The MIT Accelerator Safety Program is established to provide researchers, staff, students and visitors with a safe laboratory environment and to conform to the requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations 105 CMR 120.700 [1] and policies set forth by the MIT Radiation Protection Committee (RPC).
The use of accelerators [2] on campus requires PI registration, machine inventory, hazard assessments, operating procedures for standard laboratory operations, access controls [3], quarterly inspections, and training (both classroom and lab-specific).
Registration Requirements
To register your lab and accelerator complete the following steps. Once a completed form is received by the EHS Radiation Protection Program (RPP) the RPP Officer will notify you. Alert RPP of any changes [4] that may affect radiation safety and the approved laboratory space.
A Principal Investigator (PI) of a new accelerator laboratory must complete New Registration form PRIOR to undertaking work with the accelerator.
Each accelerator is required to be entered into the MIT accelerator Inventory by completion of the procedure forms.
The RPP staff will work with the PI and laboratory group members to determine appropriate radiation controls which facilitate research while maintaining a safe work environment.
The RPP staff will perform a hazard assessment for each accelerator at the following frequency;
Upon installation,
Every twelve months, and
Following any significant facility/device modification
The laboratory shall notify RPP of any events that warrant a new hazard assessment, including but not limited to:
Maintenance or experimentation requiring the disabling of any interlock
Whenever unexpected radiation fields are observed or suspected
*When target is changed outside of scope of authorization?*
Prior to starting work, an operating procedure must be approved by RPP for each accelerator. This procedure is not meant to be specific for each experiment, but rather representative of a typical class of experiments which will be pursued at the facility. The form is provided below along with an example of a completed operating procedure for reference.
MIT RPP has adopted the standard set forth by ANSI 43.1 which establishes a Radiation Safety System (RSS) composed of two parts, i) the Access Control System and the ii) Radiation Control System[5]. A graded approach of hazard control that is commensurate with the risk levels of the given accelerator device, as determined from the hazard assessment mentioned previously, is used to determine the stringency of the RSS. For more details please contact rpp-ehs@mit.edu.
As set forth by 105 CMR 120.709, all accelerator facility safety and warning devices shall be checked for proper operation at intervals not to exceed three months. A member of the RPP staff will coordinate with the laboratory contacts to arrange these test on a quarterly basis
Training
In addition to the standard trainings required for all radiation workers (EHS0301, EHS0302, EHS0306…) accelerator operators are required to maintain a current training status for the following EHS courses.
The accelerator safety course is offered by RPP via the MIT Learning Center. This course covers the relevant Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, the basics of accelerator design and operation, basic radiation shielding design, as well as machine interlocks and safety warning systems.
This training is provided by the PI or an experienced accelerator operator in the laboratory. The training includes a practical orientation to the operation of the accelerator and its associated subsystems. The training should also include instruction on how to operate the various interlock and safety systems as well as outlining the established Operating Procedures for the lab.
Radiation Monitoring
Area radiation monitors (dosimeters) will be selected and placed by RPP during the Hazard Assessment in representative areas of your facility and neighboring common spaces. The primary area monitoring is in the form of static optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) badges. These badges are exchanged on a monthly basis and the results are reviewed by RPP. Depending on the hazard level of your facility, additional active monitoring of gamma and neutron fields may be employed. Contact RPP for any questions or issues regarding area dosimetry.
All accelerator operators are required to wear OSL badges for personnel monitoring. These badges are exchanged on a quarterly basis and the results are reviewed by RPP. You can monitor your dosimetry results through the Landauer Website.
Active radiation monitoring through routine surveys is the best practice when working with accelerator devices. Not all survey instrumentation responds accurately in the pulsed fields and high magnetic fields often associated with accelerators. It is important that care is taken in choosing the appropriate instrument for your facility. Consult the RPP Instrumentation Program for more information, or contact RPP to request any of the following services:
Survey instrument repair/calibration
Survey instrument loan program
Instrument selection or recommendations prior to purchase
Training on proper use of survey instrumentation
Radiation measurements by the Radiation Protection Officer
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Appropriate PPE will be determined during the RPP Hazard Assessment. The lab is responsible for maintaining PPE in good condition. Consult the RPP Officer when considering new PPE purchases.
