JLab, Newport News, Virginia, USA
A new hot checkout process was implemented at Jefferson Lab for the upgraded 12 GeV accelerator. The previous process proved insufficient in the fall of 2011 when a fire broke out in a septa magnet along the beam line due to a lack of communication about the status of systems. The improved process provides rigorous verification of system readiness thus protecting property while minimizing program delays. To achieve these goals, a database and web application were created to maintain an accurate list of machine components and coordinate and record verification checks by each responsible group. The process requires groups to publish checklists detailing each system check to encourage good work practice. Within groups, the process encourages two independent checks of each component: the first by a technician, and a second by the group leader. Finally, the application provides a dashboard display of checkout progress for each system and beam destination of the machine allowing for informed management decisions. Successful deployment of the new process has led to safe and efficient machine commissioning.
