LS3 LHC begins: Electrical Lockout Successfully Completed

Contributors: Marta Vargas Jorba, Jerome Panigoni, Anne-Laure Perrot

On Behalf of the LS3 Coordination

The start of Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) marked an important step forward with the initial power shutdown of the LHC successfully completed. The LHC electrical lockout is a crucial step to ensure the safety of future interventions on the accelerator and its associated equipment.

Following this operation, the first work authorisations related to electrical hazards were issued by the LHC Electrical Operations Manager (C2E) applying the recently deployed framework defined by the Electrical Safety Project (ESP). To date, around thirty authorisations have already been granted, including several directly related to electrical quality assurance tests (ElQA).

Reaching this number in record time, while the range of activities requiring the removal of electrical hazards remains limited, reflects the commitment and rigorous work of the teams involved. These authorisations are essential for ensuring that interventions are properly controlled and allow teams to access the relevant areas in full compliance with strict electrical safety protocols.

This progress was made possible through the close coordination and effective collaboration of the different equipment-owning groups. Their collective efforts ensured the smooth execution of the tasks planned as part of the electrical lockout activities.

Thanks to this strong cooperation, the objectives were achieved within the planned timeframe while maintaining an optimal level of safety.

Work is continuing in accordance with the LS3 schedule.