Laser Megajoule – Rules and systems Available to Purchase

The Laser Megajoule plant is a huge building that measures 300m by 100m in length, 35m in height and 25m in depth at its center. It is composed of 4 laser bays, where laser beams are generated, and a central hall where experiments are carried out. Workers have to be trained as it is described in hazard analysis and, on the basis of these analysis methods, risks are listed for every area. The adequacy of risk and training is assured with access control. Depending on the hazard analysis and in accordance with French work regulations, there are different levels of authorization to access each part of the facility. Access to workplaces is managed with one-person-airlocks. All areas of main risk are controlled by detectors on every point of access, which are managed with a supervision unit in the control room of the facility. In these areas, laser hazard is confined when operators do not need to make local beam adjustments. Most of the equipment has been preset designed to be replaced in case of dysfunction, as it reduces the need of laser adjustments. Laser beam seclusion is controlled by detectors, seals or rounds of inspection. An organization has been defined to have the assurance of risk-control, despite the co-activity between the process of experiment and the phases of assembly needed for the next beams. This includes hazard analysis for each operation, with potential co-activity, which is transcribed in intervention vouchers. The whole safety management system contributes to assuring high levels of safety when conducting the plant’s first experiments, especially with the risks posed by ionizing radiation, lasers and high voltages.