Safety Guide for Photon Factory Users

Photon Factory (PF), Institute of Materials Structure Science (IMSS), High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
April, 2024

1. Introduction

The Photon Factory (PF) is a Japanese national synchrotron radiation research facility affiliated with the Institute of Materials Structure Science (IMSS) of the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK). It is supervised by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT; Monbu-Kagaku-Sho). At the Photon Factory, various experiments are carried out using synchrotron radiation X-rays and vacuum-ultraviolet light generated by the PF and PF-AR storage rings. In this guide, the precautions to be taken for the safe use of the facility are outlined. The most important rule for safety is:

"Each experimenter is responsible for his or her own safety."


In addition to the first rule, because many experimentalists are working together and doing various experimenters in a common space, another special caution is necessary in the experimental halls.

"Always consider the safety of the others."


Please read this document carefully before starting your experiments. Important notices are summarized here to protect the safety and health of PF users and staff.

Please refer also to the pamphlets concerning the regulations of KEK, which are provided at each experimental station. Most of these are in Japanese only, but an English phamphlet "Safety Guidebook" is also available online as a PDF file.


Beamline Display Board
Beamline Display Board

2. Administrative System for Safety

The following members of PF staff are assigned to deal with aspects of safety such as radiation safety, electrical safety, and fire prevention -- please see the table below.

List of PF Safety Staff
ResponsibilityName of person(s) in charge
SupervisorY. Kitajima
Radiation SafetyH. Nitani
Beamline Interlock SystemT. Kosuge, H. Ishii, H. Nitani
Fire & Disaster PreventionA. Matsuoka, S. Nozawa, A. Koyama
Electrical SafetyA. Toyoshima
Chemical SafetyY. Kitajima
Toxic or Flammable GasesY. Kitajima
High-Pressure Gas CylindersY. Uchida
CryogenT. Mori
LasersS. Nozawa
Information SecurityN. Matsugaki
ResponsibilityName of person(s) in charge
CranesT. Kikuchi
Machine ShopT. Mori, Y. Shibazaki
X-ray Preparation RoomR. Kumai
Biology Preparation RoomN. Usami
Phisiology Preparation RoomH. Takagi
Crystallization Preparation Room and Cold RoomM. Hikita
Dark RoomH. Sugiyama
Chemistry LaboratoryY. Niwa
Evaporation LaboratoryT. Kikuchi
IP ReaderY. Shibazaki

When the storage rings are in operation, a floor manager (Unten-Toban in Japanese) and his/her assistant are on duty and carry responsibility for the operation of beamlines and safety systems in the experimental halls. They can be contacted at any time since they carry a mobile "handy-phone" (PHS), number 4209. You must follow their instructions regarding safety in all cases.

"Beamline Display Board" (BDB) is placed at each beamline to inform everyone what kind of experiments are in progress at the branch beamlines. Detailed explanation of BDB is in a web page: https://pfwww.kek.jp/safety/chem/bldisp-e.html.

Every experimental group should post a copy of the pre-submitted "Declaration of introduction of samples/chemicals into the Photon Factory" form on the BDB. The accepted form can be found at the main entrance of the experimental hall. Other safety notices such as "On Baking", "Laser Beam Operation" etc. should also be displayed when appropriate. Contact information of a member who is currently responsible in your experiments should be input to the "PF Experiment Information Management System" [accessible only in KEK].

In case of emergency

3. In case of Emergencies

Your first priority should be to secure your own safety. Before starting your experiments, please note the locations of emergency exits, fire extinguishers and fire alarms. In order to keep the evacuation route accessible, do not leave anything outside of the yellow line and the passageways between beamlines. Never pile up things or lean ladders near the passages since they might fall down during an earthquake. Don't put heavy items in high places.

SOS buttons are installed on the ground floor of the PF Research Building and the PF-AR area. When one of these buttons is pushed, an emergency announcement will be made in the corresponding area.

SOS Button
Emergency Assembly Areas
Emergency Assembly Areas
Emergency Exits in the PF Experimental Hall
Emergency Exits in the PF Experimental Hall

3-1 In case of a fire

If you notice a fire, shout "Fire!" and raise the alarm. Dial 3399 for the guard and also 4209 for the Unten-Toban. It is sometimes dangerous for one person to fight the fire, and the best method for dealing with the fire depends on the cause. Follow the instructions of the Unten-Toban and PF staff.


3-2 In case of an injury

A first-aid kit for minor injuries is available at the Unten-Toban's office. If an ambulance is necessary, dial 3399 to inform the Guard's office. Also call the Unten-Toban on 4209.


3-3 Emergency Assembly Areas

In case of a fire or earthquake, everyone should escape from the building and gather in the assigned "Emergency Assembly Areas". They are mostly near parking areas, and are shown in the figure. Please report your group members' situation to the staff there.


4. Radiation Safety

The Radiation Science Center of KEK provides personal dosimeters and a personal ID card. These are obtained from an attendant at the entrance to the PF experimental hall. The ID card is required to enter and leave radiation-controlled areas, including the experimental hall. The dosimeters and the ID card should be returned before leaving KEK, or upon the request of the attendant. Personal dosimeters are usually replaced and checked every month. The Radiation Science Center regularly surveys the radiation level in the experimental halls.

Personal Dosimeter &
ID card
Personal Dosimeter & ID card

5. Beamline Interlock System

Station Controller
Station Controller

Key Operation for X-ray Hutch
Key Operation for X-ray Hutch

In order to protect experimenters from radiation hazards, and to preserve the vacuum in beam-transport lines and the beamline components, there is a "Beamline Interlock System". Experimenters can only handle the "Station Controller" located at the experimental station, and the key for the experimental hutch on the X-ray beamlines.


6. Safety Guide for Chemicals and Toxic and/or Flammable Gases


7. Electrical Safety

The most serious accidents caused by electricity are electric shocks and fires caused by overheating. The followings are safety measures to avoid electrical accidents.

Leak-Current Detector
Leak-Current Detector
Fixed Gas Cylinders
Fixed Gas Cylinders

8. Safety Guide for using High-Pressure Gas Cylinders


9. Traffic Safety in the KEK Grounds

Speed Limit 30km/h
Park Cars in Assigned Areas
Follow Traffic Regulations

10. No Smoking Policy in KEK

Smoking Area
Smoking Area

Smoking is prohibited throughout KEK, both inside and outside, except for in designated smoking areas. The following areas near the PF and PF-AR are designated for smoking:

There is a "Smoking Area" sign and an ashtray at each smoking area.
For other smoking areas in KEK, please refer to this map.


11. Miscellaneous Safety Measures

Safety Hats & Shoes
Wear Safety Hat & Shoes