2015-06-Response2PPSReview¶

The recommendations of the review of the MICE PPS system that was carried out on the 10th December 2014 may be found here]. The response of the MICE project team to each of these recommendations is given below.

1. The panel suggests that the MICE team provides greater clarity on the hazards that need to be mitigated by the PPS: a HAZID and overarching risk assessment should be completed.
   • Draft risk assessments were prepared for initial consideration on 02Jul15. For the record, these documents are collected here . A revised set of risk assessments are being prepared and will be posted and circulated when they are complete.
2. Verbal communications are likely to be difficult in the MICE Hall due to the general noise and tortuous search routes. The panel suggests using a tannoy or sounder to ensure that searches are carried out rigorously, robustly and efficiently.
   • The ISIS tannoy is broadcast on speakers in the MICE Hall. The volume of the tannoy is such that announcements can not be heard in all parts of the MICE Hall. It is planned that the ISIS tannoy system will be modernised. The MICE team will liaise with ISIS to ensure that the new system is audible in the MICE Hall.
   • As an interim measure, while the amplification is being specified and implemented, MICE has purchased, and tested, a megaphone. Announcements made using the megaphone can be heard throughout the Hall.
3. The User Guide is a very detailed and good instruction and procedure document. The panel recommends that, due to its length, a ‘Quick Reference Guide’ also be produced to help with training and routine operations.
   • It has since been proposed that searches would only be carried out by teams from a select group; thus the transient workforce would only interact with the PPS system in the context of a Controlled Entry. We feel the most appropriate solution is a combined "administrative" checklist combined with a crib-sheet for the Controlled Entry, providing a concise summary of the procedure in a laminatable two-page format (attached as MICE-CE-Checklist_v2.9.pdf ).
4. ISIS makes a clear demarcation of responsibilities at the point of a new system / instrument / installation being approved for operation. The panel recommends that MICE implements a pre-operational approval procedure (cf ISIS OPI-207) with ISIS management representation. This should include an activity where the search activity (with the current equipment configuration) is observed.
   • A draft of the pre-operational approval procedure was drafted for initial consideration on 02Jul15. For the record, this document can be found here: OpI2_rev.2.pdf . A revised document is in preparation and will be circulated for comment as soon as it is completed.
5. Discipline and rigour of searches is critical. The panel asks for suitable procedures to be implemented that ensure that discipline and rigour are maintained even with a transient MICE workforce.
   • A sign-off sheet has been agreed between MICE and ISIS. The MICE Operation Manager is required to sign that the search and secure of the MICE Hall has been carried out in line with the agreed procedures. The signed document is kept in the Main Control Room (MCR) and a copy is filed in the MICE Local Control Room.
6. Raised floor areas, cavities/caves and stairs need meshing. A joint tour with ISIS operations management specifically checking these should be carried out before operation.
   • The necessary meshing has been agreed between MICE and ISIS and the required alterations to the MICE Hall have been implemented.
7. The panel was pleased to note that the PPS hardware looked robust. Highlighting blue switches on blue paintwork (e.g. door frames) with a contrasting colour, would aid its operation.
   • The single instance where a blue switch appeared on a blue background has been rectified. The switch is now orange.
8. The panel noted that not every PPS event appeared to be displayed at every entry point e.g. O2 depletion. The panel recommends ensuring that relevant events are enunciated consistently across the facility. – DL was putting extra beacons by the exits.
   • The status of the PPS and relevant alarms and warnings are displayed at both entries to the MICE Hall. The Hall ODH system is not yet complete. Therefore, personal ODH monitors have been purchased and will be warn by personnel until the Hall ODH system is active.
9. The panel asks for information on the operation and sensitivity of the metal detector to be provided.
   • Since the metal detector was installed, MICE has constructed a partial return yoke (PRY) around the MICE magnetic channel. The PRY contains the stray field within the vicinity of the experiment. Over the same period, the SHE code is being changed such that the limit for the use of tools is 3mT (30G). The 30G limit is essentially continued within the PRY. The 5G limit, which is marked in the Hall, is contained within 1.5m to 2m of the PRY.
   • The MICE project team has therefore concluded that the metal detector is no longer required. To ensure safe working, the MICE project team will:
     • Maintain a competent person list that is enforced by the Hall technical and operations teams. The Group Leader in Matters of Safety will define and maintain the list of competent persons and the training procedure by which persons are deemed competent;
     • Paint a line that indicates where the field has dropped to 5G. The 5G line predicted by the FEA analysis of the magnetic shielding is marked in yellow and black tape and will be revised, if necessary, based on measurements made at full field. Use of tools will not be permitted inside the 5G line.
10. Access to the crane should be made secure and be subject to a formal search.
    • The keys that allow the crane to be operated as well as the crane-controllers are held by the Duty Officer in the MCR. Locks have been installed on the access-way to the cranes and on the gate on the cranes themselves. The keys to these locks are held by the Duty Officer in the MCR.
11. The panel seeks assurance that the MICE process for PPS change control should integrate with ISIS through the ISMP.
    • The MICE PPS is governed by the same standard as the ISIS PPS system. C.Macwaters, who is responsible for the MICE PPS, is a member of the ISMP and is in close and regular contact with those responsible for the ISIS PPS. The liaison ensures that all proposed changes are properly discussed and agreed by the ISMP.