CERN Accelerating science

This code defines for CERN the standard safety colours and safety signs (European or specific to CERN) to give information on existing risks or dangers and to indicate an interdiction, a warning, a mandatory action, an emergency escape, or the location and identification of first-aid and fire-fighting equipment. It is based on the EEC Directive 91/C53/06.

Definition is given of confined spaces (tanks, pits, pressure vessels, physics equipment, etc.). Attention is drawn to the dangers arising e.g. from toxic gases or vapours, to the marking (notices), the responsibilities for entry procedures in these spaces (issues of entry permit), the steps to be taken before or during work (isolation of installations), the safety measures to respect, the working conditions, the individual protection and rescue equipment.

The aim of this code (based on the most recent IEC or CENELEC standards) is to establish regulations for the construction, installation and use of electrical equipment which guarantee the protection of personnel and property, and applies to all persons under the Director-General's authority, including contractors and experimental groups, and to all electrical equipment and installations on all sites. Personnel qualifications, choice of equipment and inspections are some of the subjects dealt with.

This code sets out the fire prevention and protection rules and procedures to be followed in order to ensure primarily the safety and well-being of anyone and to protect the property on CERN's premises. It lays down the procedures to be observed concerning the construction, alteration and use of buildings or installations, the safety standards for furniture and contents of buildings and the procedure applicable to the fire permit for work with "hot" tools. It gives information on fire-detection and extinguishing appliances and provides essential information in the event of a fire.

6.12.2022

Amendment to Safety Code E: Fire protection

This amendment entered into force on 6 December 2022 and can be consulted here. It does not apply to CERN buildings open to the public, for which article 6.2.3 of Safety Code E continues to apply.

The code sets out the basic principles of radiation protection and the rules for protection of occupationally exposed persons at CERN and for protection of the public and the environment. The rules include exposure limits for occupational exposure and exposure for members of the public, classification of areas, optimisation (ALARA) including job planning, management of radioactive waste and management of radioactive materials and sources.

This code aims at establishing regulations for the control of depleted uranium, deuterium, enriched lithium, thorium, etc., and applies to all activities concerning import, export, transfer and use of fissile materials by the Organization for purposes of scientific research. It determines the responsibilities of the BNM Controller and of other services (i.e. transport and distribution) and draws attention to the duties and obligations of users groups.