roll-up door. This building has passive ventilation and a heating system sufficient to prevent freezing in the winter. A card reader at the door is accessible by coded ID card for personnel qualified by training.

The wastes include acids, solvents, and other materials such as limited amounts of radioactive waste.  The amount on hand at any time is generally less than 50 gallons. Incompatible materials have separate secondary containment.

C. Emergencies Associated with Operations

a.     Hazards from experimental materials. Experiments at the NSLS involve a wide variety of materials, some of which are hazardous. In most cases, the quantity of such material is small and the danger from a worst case accident would be confined to the immediate vicinity of the accident. In cases where an experiment involves unusual hazards, e.g. biohazards or transuranics, emergency procedures are worked out and become part of the experimental protocol, posted at the beamline. NSLS operations personnel and BNL Emergency Services are made aware of these conditions and are supplied with written procedures as needed.

b.      Ionizing Radiation. It should be noted that the radiation produced by the accelerators, storage rings, and within the experimental beamlines stops immediately when the machines are turned off, and interlock systems are provided to give this protection. There is no significant hazard from residual radiation or radioactive contamination at the NSLS. Certain components within the machines are activated, but this would not be a hazard factor in an emergency at the facility. Radiation Area Monitors (Chipmunks) monitor short and long-term radiation trends and patterns at various places around the building. Under some operating conditions these may show radiation levels significantly above background. The training provided for facility access and a sign on each monitor describes action to be taken by anyone who observes an alarm (red or yellow light or audible alarm) on a monitor. These alarms are also displayed in the Control Room.  In addition, a limited number of sealed radioactive sources are kept in the building under lock and key when not in use.  All such sources are logged in the Radiological Control Division's database.

c.      Non-ionizing Radiation.  A number of non-ionizing radiation sources exist within the facility.  RF/Microwave sources are associated with the operation of the accelerator system; these are vacuum RF systems so that if there is a vacuum leak, the RF shuts down, thus protecting workers from stray fields.  Class 1, 2, 3a, 3b and 4 laser systems are used within the facility and are labeled or posted.  All class 2 and above lasers are registered.  All Class 3b and 4 lasers have a detailed Standing Operating Procedure.  Magnetic fields are associated with ion pumps, klystron assemblies, superconducting magnets, ring magnets and other devices.  These devices are posted and have written Exposure Forms as needed.

d.   Oil and Hazardous Material Spills. Pump oils and solvents are used in moderate quantities for much of the work carried out at the NSLS. Take prompt action to prevent spills from discharging to floor drains or sinks if you are familiar with the hazards involved and feel comfortable doing so. Any discharge to a drain, or to the outdoors, must be reported to the Lab emergency response number (x2222) and to the NSLS Control Room Operator (x2550) or member of the NSLS ES&H staff. Any indoor spill greater than five gallons shall also be reported. Spill Control Stations with absorbents and other materials are at several locations around the perimeter of the experimental floor.  An NSLS Spill Response procedure is in place and all NSLS Control Room personnel are trained.

IV.  Authority and Responsibility

A. Laboratory Emergency Supervisor. The Laboratory Emergency Supervisor is the BNL Management representative at the scene and is in charge of all emergency operations.

B. The NSLS Department Chairman assisted by the NSLS ESH/Q Manager has the management responsibility for planning, implementation, and staff appointments for handling emergencies.

C. Local Emergency Coordinator (LEC). The NSLS LEC is appointed by the NSLS ESH/Q Manager and has primary responsibility for Pre-Emergency Planning at the NSLS. The LEC shall ensure that the emergency plan is reviewed and updated as needed at least annually, and in particular after the occurrence of accidents or emergency situations.

Acting LEC - During an actual or simulated emergency, the NSLS Control Room Operator-on-Duty acts as Local Emergency Coordinator because the Control Room is staffed 24/7 for most of the year.

The NSLS LEC will serve as a technical resource during any emergency and may take over as LEC if conditions warrant. Other resource people are members of the NSLS ESH staff and the RCD Facility Support Representative. Names and contact information are below.

During an emergency at the NSLS, the Acting LEC will be assisted by the Operations Coordinators-on-duty. The details of their responsibilities and functions are in NSLS Operations Procedure LS-OPS-0005 "Response to Emergencies at the NSLS."

The Acting LEC will ensure that the following actions have been taken:

1. Initiate investigation into source of pre-alarm signal

2. Initiate the necessary alarms/announcements and call x2222

3. Evacuate personnel as required

4. Account for and assure the safety of personnel in the area

5. Report to and assist the Laboratory Emergency Response Forces

6. Alert the NSLS management and support personnel

D. Individual Responsibilities and Emergency Actions. Individuals in the building are responsible for reporting emergency conditions and for responding to alarms in a timely and orderly manner. In the event of an emergency, warn others in the vicinity; then, from a safe location, call Ext. 2222 and describe the nature and location of the emergency. Call Ext. 2550 so the NSLS Operations staff can coordinate response to the emergency.

