Becoming A User>>Safety Information

Safety Information

The experimenter may bring some biological materials that have different biological hazards to BioNSRRC. It is user's responsibility to identify the Risk Group Level or Biosafety Levels of their biological agents and get approval prior to accessing to BioNSRRC. Safety reviews and instructions are provided when submitting proposals and requesting beamtime. Currently, RG-3 and RG-4 agents are forbidden to carry to BioNSRRC.

The definition of biohazard and classification of biohazardous agents by Risk Group are listed below:

Biohazards Definition:
Biological agents and materials which are potentially hazardous to human, animals, and/or plants.

Classification of biohazardous agents by Risk Group or Biosafety Levels:

Risk Group (RG)	Biosafety Level (BL)	Risk to the individual and the community
RG-1	BL-1	Agents that are not associated with disease in healthy adult humans.
RG-2	BL-2	Agents that are associated with human disease which are rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available.
RG-3	BL-3	Agents that are associated with serious or lethal human disease for which preventive or therapeutic interventions may be available (high individual risk but low community risk).
RG-4	BL-4	Agents that are likely to cause serious or lethal human disease for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are not usually available (high individual risk and high community risk).

Radiation Safety and Hutch Interlock System

Synchrotron radiation is one of the most intense X-ray sources in the world. A hutch interlock system containing many protection devices and sensors and an emergency stop system have been constructed in the hutch to prevent personnel exposure. The interlock system requires a hutch searching sequence and the experimenter are assigned to search the hutch after each access to assure that no person is ever locked inside. Hutch operation training will be giving to user who is new to BioNSRRC facility.

Cryogenic Safety

Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is available at BioNSRRC inside the hutch and the experimental control area. Possible hazards from LN2 are:

LN2 and their boil-off vapors can rapidly freeze skin and eye tissue. Users are requested to wear insulated gloves, safety glasses and appropriate clothing while transferring LN2.
When LN2 warms, the pressure can increase 1000 fold. Therefore never trap cold LN2 in a closed volume without a relief valve.
Boil-off vapors of LN2 can displace air. Ensure adequate ventilation and be alert when you are working in a small space such as hutch.