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3.
Radiation Safety Guidelines
To ensure the health and safety of the operator and all others in the
vicinity of operating x-ray inspection equipment, the following guidelines
are recommended for establishing a basic radiation safety program.
Note: Federal, State, and some local government
agencies may have more stringent regulations
concerning the operation and use of equipment that
produces ionizing radiation (x-rays). The requirements
of these governing agencies supersede the
recommendations made by the manufacturer.
1. A copy of the operating instructions should be kept at the
machine at all times.
2. Personnel operating the equipment should be trained in the
proper and safe operation of the machine.
3. Radiation surveys should be performed periodically to ensure
that the amount of radiation being emitted by the machine is
less than 0.5mR/hour. We recommend performing a radiation
survey:
Following initial installation
– before placing the x-ray
system into service.
Whenever the x-ray system is relocated.
Whenever the x-ray system receives a strong jolt (e.g.,
being dropped ore than one inch or struck sufficiently
hard to dent or deform the exterior cabinet).
Whenever a leaded component (such as the x-ray
generator, shielding, inspection tunnel curtains, LXDA or
collimator cover) is removed for any reason or period of
time.
Annually
– from the date of the most recent radiation
survey
4. All controls and indicators should be checked daily to ensure
proper operation.
5. Do not operate the x-ray system if it is not in good repair. Do
not attempt to remove or bypass any controls (e.g. foot pedals
and key-switches), interlocks, status indicators, leaded
components (including the inspection tunnel curtains) or
physical barriers. In the event of failure or breakage, these