V.  Notifications

A.    Local Emergency Coordinator and Alternates:

B.    Facility Manager and Alternates:

VI.  Emergency Signals and Communication

1. Laboratory Emergency Signals. The occupants of Building 725 are notified of a BNL Alert or Site Emergency by site sirens as described on the back cover of the BNL Telephone Directory. Notification is also received on Tone Alert radios in the NSLS Control Room and other locations. Details on the response to a BNL Site Alert or Emergency are in Appendix B of this document. 

2. Building 725 Emergency Signals. SUSTAINED RINGING OF ALARM BELLS are an Evacuation Alarm. Leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit. Once outside, make your way to the lawn east of the front entrance where a personnel accounting will be made and useful information may be available. Do not re-enter the building until given permission.

3. The alarm bells may be activated by the automatic fire detection system or by the manual fire alarm pull boxes located near each building exit and in the Control Room. Any building occupant may pull an alarm if there is a situation requiring immediate building evacuation. Any person pulling an alarm should:  a) also call extension 2222 and ext. 2550 if this can be done safely to provide information on the emergency to BNL Emergency Personnel and NSLS operations staff; or b) evacuate the building, wait for Emergency Services to arrive and describe the emergency to them.

VII.  Control Points

       A. The Control Point for Building 725 is the Control Room.

B.The Alternate Control Point is the lobby of Building 725 or the lawn east of the front entrance, whichever is safest.

VIII.  Outdoor Assembly Area (See Appendix A for additional information).

A. The Outdoor Assembly Area is located on the lawn area to the east of the main entrance of Building 725 (toward Buildings 726 - 729).

B.The Alternate Outdoor Assembly Points, in the event of inclement weather, are Buildings 726 (the NSLS machine shop) and 729 (DUV-FEL). 

IX.  Indoor Assembly Areas (See Appendix B for additional information).

The Indoor Assembly Areas are located in Bldg. 725:

1. Front Lobby

2. Seminar Room ( room #2-125)

The Shelter-In-Place Area for Bldg. 725 in the walkway around the VUV Ring.

  X.  Accounting for Personnel

Because of the large number of Users and Staff who work in Building 725, and who come and go on their own schedules, it is not possible to determine that the building is empty by accounting for those who have left the building. Instead, Operations Personnel will gather information from occupants about the possibility of people left inside. Ultimate reliance will be placed on a sweep by emergency personnel, if that is deemed necessary.

XI.  Local Emergency Equipment

A. Building Public Address System.

B. Automatic Fire Detection and Sprinkler Systems.

C. Fire Extinguishers located at strategic points.

D. Machine Crash Buttons located in the control room and in the vicinity of each machine.

E. Fire alarm pull boxes near each exit.

XII.  Training

All Users and other Guests at the NSLS receive training, which includes information on emergency signals and response.

Employees receive this training as part of the BNL General Employee Training as well as in NSLS facility specific training. This information is reinforced periodically with the "NSLS ES&H Highlights" and other notices which are distributed to the NSLS community.

The training program for NSLS Control Room personnel is included in "Response to emergencies at the NSLS (Operations Group Response)," #LS-OPS-0005. Training records are maintained by the Control Room Supervisor and the NSLS Training Coordinator.

XIII.  Drills

Emergency drills at the NSLS (for Bldg. 725) are scheduled by the NSLS LEC.  Drills are normally conducted once per year.

XIV.  Re-entry

The Laboratory Emergency Supervisor will determine when conditions are safe for re-entry to Building 725. The Local Emergency Coordinator will inform building occupants and will take such steps as are necessary for orderly resumption of operations.

Appendix A: Hazards and Emergency Responses for NSLS Occupancies of Buildings 726, 727, 728M, 729, 535A, and 535C Basement.

I.  Purpose and Scope

The buildings covered by this Appendix are used for technician shops, office space, and scientific facilities in conjunction with activities at the NSLS, and many occupants of these spaces spend much of their time in Building 725.

II.  Description of Facilities

Buildings 726, 727, and the 535C-basement are primarily shop space for electronic, mechanical and vacuum technicians. There is a magnet measurement laboratory in part of Building 727. Building 728M consists of offices for visitors, guests and staff members of the NSLS.

