CERN Safety Fundamentals

Safety First, Safety Always.

Whatever you do at CERN, be aware of the risks on site, and follow these principles to keep everybody safe.
Click the title on each image below to find out more.

In case of emergency, call the CERN Fire and Rescue Service on:
+41 22 76 74444

If you see an unsafe situation, speak up and take immediate action.

Report all incidents, including near misses, on
cern.ch/incident-declaration
Even if nobody got hurt, your report is essential to make CERN a safer place

BE ROAD SAFE
Whatever my mode of transport, I use and share the roads safely

I always pay full attention when in or around vehicles

I wear safety equipment – seatbelts in cars, helmets on two wheels

I respect road safety signs, especially speed limits and priority and reverse parking signs

I adapt to road conditions and visibility

I never use a phone or operate devices while driving

I stay alert at crossings and building exits

I remain vigilant and maintain a safe distance from vehicle blind spots

BE FIRE AWARE
I am aware of fire risks and evacuation procedures

I ensure all escape routes and doors are clear

I ensure all fire safety devices are accessible

I respect no smoking signs

I ensure work areas are tidy and limit the accumulation of flammable material

I minimise use of flammable materials and ignition sources

I charge lithium batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions

RESPECT BARRIERS, SIGNS AND ACCESS RESTRICTIONS
I obey access rights and safety instructions, especially for hazardous areas

I do not cross barriers

I respect all mandatory and prohibition safety signs

I obey instructions at area access points

I am aware of my surroundings, I do not enter exclusion zones

I check that I am not in the potential path of any dangerous machine, falling object or energy release

ASSESS YOUR WORKPLACE
I plan and control my work/activities and keep workplaces tidy

I continually evaluate potential risks when preparing my activities

I ensure I am prepared, both in terms of skills and personal wellbeing, to carry out my tasks safely

I follow all relevant training

I assess all specific risks related to my activities and work area that might impact me and others

I take into account all activities around me and any risks they may pose to my activities

I declare activities when nessecary (e.g. IMPACT)

At the end of my activities, I ensure the work zone is clean and restored to the initial or desired state

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS AND PROTECTION
I use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tools and equipment

I ensure they are adapted to my location and activities

I read and respect manufacturer’s instructions

I check PPE, tools and equipment before use and arrange for regular formal inspections

PROTECT FROM ENERGY
I check for the absence of energy before starting any work

I identify all energy sources (electricity, pressure, etc.)

I make sure all energy sources are safely controlled before starting any work

I ensure equipment and installations are in a safe condition and, where required, locked out.

I check for any residual or stored energy

I respect safe distances and all locks, tags and barriers

RESPECT MOVING / LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND LOADS
I keep people and moving equipment or loads apart

I never position myself under a load or between machinery and walls

I plan lifting operations and monitor the area

I establish safety perimeters and place barriers between people and machines/lifting equipment

I respect safe(ty) distances

BE SAFE AT HEIGHTS
I protect myself, others and equipment from falls and falling objects

I choose work equipment suited to relevant context and activities

I secure the area under the work zone

I use Collective Protective Equipment (CPE) and inspect it before starting work

I take action to secure tools/loose objects

I only use a harness where CPE is not technically feasible

I ensure anchor points are checked and approved before use

RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT
I take all reasonable measures to minimise my impact on the environment

I collect, sort, eliminate and/or limit waste

I limit water consumption

I minimise energy use

I respect green spaces and biodiversity

I don’t trample on flowers or pick them

I don’t pollute

I minimise noise

I report any leaks or spills

LEARN MORE:

CERN Safety FAQ – for common queries
CERN Medical Service – for medical, occupational health or mental health support
HSE Safety Risks Webpages – for detailed information on the management of specific hazards
Safety Training Courses – the full Safety Training catalogue on Learning Hub