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PRIME Lab is equipped with an oxygen monitor in the accelerator vault. Since the PRIME Lab accelerator contains a very large volume of insulating gas, an additional safety system is in place. The insulating gas in the accelerator is not toxic, but because of the large volume, can displace air in the event of a large leak. This would result in a atmosphere with insufficient oxygen to support life. The oxygen sensor is located in the trench below the accelerator and approximately in the center of the accelerator, so that any large leak would be detected. The alarms are located at each entrance to the basement level, and in the accelerator vault. In the event of an alarm, members of the engineering and operations staff will use a portable oxygen monitor to determine if it is a false alarm, and if not to repair the leak if possible. All other personnel should evacuate the PRIME lab building as designated in the Physics building emergency plan. |