All areas containing radiation producing devices, such as accelerators, must be posted to convey the hazard. Access to such devices by unauthorized persons must be prevented. RPP will provide appropriate postings and will help determine access control requirements and solutions.
Equipment Disposal/Transfer of Ownership
Many accelerator components (beamline, magnetic optics, collimators, etc) can become activated with long-lived isotopes. The disposal or transfer of these materials must be done through the RPP office.
Lab Termination
Notify RPP when the lab is ready to terminate the accelerator registration. RPP will be able to assist with facility decommissioning.
Emergency Response/Notifications
In Case of an Emergency:
Shut off the accelerator/ion source immediately, if safe to do so.
Alert everyone to exit the lab.
In case of exposure or suspected exposure to radiation, proceed immediately to MIT Health and notify RPP.
In the event of fire or health threatening injuries, call 100 or 617-253-1212.
Promptly following any incident, ensure the PI and/or accelerator supervisor is informed.
Contact the EHS- Radiation Protection Program Office (617-452-3477; x100 from campus phone or 617-253-1212 from cell phone) to report the incident.
MIT Radiation Protection Program conforms to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts definition of “any machine capable of accelerating electrons, protons, deuterons, or other charged particles in a vacuum and of discharging the resultant particulate or other radiation into a medium at energies usually in excess of 1 MeV” 10 CMR 120.005. Not sure your device is considered an accelerator? Email RPP
The degree of access control will vary depending on hazard assessment generally following the ANSI N43.1-2011 guidelines.
Changes can include: interlock bypasses, modified shielding, hazardous targets, etc
ACS: A safety system to prevent or control personnel access to areas with potential prompt radiation hazard. RCS: A safety system to ensure that radiation (prompt and induced) in occupiable areas does not exceed permissible limits under all normal and abnormal accelerator operating conditions. Cite: ANSI 43.1
Overview
The MIT Accelerator Safety Program is established to provide researchers, staff, students and visitors with a safe laboratory environment and to conform to the requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations 105 CMR 120.700 [1] and policies set forth by the MIT Radiation Protection Committee (RPC).
The use of accelerators [2] on campus requires PI registration, machine inventory, hazard assessments, operating procedures for standard laboratory operations, access controls [3], quarterly inspections, and training (both classroom and lab-specific).
Registration Requirements
To register your lab and accelerator complete the following steps. Once a completed form is received by the EHS Radiation Protection Program (RPP) the RPP Officer will notify you. Alert RPP of any changes [4] that may affect radiation safety and the approved laboratory space.
A Principal Investigator (PI) of a new accelerator laboratory must complete New Registration form PRIOR to undertaking work with the accelerator.
Each accelerator is required to be entered into the MIT accelerator Inventory by completion of the procedure forms.
The RPP staff will work with the PI and laboratory group members to determine appropriate radiation controls which facilitate research while maintaining a safe work environment.
The RPP staff will perform a hazard assessment for each accelerator at the following frequency;
Upon installation,
Every twelve months, and
Following any significant facility/device modification
The laboratory shall notify RPP of any events that warrant a new hazard assessment, including but not limited to:
Maintenance or experimentation requiring the disabling of any interlock
Whenever unexpected radiation fields are observed or suspected
*When target is changed outside of scope of authorization?*
Prior to starting work, an operating procedure must be approved by RPP for each accelerator. This procedure is not meant to be specific for each experiment, but rather representative of a typical class of experiments which will be pursued at the facility. The form is provided below along with an example of a completed operating procedure for reference.
MIT RPP has adopted the standard set forth by ANSI 43.1 which establishes a Radiation Safety System (RSS) composed of two parts, i) the Access Control System and the ii) Radiation Control System[5]. A graded approach of hazard control that is commensurate with the risk levels of the given accelerator device, as determined from the hazard assessment mentioned previously, is used to determine the stringency of the RSS. For more details please contact rpp-ehs@mit.edu.
