Radiation, X-ray and Laser Safety Programs

Use this page to find guidance, forms, and resources for radiation safety, X-ray equipment, and laser safety at UNT. These programs support the safe and compliant use of radioactive materials, radiation-producing equipment, X-ray equipment, and lasers in research, teaching, and operational activities.

The Radiation Safety Program provides oversight and guidance for the use of radioactive materials at UNT. The program helps keep radiation exposure to university personnel, members of the public, and the environment as low as reasonably achievable, commonly referred to as ALARA.

The Texas Department of State Health Services Radiation Control Program authorizes the use of radioactive materials at UNT. The Radiation Safety Committee establishes radiation safety procedures based on applicable requirements, the UNT Radiation Safety Manual, and license conditions.

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Radiation-producing equipment includes equipment that contains a sealed source of radiation or an X-ray-producing tube or housing. This equipment may be used in medical, dental, veterinary, academic, research, or operational settings.

All X-ray equipment purchased, transferred, loaned, relocated, serviced, or disposed of by UNT must be coordinated with the Radiation Safety Office. Contact the Radiation Safety Office before adding, relocating, servicing, or disposing of X-ray equipment so regulatory requirements can be addressed.

Before X-ray equipment is installed or used:

Each X-ray operator must complete required Radiation Safety Training.

A commissioning survey or dose assessment must be coordinated with the Radiation Safety Office.

For veterinary and medical X-ray equipment, an Equipment Performance Evaluation must be performed and documented by a licensed medical physicist when required.

Examples of X-ray Equipment Used at UNT

Electron Microscopes

Electron microscopes can produce low levels of X-rays when the electron beam interacts with sample material. Modern electron microscopes are well shielded and are designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to personnel. Personal dosimetry is typically not required when working with an electron microscope.

To help keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable:

Ensure shielding, safety interlocks, and warning lights are maintained and working properly.

Keep hands and arms away from energized equipment unless work requires access.

Maximize distance from energized equipment.

Reduce time near energized equipment.

Turn off equipment when it is not in use.

X-ray Diffraction Equipment

X-ray diffraction equipment is used to determine the molecular structure of crystalline materials by analyzing diffracted X-rays. These systems are typically shielded with protective housing, but exposure to the primary beam can cause serious localized injury.

X-ray diffraction systems should have warning displays and safety features, such as:

Warning lights indicating that X-rays are being generated

Warning lights indicating that the X-ray shutter is open

Warning lights indicating that protective housing doors are open

Alarms that sound when protective housing doors are opened

The Laser Safety Program is part of the UNT Radiation Safety Program. Laser use is under the general direction of the Radiation Safety Officer and the Radiation Safety Committee.

The Laser Safety Program provides guidance for the safe use of lasers and laser systems. The program primarily supports users of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers and laser systems.

Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must be registered with the Radiation Safety Office during or after acquisition. Personnel working with Class 3B or Class 4 lasers must complete required Laser Safety Training. The authorized principal investigator is responsible for developing equipment-specific standard operating procedures for laser research or use.

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