South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-64 - X-Rays (Title B)
Part VIII - RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL USES OF RADIOGRAPHIC SOURCES
Section 61-64.VIII.RHB 8.13 - Special Requirements for Certain Industrial Radiographic Techniques
Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-64.VIII.RHB 8.13
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024
8.13.1 Cabinet Radiography.
8.13.1.1 Upon installation, a cabinet
radiography unit shall not be operated until a physical radiation survey of the
unit and areas adjacent to the unit has been performed. A radiation survey of
the unit and area adjacent to the unit shall also be performed at least
annually, and after any repair modification, or maintenance on the
system.
8.13.1.2 Tests for proper
operation of high radiation area control devices, alarm systems, or interlocks
must be conducted at least annually, recorded, and maintained in accordance
with RHB
8.10.
8.13.1.3 Radiation emitted from the cabinet
x-ray unit shall not exceed one-half milliRoentgen (0.5 mR) per hour at any
point five centimeters (5 cm) from the external surface.
8.13.1.4 A cabinet x-ray system shall have a
permanent floor. Any support surface to which a cabinet x-ray system is
permanently affixed may be deemed the floor of the system.
8.13.1.5 The insertion of any part of the
human body through any port into the primary beam or through any aperture shall
not be possible.
8.13.1.6
Interlocks.
8.13.1.6.1 Each door of a cabinet
x-ray system shall have a minimum of two (2) safety interlocks. One (1), but
not both, of the required interlocks shall be such that door opening results in
physical disconnection of the energy supply circuit to the high-voltage
generator, and such disconnection shall not be dependent upon any moving part
other than the door.
8.13.1.6.2
Each access panel shall have at least one (1) safety interlock.
8.13.1.6.3 Following interruption of x-ray
generation by the functioning of any safety interlock, use of a control
provided in accordance with
RHB 8.13.1.8.2 shall
be necessary for resumption of x-ray generation.
8.13.1.6.4 Failure of any single component of
the cabinet x-ray system shall not cause failure of more than one (1) required
safety interlock.
8.13.1.7 A ground fault, or an accidental
electrical grounding of an electrical conductor, shall not result in the
generation of x-rays.
8.13.1.8
Controls and indicators for all cabinet x-ray systems. For all systems to which
this section is applicable, there shall be provided:
8.13.1.8.1 A key actuated control to ensure
that x-ray generation is not possible with the key removed.
8.13.1.8.2 A control or controls to initiate
and terminate the generation of x-rays other than by functioning of a safety
interlock or the main power control.
8.13.1.8.3 Two (2) independent means which
indicate when and only when x-rays are being generated, unless the x-ray
generation period is less than one-half (0.5) second in which case the
indicators shall be activated for one-half (0.5) second, and which are
discernible from any point at which initiation of x-ray generation is possible.
Failure of a single component of the cabinet x-ray system shall not cause
failure of both indicators to perform their intended function. One (1), but not
both, of the indicators required by this regulation may be a milliammeter
labeled to indicate x-ray tube current. All other indicators shall be legibly
labeled "X-RAY ON."
8.13.1.8.4
Additional means, other than milliammeters, which indicate when and only when
x-rays are being generated, unless the x-ray generation period is less than
one-half (0.5) second, in which case the indicators shall be activated for
one-half (0.5) second, as needed to ensure that at least one (1) indicator is
visible from each door, access panel, and port, and is legibly labeled "X-RAY
ON."
8.13.1.9 Additional
controls and indicators for cabinet x-ray systems designed to admit humans. For
cabinet x-ray systems designed to admit humans, there shall also be provided:
8.13.1.9.1 A control within the cabinet for
preventing and terminating x-ray generation, which cannot be reset, overridden,
or bypassed from the outside of the cabinet.
8.13.1.9.2 No means by which x-ray generation
can be initiated from within the cabinet.
8.13.1.9.3 Audible and visible warning
signals within the cabinet which are actuated for at least ten (10) seconds
immediately prior to the first initiation of x-ray generation after closing any
door designed to admit humans. Failure of any single component of the cabinet
x-ray system shall not cause the failure of both the audible and visible
warning signals.
8.13.1.9.4 A
visible warning signal within the cabinet which remains actuated when and only
when x-rays are being generated unless the x-ray generation period is less than
one-half (0.5) second, in which case the indicator shall be activated for
one-half (0.5) second.
8.13.1.9.5
Signs indicating the meaning of the warning signals required by
RHB 8.13.1.9.3 and
8.13.1.9.4 and containing instructions for the use of the control required by
RHB 8.13.1.9.1. These
signs shall be legible, accessible to view, and illuminated when the main power
control is in the "on" position.