As set forth by 105 CMR 120.709, all accelerator facility safety and warning devices shall be checked for proper operation at intervals not to exceed three months. A member of the RPP staff will coordinate with the laboratory contacts to arrange these test on a quarterly basis
Training
In addition to the standard trainings required for all radiation workers (EHS0301, EHS0302, EHS0306…) accelerator operators are required to maintain a current training status for the following EHS courses.
The accelerator safety course is offered by RPP via the MIT Learning Center. This course covers the relevant Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, the basics of accelerator design and operation, basic radiation shielding design, as well as machine interlocks and safety warning systems.
This training is provided by the PI or an experienced accelerator operator in the laboratory. The training includes a practical orientation to the operation of the accelerator and its associated subsystems. The training should also include instruction on how to operate the various interlock and safety systems as well as outlining the established Operating Procedures for the lab.
Radiation Monitoring
Area radiation monitors (dosimeters) will be selected and placed by RPP during the Hazard Assessment in representative areas of your facility and neighboring common spaces. The primary area monitoring is in the form of static optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) badges. These badges are exchanged on a monthly basis and the results are reviewed by RPP. Depending on the hazard level of your facility, additional active monitoring of gamma and neutron fields may be employed. Contact RPP for any questions or issues regarding area dosimetry.
All accelerator operators are required to wear OSL badges for personnel monitoring. These badges are exchanged on a quarterly basis and the results are reviewed by RPP. You can monitor your dosimetry results through the Landauer Website.
Active radiation monitoring through routine surveys is the best practice when working with accelerator devices. Not all survey instrumentation responds accurately in the pulsed fields and high magnetic fields often associated with accelerators. It is important that care is taken in choosing the appropriate instrument for your facility. Consult the RPP Instrumentation Program for more information, or contact RPP to request any of the following services:
Survey instrument repair/calibration
Survey instrument loan program
Instrument selection or recommendations prior to purchase
Training on proper use of survey instrumentation
Radiation measurements by the Radiation Protection Officer
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Appropriate PPE will be determined during the RPP Hazard Assessment. The lab is responsible for maintaining PPE in good condition. Consult the RPP Officer when considering new PPE purchases.
All areas containing radiation producing devices, such as accelerators, must be posted to convey the hazard. Access to such devices by unauthorized persons must be prevented. RPP will provide appropriate postings and will help determine access control requirements and solutions.
Equipment Disposal/Transfer of Ownership
Many accelerator components (beamline, magnetic optics, collimators, etc) can become activated with long-lived isotopes. The disposal or transfer of these materials must be done through the RPP office.
Lab Termination
Notify RPP when the lab is ready to terminate the accelerator registration. RPP will be able to assist with facility decommissioning.
Emergency Response/Notifications
In Case of an Emergency:
Shut off the accelerator/ion source immediately, if safe to do so.
Alert everyone to exit the lab.
In case of exposure or suspected exposure to radiation, proceed immediately to MIT Health and notify RPP.
In the event of fire or health threatening injuries, call 100 or 617-253-1212.
Promptly following any incident, ensure the PI and/or accelerator supervisor is informed.
Contact the EHS- Radiation Protection Program Office (617-452-3477; x100 from campus phone or 617-253-1212 from cell phone) to report the incident.
MIT Radiation Protection Program conforms to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts definition of “any machine capable of accelerating electrons, protons, deuterons, or other charged particles in a vacuum and of discharging the resultant particulate or other radiation into a medium at energies usually in excess of 1 MeV” 10 CMR 120.005. Not sure your device is considered an accelerator? Email RPP
The degree of access control will vary depending on hazard assessment generally following the ANSI N43.1-2011 guidelines.
Changes can include: interlock bypasses, modified shielding, hazardous targets, etc
ACS: A safety system to prevent or control personnel access to areas with potential prompt radiation hazard. RCS: A safety system to ensure that radiation (prompt and induced) in occupiable areas does not exceed permissible limits under all normal and abnormal accelerator operating conditions. Cite: ANSI 43.1