South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-64 - X-Rays (Title B)
Part VII - RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ANALYTICAL X-RAY EQUIPMENT
Section 61-64.VII.RHB 7.4 - General Requirements for all Analytical X-ray Equipment

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-64.VII.RHB 7.4

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

7.4.1 Registration. All requirements of RHB 2.3 and 2.4 apply.

7.4.2 Posting. Each area or room containing analytical x-ray equipment shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation symbol and the words "CAUTION- X-RAY EQUIPMENT," or words having similar intent.

7.4.3 Labeling. All analytical x-ray equipment shall be labeled with a readily discernible sign or signs bearing the radiation symbol, and

7.4.3.1 A label bearing the words "Caution - Radiation - This Equipment Produces Radiation When Energized," or words having a similar intent, shall be placed near any switch which energizes an x-ray tube.

7.4.3.2 A sign bearing the words "Caution- High Intensity X-ray Beam," or words having a similar intent, shall be placed in the area immediately adjacent to each tube head or on the x-ray tube housing. The sign shall be so located that it is clearly visible to any person operating, aligning, or adjusting the unit, or handling or changing a sample.

7.4.4 Warning Lights.

7.4.4.1 An easily visible warning light labeled with the words "X-RAY ON," or words having a similar intent, shall be located near any switch that energizes an x-ray tube and shall be illuminated only when the tube is energized.

7.4.4.2 Warning lights shall have fail-safe characteristics.

7.4.5 Safety Devices.

7.4.5.1 Any temporary alteration to safety devices, such as by-passing interlocks or removing shielding, shall be:
7.4.5.1.1 Approved in advance by the Radiation Safety Officer;

7.4.5.1.2 Specified in writing and posted near the x-ray tube housing;

7.4.5.1.3 Terminated as soon as possible; and

7.4.5.1.4 Documented, and the documentation maintained for inspection by the Department. This documentation shall contain the nature and date of the alteration, the signature of the individuals who made the alteration, and the signature of who restored the unit to original condition.

7.4.5.2 Tests of all safety devices such as interlocks, shutters, and warning lights shall be conducted annually for all operable analytical x-ray equipment. Documentation of such tests shall be maintained for inspection by the Department.

7.4.5.3 The inspection and testing of safety devices shall not be a substitute for a radiation area survey.

7.4.5.4 Interlocks shall not be used to deactivate the x-ray tube, except in an emergency or during testing of the interlock system. After such shut-off, it shall be possible to restore the machine to full operation only from the control panel.

7.4.5.5 Unused ports on radiation source housings shall be secured in the closed position in a manner to prevent inadvertent opening.

7.4.6 Each x-ray tube housing shall be so constructed that with all shutters closed the leakage radiation measured at a distance of five centimeters (5 cm) from its surface does not exceed two and one-half milliRoentgen (2.5 mR) per hour.

7.4.7 Generator Cabinet. Each x-ray generator shall be supplied with a protective cabinet which limits leakage radiation measured at a distance from its surface to 0.25 milliRoentgen per hour.

7.4.8 Radiation in excess of the limits specified in RHB 7.4.6 and 7.4.7 shall be eliminated prior to using the analytical x-ray equipment.

7.4.9 Repair or Modification of X-ray Tube System. Except as specified in RHB 7.4.5.1, no operation involving removal of covers, shielding materials, or tube housings, or modifications to shutters, collimators, or beam stops shall be performed without ascertaining that the tube is off and will remain off until safe conditions have been restored. The main switch, rather than interlocks, shall be used for routine shutdown in preparation for repairs.

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