Skip to main content

Accelerator Safety

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.


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.

Radiation Monitoring

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.

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:

  1. Shut off the accelerator/ion source immediately, if safe to do so.
  2. Alert everyone to exit the lab.
  3. In case of exposure or suspected exposure to radiation, proceed immediately to MIT Health and notify RPP.
  4. In the event of fire or health threatening injuries, call 100 or 617-253-1212.
  5. Promptly following any incident, ensure the PI and/or accelerator supervisor is informed.
  6. 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.

References

  1. A copy of the current regulations can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/regulations/105-CMR-12000-the-control-of-radiation
  2. 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
  3. The degree of access control will vary depending on hazard assessment generally following the ANSI N43.1-2011 guidelines.
  4. Changes can include: interlock bypasses, modified shielding, hazardous targets, etc
  5. 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.


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.

Radiation Monitoring

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.

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:

  1. Shut off the accelerator/ion source immediately, if safe to do so.
  2. Alert everyone to exit the lab.
  3. In case of exposure or suspected exposure to radiation, proceed immediately to MIT Health and notify RPP.
  4. In the event of fire or health threatening injuries, call 100 or 617-253-1212.
  5. Promptly following any incident, ensure the PI and/or accelerator supervisor is informed.
  6. 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.

References

  1. A copy of the current regulations can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/regulations/105-CMR-12000-the-control-of-radiation
  2. 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
  3. The degree of access control will vary depending on hazard assessment generally following the ANSI N43.1-2011 guidelines.
  4. Changes can include: interlock bypasses, modified shielding, hazardous targets, etc
  5. 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