Radiation, X-ray and Laser Safety Programs

Please review the safety program information below for guidanceon radiation, X-ray and Laser safety.

The Radiation Safety program provides oversight and guidance to users of radioactive material. The program keeps radiation exposure to university personnel, members of the public and the environment As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) and compliance with the state and federal regulations.

Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Radiation Control Program authorized the use of radioactive material at University of North Texas. The Radiation Safety Committee establish the radiation safety procedure according to the state and federal regulation, Radiation Safety Manual and the license conditions.

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Radiation producing equipment are any equipment that contain sealed source of radiation or an x-ray producing vacuum tube or housing. This equipment may be used in the disciplines of the healing arts (medicine or dental) or non-healing arts (education or research). Ionizing radiation producing devices are regulated by Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Radiation Control.

All x-ray devices that are purchased, transferred, or loaned to the university must be inventoried and surveyed by the Radiation Safety Office. Please contact the Radiation Safety Office as soon as possible for any addition, relocation, service, or disposal of x-ray devices so has to effectively coordinate the regulatory processes.

Prior to installation and usage of any x-ray devices:

Each x-ray operator must complete the radiation safety training.
Schedule a commissioning survey and/or dose assessment with the Radiation Safety Office.
For veterinary and medical x-ray devices, an Equipment Performance Evaluation (EPE) must be performed and documented by a licensed medical physicist.

Examples of X-ray systems used at UNT

Electron Microscope - (EM) produce low levels of X-rays as a result of the electron beam interacting with the sample material. Modern EMs are well-shielded; they eliminate or greatly minimize exposure to personnel. Personal dosimetry is not required when working with an EM.

To ensure exposures are As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) users

Ensure that shielding, safety interlocks, and warning lights are maintained and operable.
Keep hands/arms off the energized EM unless working with it.
Maximize distance away from energized EMs.
Reduce time around energized EMs.
Turn off EMs when not in use.

X-ray diffraction (XRDs)

XRDs determine the molecular structure of crystalline materials by analyzing the interference patterns of diffracted X-rays. XRDs are shielded with protective housing, but even a short exposure (less than one second) to the primary beam can cause significant damage. The primary beam is collimated to a small beam diameter, which increases the risk of a severe, localized injury. Low energy X-rays are readily absorbed in the first few millimeters of the skin.

XRDs are designed with warning displays such as

Warning lights indicating that X-rays are being generated
Warning lights indicating that the X-ray window (i.e. shutter) is open
Warning lights indicating that the protective housing doors are open.
Alarm sounding when protective housing doors are opened.

The laser safety program is a part of the University Radiation Safety program. As such, laser use is under the general direction and authority of the Radiation Safety and the Radiation Safety Committee.

The Laser Safety Program provides instruction for the safe use of lasers and laser systems. All lasers and laser systems are operated in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 2000, “the Safe Use of Lasers;” and other applicable federal and state regulations.

The primary objective of the laser safety program is to ensure that no laser radiation in excess of the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit reaches the human eye or skin. The program mainly provides oversight and guidance to users of Class 3b and 4 lasers and laser systems.

All Class 3b and Class 4 lasers must be registered with the Radiation Safety Office during or after acquisition. All personnel working with Class 3b and Class 4 lasers or laser systems must complete the laser safety training. Also authorized principle investigator must develop an SOP for specific research and equipment.

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