Safety Update

Changes in Procedure for Beamline Safety Checklists

June 1, 2007

Andrew Ackerman
NSLS ESH/Q Manager
ackerman@bnl.gov

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Controlling the configuration of the radiation protection hardware on the NSLS beamlines is an important part of the beamline and storage ring operation. Existing NSLS procedures for this configuration control require that each new user group complete a beamline safety checklist before it starts an experiment. As of May 24, 2007, this procedure has changed and users are no longer allowed to complete the safety checklists. Instead, the Operations Coordinator (Op Co) or the beamline staff members are required to complete these checklists and assure that the items listed are in place. It is hoped that this change will allow for better oversight of beamline shielding and exclusion zones by having personnel more familiar with the lines completing these checklists.

Having the NSLS Operations or beamline staff complete the safety checklists is the only change to the beamline enabling procedure. All the other requirements for starting and finishing experiments remain unchanged. The only impact foreseen to the user community is that the Op Cos will need a bit more time (~5-10 min/beamline) to enable each line and that may result in some delay in their response to calls. This will be most noticeable during busy times or on “start-up” days, and users are asked to be patient and wait until the Op Co is available. Operations will seek to minimize these delays, but they are inevitable and your patience will be appreciated. Any concerns should be directed to the NSLS Safety Officer.