KAUST Health & Safety | Analytical X-Ray Machines

Overview

A radiation producing equipment is any piece of equipment that, when energized, emits X-ray radiation or could potentially emit X-ray radiation as a by-product of its operation. These types of devices pose a hazard if not used properly. Therefore, certain controls must be in place to ensure proper operation, operator’s safety and student’s safety.

All radiation producing equipment at KAUST are analytical devices that are used for research and are required to be registered with the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, in addition, equipment must be approved by the RSO or the IRSC prior to use.

Examples include:

High voltage X-ray irradiator, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning & Transmission Electron Microscopes

Most equipment that uses radiation and operates above 5 kV needs to be registered with the NRRC. To ensure compliance, consult with the RSO before acquiring such equipment. HSE will provide the following services for users of radiation-producing equipment:

Registration (HSE will handle all the paperwork to register radiation-producing equipment or to cancel registrations)
Training
Radiation Surveys
Radiation Monitoring Badges if it deems necessary.

Purchase Approval of a Radiation Producing Equipment

All purchases of X-ray producing equipment must be reviewed and approved prior to order by the RSO or the IRSC. PI using X-ray machines shall provide the RSO with documentation of the type, make, model, specifications, location, and maximum radiation output of the device before ordering.

If you are ordering new radiation producing equipment, please complete the New Radiation Equipment Purchase Review Request and contact the RSO to initiate the approval for purchase process.

Safety Requirements for Radiation Producing Equipment

Administrative safety requirements

The laboratory space is designated as a Supervised or Controlled Area. The designated area will need to have visible barriers and warning signs posted at the entrances.
When a space is designated as Controlled Area only authorized staff, which have been trained, are allowed when the device is switched on. When a space is designated as Supervised Area entry restriction does not apply but only authorized users, which have been trained, are allowed to operate the radiation-producing equipment.
The RUA holder must ensure that a record of training and authorization to use the device is available. All authorized users must also fill the authorized user form and return it to the RSO.
All authorized users shall adhere to the manufacturer instructions, safety requirements, Local Rules and SOP, and complete the users log whenever they use the device.
The RSO is required to perform an annual area monitoring to ensure that the radiation doses to the users and other staff do not exceed the occupational dose limits and associated KAUST accepted dose levels
The RSO must be notified of any changes of location, modification of the device or safety features, etc.
The RSO must be notified immediately if any safety interlocks fail to operate as intended or if you suspect an accidental exposure.

Engineering safety measures

The primary beam must be shielded such that (1) no radiation levels outside the enclosure exceed 1μSv/h, (2) no person can stand within the enclosure while the machine is producing X-rays, and (3) all shielded entrances of the equipment are interlocked so that any attempt to open the enclosure will shut off the machine. In addition, warning indicators should be available to indicate when the X-ray tube is energized, or if the shutter is open (i.e. primary X-ray beam entering the main chamber).
It is good practice that the entrances to the laboratory containing radiation-producing equipment are controlled (i.e. via locks or proximity access).
The entrances to the laboratory containing radiation-producing equipment must be controlled (i.e. via locks or proximity access);
Entrance warning signs must be posted and warning indicators should be available on the equipment to indicate when the X-ray tube is energized, or if the shutter is open (i.e. primary X-ray beam entering the main chamber).

Safety Controls

Radiation-producing equipment must be equipped with certain safety features. These typically include a fail-safe warning light, fail-safe interlocks, beam enclosures, and shielding. In addition, a radiation survey meter may be needed.

The following procedures apply to all radiation-producing equipment:

Safety devices must be in working order before the machine is operated.
Only repair persons authorized by the manufacturer (e.g. manufacturer employee or sub-contractor) may operate a radiation-producing equipment without using shielding and other safety devices.
Any changes to the safety devices must be reviewed by the RSO. Do not replace or modify safety devices without pre-approval.
No safety device is absolutely fail-safe or foolproof. Interlocks, like those on the door of a cabinet X-ray unit must not be relied on to automatically close the beam shutter.
Safety devices must not be purposely defeated, even when their use makes operating the machine difficult. If the design of a safety device prevents or inhibits operation, the RSO may approve an alternate safety device or method of equal protective value. (If safety devices are modified, it may be necessary to modify existing operating procedures or the RUA, and to retrain operators).
Do not operate a machine if a required safety device fails. Do not use the unit until it has been repaired and checked by the RSO.

Important Reminders:

The NRRC regulations and the university’s IRSC policy require new radiation-producing equipment to be registered and approved before operation. Any radiation-producing equipment will be suspended by the RSO if it is operating without prior approval from the IRSC.

The NRRC regulations and the university’s IRSC policies also require radiation-producing equipment that has been moved or repaired to be inspected before being returned to service.

Lastly, depending on the type of equipment, the university’s IRSC policies require that all users of radiation-producing equipment complete the HSE Analysis X-ray Safety Training or SEM/TEM Safety Training before the first use of the equipment.

Survey & Area Monitoring

The Radiation Safety Team survey all research x-ray equipment during installation for the first time, and after annually to ensure that it is operating according to applicable KAUST and NRRC regulations.

Similar radiation surveys are repeated after major maintenance, modification, or relocation. The area where the equipment is located is monitored during the annual inspection to ensure that radiation levels are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).

Installation, Transfer and Disposal

The Radiation Safety Officer must be notified prior to any device installation, maintenance, modification or relocation, discontinuation, or transfer of a radiation-producing device. Reports of transfer (surplus, sale, donation,) must include the name and address of the transferee.

If you need to transfer, relocate, or dispose of a radiation equipment, please contact the RSO, read the guidelines, and complete the transfer/disposal form.

For additional information about radiation producing devices/ X-ray machines, please contact the RSO at hse@kaust.edu.sa