CERN defines and implements a Safety Policy. The CERN Safety Policy that sets out the general principles governing Safety at CERN.

As an intergovernmental organization, CERN further establishes its own Safety Rules as necessary for its functioning. In this process, it takes into account the laws and regulations of the Host States (France and Switzerland), EU regulations and directives as well as international regulations, standards and directives. Where the Organization does not establish Safety Rules, the relevant laws and the regulations of the Host States apply on a territorial basis.

The CERN Safety Policy and the CERN Safety Rules cover all CERN activities and all persons participating therein or present on its site.

In 2006, the CERN Safety Rules were redefined. Since 2006, the CERN Safety Rules comprise Safety Regulations (SRs), General Safety Instructions (GSIs) and Special Safety Instructions (SSIs).

These rules are complemented by Safety Guidelines (SGs) and Safety Forms (SFs).

Prior to 2006 the Safety Rules were composed of Safety Codes, Safety Instructions and Safety Notes. A programme of revision of the CERN Safety Rules is currently under way with a view to replace all Safety Codes and Instructions by 2006 type Safety Rules. Until their revision these documents remain applicable.

The Safety Rules are grouped by clusters that each cover a Safety domain.

If you have questions and/or suggestions related to the CERN Safety Rules please contact: Safety-Rules.Secretariat@cern.ch(link sends e-mail).