Section R12-1-804. Open-beam X-ray Systems

A.      A registrant shall label open beam x-ray systems with a readily discernible sign or signs bearing the radiation symbol and the words:

1.        “CAUTION -- HIGH INTENSITY X-RAY BEAM,” or a similar warning, on the x-ray source housing; and

2.        “CAUTION RADIATION -- THIS EQUIPMENT PRO- DUCES RADIATION WHEN ENERGIZED” or a simi- lar warning, near any switch that energizes an x-ray tube if the radiation source is an x-ray tube.

B.       A registrant shall ensure that an open beam x-ray system has all of the following warning devices:

1.        X-ray tube status (On-Off) indicator in systems where the primary beam is controlled in this fashion;

2.        Shutter status (Open-Closed) indicators near each port on the radiation housing for systems which control the pri- mary beam; and

3.        A clearly visible warning light labeled with the words “X-RAY ON,” or a similar warning located near any switch that energizes an x-ray tube, illuminated only when the tube is energized; and

4.        The warning devices in subsections (B)(1) through (3) shall be labeled so that their purpose is easily identified.

C.      A registrant shall ensure that any apparatus utilized in beam alignment procedures is designed in such a way that excessive radiation will not strike the operator. Particular attention shall be given to viewing devices, in order to ascertain that lenses and other transparent components attenuate the beam to an acceptable level.

D.      A registrant shall provide an interlock device which prevents entry of any portion of an individual’s body into the primary beam or causes the primary beam to be shut off upon entry into its path on all open-beam x-ray systems. A registrant may apply to the Agency for an exemption from the requirements of a safety device. An application for exemption shall include:

1.        A description of the various safety devices that have been evaluated;

2.        The reason each device cannot be used; and

3.        A description of the alternative methods that will be used to minimize accidental exposure, including procedures to assure that operators and others in the area will be informed of the absence of safety devices.

E.       A registrant shall use only systems constructed so that:

1.        Each x-ray tube housing is equipped with an interlock that automatically shuts off the tube if the tube is removed from the radiation source housing or the housing is disassembled; and

2.        With all shutters closed, radiation measured at a distance of 5 centimeters from the surface of the system is not capable of producing a dose that exceeds 25 Sv (2.5 mRem) in one hour for the specified tube rating of the x- ray tube.

F.       A registrant shall supply each x-ray generating system with a protective cabinet that limits leakage radiation measured at a distance of 5 cm (2 in) from the cabinet surface, so that the system is not capable of producing a dose equivalent that exceeds 25 µSv (2.5 mrem) in one hour.

G.      A registrant shall ensure that the local components of an ana- lytical x-ray system are located and arranged and have suffi- cient shielding or access control for the specified tube rating to prevent the radiation level in any area adjacent to the local component group from exceeding the dose limits in R12-1- 416.

H.      A registrant shall perform a radiation survey of the local com- ponent group of each analytical x-ray system to demonstrate compliance with subsection (G) upon:

1.        Installation,

2.        Change in configuration, or

3.        Maintenance that affects the radiation level in any area adjacent to the local component group.

I.        A registrant shall maintain a record of each survey for three years or until the analytical x-ray system is no longer used, whichever period is shorter.

Historical Note

Former Rule Section H.4; Former Section R12-1-804 repealed, new Section R12-1-804 adopted effective June 30, 1977 (Supp. 77-3). Former Section R12-1-804 renumbered as Section R12-1-805 without change, new Section R12-1-804 adopted effective Aug. 8, 1986 (Supp.

86-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 5 A.A.R. 1817,

effective May 12, 1999 (Supp. 99-2). Amended by final

rulemaking at 10 A.A.R. 2122, effective July 3, 2004

(Supp. 04-2).