Integration of personal protective equipment checks in access control

Access to the interlocked zones of the CERN accelerator complex is allowed only for personnel wearing standard personal protective equipment. This equipment is complemented by specialised personal protective devices in case of specific hazards related to the remnant radiation or the presence of cryogenic fluids. These complex devices monitor the environment in the vicinity of the user and warn the user of the presence of hazards such as radiation or oxygen deficiency. The use of the devices is obligatory, but currently only enforced by procedures. In order to improve the safety of the personnel it has been proposed to verify that users are carrying their devices switched on when entering. This paper describes the development of a specialised multi-protocol terminal, based on Texas Instruments digital signal processor and integrated in the personnel protection system. The device performs local checks of the presence and status of operational dosimeter prior to allowing access to the interlocked zones. The results of the first tests in the Proton Synchrotron accelerator complex are presented.