Workplace and environmental safety are fundamental values within the Engineering Department. Fully involved in all projects, the EN Safety Office fosters a strong safety culture and ensures that every member of the department understands CERN’s safety requirements.

Together with specialized Safety Officers (Radiation, Laser, Flammable Gases), it provides expert support across the entire lifecycle of equipment, systems and facilities: from design studies and risk assessment to installation, operation, maintenance and dismantling. Safety considerations are integrated from the very beginning to guarantee informed design choices and effective risk reduction.

The missions of the Safety Office include:

• Advise the department on technical and regulatory safety matters

• Define and evaluate the resources needed to meet safety obligations (training, information, tools)

• Ensure compliance with CERN Safety Rules and international standards

• Manage and update Safety Files and make them available to all stakeholders

• Investigate events, implemente corrective actions and share lessons learned

• Plan and monitore safety exercises

• Coordinate the network of Safety Officers in the department

A consistent safety approach applies to all Engineering Department activities. Preventive and corrective maintenance is organised based on risk analysis, established procedures and continuous feedback to maintain the highest level of performance of CERN’s facilities. Audits, inspections and event analyses contribute to ongoing improvement of safety practices.

Safety objectives focus on protecting people and the environment. Through rigorous risk management, the Safety Office ensures that technical and organisational measures are implemented to comply with applicable standards. It applies the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), striving to reduce risks to the lowest reasonable level.

Key activities include:

• Hazard identification and prevention planning

• Risk assessment for new equipment, processes and operations

• Safety documentation for design, operation and maintenance phases

• Training and awareness for all staff and contractors, in collaboration with CERN HSE

• Personal protective equipment adapted to the identified risks

• Access control to hazardous areas based on defined safety rules

Regular safety reviews and audits help evaluate the efficiency of implemented measures, reinforce a proactive approach and strengthen overall safety performance.

The safety of the EN Department’s staff and contractors is our top priority. Our goal is to provide a safe working environment, the right tools for every task and the guarantee of a healthy workplace in all respects.

— Katy Foraz, Head of the EN Department