New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 20 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 3 - RADIATION PROTECTION
Part 8 - RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ANALYTICAL X-RAY EQUIPMENT
Section 20.3.8.7 - DEFINITIONS

A. "Analytical x-ray equipment" means equipment used for x-ray diffraction or fluorescence analysis.

B. "Analytical x-ray system" means a group of local and remote components utilizing x-rays to determine the elemental composition or to examine the microstructure of materials. Local components include those that are struck by x-rays such as radiation source housing, port and shutter assemblies, collimator, sample holders, cameras, goniometers, detectors and shielding. Remote components include power supplies, transformers, amplifiers, readout devices, and control panels.

C. "Fail-safe characteristics" mean a design feature which causes beam port shutters to close, or otherwise prevents emergence of the primary beam, upon the failure of a safety or warning device.

D. "Local components" mean part of an analytical x-ray system and include areas that are struck by x-rays such as radiation source housings, port and shutter assemblies, collimator, sample holders, cameras, goniometers, detectors and shielding but do not include power supplies, transformers, amplifiers, readout devices, and control panels.

E. "Normal operating procedures" mean step-by-step instructions necessary to accomplish the analysis. These procedures shall include sample insertion and manipulation, equipment alignment, routine maintenance by the registrant, and data-recording procedures which are related to radiation safety.

F. "Open-beam configuration" means analytical x-ray system in which an individual could accidently place part of his body in the primary beam path during normal operation.

G. "Primary beam" means ionizing radiation which passes through an aperture of the source housing by a direct path from the x-ray tube or a radioactive source located in the radiation source housing.