Building 729 houses the Deep Ultraviolet Free Electron Laser (DUV-FEL), which includes a 300 MeV electron linac and high power Class 3b and 4 lasers. This building is a Controlled Area, with access provided by card readers. Qualification for access to the building is based on training and TLD requirements. Access to the linac and laser enclosures is controlled by interlock systems, and a DUV-FEL Operator is on duty whenever this facility is in operation.

Building 535A provides office space as well as some lab space for NSLS users & staff.

III. Description of Hazards

The hazards in these locations are those common to industrial occupancies: Fire, Electrical Equipment, Solvents and other common hazardous chemicals. Technical resources for dealing with problems and emergencies are described in the Emergency Plan for Building 725.

The Building 729 electron accelerator produces high levels of ionizing radiation within its enclosures and the lasers in this facility can cause eye damage and skin burns. Personnel interlock systems provide protection from these sources, and they do not present a danger when they are turned off. There is no significant residual radiation associated with the DUV-FEL facility.

IV. Authority and Responsibility

As described for Building 725, except the secondary Local Emergency Coordinators for buildings 726, 727, 728M and 729 may assume the duties of the LEC when the primary NSLS LEC is not present.

V.   Notifications

As described for Building 725.

VI.   Emergency Signals and Communication

As described for Building 725.

VII. Outdoor Assembly Areas

The Outdoor Assembly Area for buildings 726, 727, 728M, 729 is the parking lot south of the buildings adjacent to Brookhaven Avenue.

Other Outdoor Assembly Areas:

For Buildings 535A and basement 535C, the parking lot on the northwest corner of the building. 

VIII.      Indoor Assembly Area

  See Appendix B: Response to BNL Site Alerts and Emergencies.

Appendix B: Response to BNL Site Alerts and Emergencies for NSLS Occupancies of Buildings 725, 726, 727, 728M, 729, 535A, and 535C/ Basement.

There are two general situations at the NSLS when emergency actions are required by all the building occupants: an emergency inside a Light Source building, and a situation which affects the Laboratory as a whole. It is important to make the distinction, since the action to be taken is different in the two circumstances. When there is a danger inside the Light Source, the first action is usually to evacuate the building (see Appendix A). In the event of a Laboratory emergency, the initial response should be to stay inside the building and await instructions.

Appendix B provides a summary of actions to be taken in response to a Laboratory emergency in buildings occupied by NSLS personnel.

I. Site Emergency Signals

These are described on the back cover of the BNL Telephone Directory.

CONTINUOUS (Single Pitch) SOUNDING OF SITE SIRENS FOR FIVE MINUTES -- A Site Alert. Go to the building Indoor Assembly Area. Take your coat & keys and be prepared to leave the site.

INTERMITTENT (Warbling) SOUNDING OF SITE SIRENS FOR FIVE MINUTES -- Evacuate the site immediately.

The siren signals are backed up by messages over automatic radio receivers (Tone Alert Radios) which permit the transfer of more information and better management of site evacuation.  Control Room personnel will relay thee messages over the building Public Address speakers, by telephone or by personnel conducting sweeps through the buildings.  The site sirens and Tone Alert Radios are tested each Monday at noon.

II. Indoor Assembly Area

The Front Lobby and the Second Floor Seminar Room (Room 2-125) of Building 725 are the indoor assembly areas for Personnel in Buildings 725, 726, 727, 728M, 729, and the basement of 535C.  The walkway around the VUV Ring is the Shelter-In-Place Area for these same buildings. The indoor assembly area for Building 535A is the front lobby of 535A.  The basement is the Shelter-In-Place Area for Bldg. 535.

III. Assigned Responsibilities During a Lab Emergency

The NSLS Operations Staff will provide information via announcements, phone or building sweep for 725, 726, 727, 728M, 729 and 535C and serve as the NSLS "Communications Central." The Department Secretary will assist in providing  instructions for people assembled at the front lobby and Seminar Room.  The NSLS ESH&Q staff will be available as a resource for the NSLS Control Room personnel when needed.

Building 535A, follow instructions given by building personnel.

IV. Emergency Announcements and Responses

Tone Alert Radio announcements may inform personnel when it is safe to return to work, but may also  include instructions to pick up children from day care, restrictions on routes or areas at the Lab (due to forest fire, for example), and instructions for staged evacuation of the Laboratory. These instructions will be provided at the NSLS assembly areas. On-site residents and visitors will also receive specific instructions. Anyone who has on-site housing will be directed to Berkner Hall.

V.  Emergency Evacuation Zone Numbers

See Zone map.

Evacuation Zone 12:  Bldgs. 726, 727, 728M, 729.

Evacuation Zone 9:  Bldgs. 725, 535A, 535C

The only official copy of this file is the one on-line in the NSLS ESH website. Before using a printed copy, verify that it is the most current version by checking the document issue date on the NSLS ESH website.

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