PA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONENTAL PROTECTION

Use of x-ray equipment in Pennsylvania is regulated by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP has established regulations which must be followed by all individuals using energized (x-ray) equipment. These regulations are found in Title 25 Chapter 219, 220, and 227 of the Pennsylvania Code and are available for review in the Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) office or on the DEP website at www.dep.state.pa.us.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND RADIATION SAFETY (EHRS)

EHRS is responsible for ensuring that radiation and radioactive material is used safety at Penn and associated facilities (e.g., Wistar Institute, CHOP). EHRS staff perform a safety check of each diffraction unit annually (at a minimum). EHRS staff may be reached at 215-898-7187 during the day or via the emergency pager at 215-980-0035 during off hours.

UNIT REGISTRATION

All x-ray equipment must be registered with EHRS. This can be done by contacting EHRS and must be done when equipment is installed (215-898-7187).

UNIT RELOCATION, DISPOSAL OR TRANSFER

EHRS must be notified prior to relocation, disposal or transfer of x-ray diffraction equipment. This includes moving equipment to a different room within the same building.

WORKER REGISTRATION

All individuals using x-ray diffraction equipment must register with EHRS. This may be done by filling out the form in the back of this guide or by using the EHRS webpage (www.ehrs.upenn.edu).

TRAINING

1. Radiation Safety Training

All the persons using the x-ray diffraction equipment must attend the radiation safety training specific to this type of equipment. This training is provided by the EHRS and may be arranged by contacting our office.

2. Operational Training

Additionally, all the persons operating the equipment must receive the following instructions from the primary researcher and demonstrate competence in the following areas:

a. Significance of the various radiation warning and safety devices incorporated into the equipment, or the reason they have not been installed on certain pieces of equipment, and the extra precautions necessary if the devices are absent or bypassed.

b. Operating and emergency procedures.

RADIATION SURVEY

All x-ray diffraction equipment must surveyed at the following times:

1. Upon installation;

2. Annually;

3. Whenever the following occurs:

a. When there is a change in the initial arrangement, number or type of local components in the analytical unit system.

b. Following maintenance requiring the disassembly or removal of a local component.

c. During the performance of maintenance and alignment procedures if the procedures require the presence of a primary x-ray beam when a local component in the system is disassembled or removed.

d. When a visual inspection of the local component in the system reveals an abnormal condition.

e. When the machine is operated in a manner other than the routine manner specified in the written operating manual.

 

SAFETY DEVICES AND SIGNS

1. On equipment with an open beam configuration manufactured and installed after December 19, 1987, each port on the radiation source housing must be equipped with a shutter that cannot be opened unless a collimator or coupling has been connected to the port .

Note: An open beam configuration system is an analytical x-ray system in which the beam is not enclosed or shielded so any portion of an individual's body, including fingers, could accidentally be placed in the beam path during normal operation.

2. Unused ports on radiation housings shall be secured in the closed position in a manner which will prevent accidental opening.

3. An open-beam configuration unit must have a device which either prevents the entry of any portion of body into primary beam path or causes the beam to be terminated when a part of the body approaches the beam.

4. A warning label must be posted on the x-ray source housing which states, "Caution - High Intensity X-ray Beam", and another label which states, "Caution Radiation - This Equipment Produces Radiation When Energized", near any switch that energizes the X-ray tube.

Note: These labels are available from EHRS.

5. An easily visible warning light which does the following:

a. Illuminates when the X-ray tube is energized and labeled with the words "X-Ray ON"

b. Illuminates in each port on radiation source housing when the shutter is open (this applies to open beam configurations).

 

OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

Operating procedures must be written and available to the analytical x-ray equipment operators. Procedures must include instructions for the following.

1. Sample insertion and manipulation

2. Equipment alignment

3. Routine maintenance and data recording procedures

An individual may not operate analytical x-ray equipment in a manner other than that specified in the operating procedures unless that individual has obtained written approval from the radiation safety officer.

Except when written approval is given by the radiation safety officer to override safety devices, operations involving removal of covers, shielding materials or tube housings or modifications to shutters, collimators or beam stops may not be performed without ascertaining that the tube is off and will remain off until safe conditions have been restored.

Interlocks may not be used for routine shutdown in preparation for repairs.

OVERRIDING SAFETY DEVICES

An individual may not bypass or otherwise circumvent a safety device unless that person has received prior written approval from the radiation safety officer. An approval request form is included at the back of this guide.

In order to receive written approval, the following will be needed:

1. Wholebody and extremity dosimeters. To request dosimeters, use the EHRS webpage or the form in back of this guide.

2. Calibrated survey meter that measures mR/hr.

3. Controls and procedures to assure the safety of individuals during the override.

4. A readily discernible sign bearing the words, "SAFETY DEVICE NOT WORKING" to be placed on the source housing.

PERSONNEL EXPOSURE MONITORING

Exposure to scattered radiation from analytical x-ray equipment is extremely low. Therefore, personnel dosimetry is not required for routine operations.

However, personnel dosimetry is required for persons performing maintenance on x-ray diffraction units when a local component in the system is disassembled or removed, or when safety devices are disabled. Contact EHRS for dosimeters.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

If anyone thinks they may have been exposed to the x-ray beam, please contact EHRS immediately (see phone numbers above).

EHRS WEBPAGE

Information about training may be found on our website at www.ehrs.upenn.edu.