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Chapter 14: Pressure, Vacuum, and Cryogenic Systems

Overview (1)

SLAC is home to a wide range of systems that are pressurized, systems that are under a vacuum, and systems that include both positive and negative pressure, such as cryogenic systems. Many of SLAC's pressure systems are of the conventional type, such as those that are used to deliver utilities or process gas. Other systems are designed for unique science applications.

As of May 25, 2007 all pressure systems at SLAC are subject to Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 851, "Worker Safety and Health Program" (10 CFR 851) and must therefore be in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations. To clarify how this relates to SLAC's pressure systems, this chapter includes requirements for each phase of equipment life, from design to decommissioning, and includes requirements for legacy systems, which are systems that were in place before 10 CFR 851 came into effect.

This chapter also clarifies who carries the responsibility for keeping SLAC's pressure systems in compliance, laying out the roles of equipment owners, project managers, and the Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee (HEEC).

Hazards/Impacts (1.1)

Failure to adhere to the design and operating practices described in this chapter can result in

• Failure of a pressure system to function properly due to improper design or operator actions
• A pressure system leak that can, depending on the system type, create hazardous atmospheric conditions resulting in breathing hazards for employees, super-cold environments (cryogen leaks), undesirable environmental consequences, and costly cleanup operations
• Sudden release of energy into or from a pressure/vacuum system that can cause overpressure damage, create shrapnel, injure employees, disrupt scientific or business operations or business continuity, and/or destroy high-cost hardware

Scope (2)

The requirements of this chapter apply to all pressure, cryogenic, and vacuum systems that are located, installed, or used at SLAC. Included are all associated pressure service components such as gauges, regulators, fittings, piping, pumps, pressure relief devices, and any other hardware that provides a pressure boundary. (For a full description, see pressure system in Section 4, “Definitions”.)

In addition, the requirements apply to all personnel who design, install, fabricate, repair, maintain, or use pressure systems that are located or used at SLAC.

Legacy systems are defined and addressed in Section 5.1.1.1, “Legacy Systems”.

In addition to the general requirements that pertain to all systems, certain types of systems must be in compliance with additional requirements particular to what the system contains. These requirements are detailed in the exhibits referenced in Section 5.2, “Procedures and Specific Requirements”.

The requirements of this chapter do not apply to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant fire suppression systems. SLAC requirements for Department of Transportation (DOT) specification compressed gas cylinders are addressed in Chapter 38, "Compressed Gas Cylinders".

For additional information see Chapter 36, "Cryogenic and Oxygen Deficiency Hazard Safety", Chapter 40, "Hazardous Materials", Chapter 5 "Industrial Hygiene", and Chapter 29, "Respiratory Protection".

Implementation (8)

The requirements of this chapter are effective as noted in Pressure, Vacuum, and Cryogenic Systems: Implementation Plan [pdf].

continue to Standards (3)