8.13.1.10 Warning labels. There shall be
permanently affixed or inscribed on the cabinet x-ray system at the location of
any controls which can be used to initiate x-ray generation, a clearly legible
and visible label bearing the statement: "CAUTION: X-RAYS PRODUCED WHEN
ENERGIZED." There shall also be a permanently affixed or inscribed on the
cabinet x-ray system adjacent to each port a clearly legible and visible label
bearing the statement: "CAUTION: DO NOT INSERT ANY PART OF THE BODY WHEN SYSTEM
IS ENERGIZED-X-RAY HAZARD."
8.13.1.11 Additional requirements for x-ray
baggage inspection systems. X-ray systems designed primarily for the inspection
of carry-on baggage at airline, railroad, and bus terminals, and at similar
facilities, shall be provided with means to ensure operator presence at the
control area in a position which permits surveillance of the ports and doors
during generation of x-rays.
8.13.1.11.1
During an exposure or preset succession of exposures of one-half (0.5) second
or greater duration, the means provided shall enable the operator to terminate
the exposure or preset succession of exposures at any time.
8.13.1.11.2 During an exposure or preset
succession of exposures of less than one-half (0.5) second duration, the means
provided may allow completion of the exposure in progress but shall enable the
operator to prevent additional exposures.
8.13.2 Shielded Room Radiography.
8.13.2.1 Each registrant shall supply
appropriate personnel monitoring equipment to, and shall require the use of
such equipment by, every individual who operates, makes "set-ups," or performs
maintenance on a radiation machine for shielded room radiography.
8.13.2.2 A physical radiation survey shall be
conducted to determine that the x-ray machine is off prior to each entry into
the shielded room. Such surveys shall be made with a radiation measuring
instrument capable of measuring radiation of the energies and at the dose rates
to be encountered, which is in good working order, and which has been properly
calibrated within the preceding twenty-four (24) months or following the last
instrument servicing, whichever is later.
8.13.2.3 Each installation shall be provided
with such primary barriers and secondary barriers as are necessary to assure
compliance with
RHB 3.4 and 3.9.
8.13.2.4 Shielding. All provisions of
RHB 4.4 apply.
8.13.2.5 Entrance Interlocks. All entrances
into the shielded room shall be provided with interlocks. After an interlock
has been interrupted, broken, or tripped, it shall be possible to cause x-rays
to be produced again only from the control panel. Interlocks shall not be used
to shut off the x-ray equipment except in an emergency or during
testing.
8.13.2.6 Audible Warning
Device. A shielded room shall be provided with an audible warning signal within
the shielded room which is actuated for at least ten (10) seconds immediately
prior to the first initiation of x-ray generation after closing any
door.
8.13.2.7 Visible Warning
Signal. A shielded room shall be provided with visible warning signals which
remain actuated when and only when x-rays are being generated. These visible
warning signals shall be located so that they can be observed from any position
or orientation within the room and at each entrance.
8.13.2.8 Signs indicating the meaning of the
warning signals required by
RHB 8.13.2.6 and
8.13.2.7 shall be legible and conspicuously posted.
8.13.2.9 Emergency Shut-off. An emergency
shut-off switch shall be provided for preventing and terminating x-ray
generation, which cannot be reset, overridden, or bypassed from the outside of
the shielded room. Emergency shut-off switches shall be:
8.13.2.9.1 Accessible within ten (10) seconds
to individuals therein;
8.13.2.9.2
Identified by a legible, conspicuously posted sign adjacent to the switch which
includes instructions for the use of the emergency shut-off switch;
8.13.2.9.3 Designed with a manual reset that
must be activated at the switch before x-rays can again be produced from the
control panel; and
8.13.2.9.4
Designed such that it shall be possible to produce x-rays again only from the
control panel after an emergency shut-off switch has been activated.
8.13.2.10 Separate Electrical
Systems. The interlock system and the emergency shut-off system shall be
separate electrical and/or mechanical systems.
8.13.2.11 X-ray generation shall not be
possible from within the shielded room.
8.13.3 Field Radiography.
8.13.3.1 Utilization Logs. Each registrant
shall maintain current logs, which shall be kept available for inspection by
the Department, showing for each x-ray machine the following information:
8.13.3.1.1 A description (or make and model
number) of each x-ray machine;
8.13.3.1.2 The identity of the radiographer
to whom assigned;
8.13.3.1.3 The
plant or site where used and dates used; and
8.13.3.1.4 The dates each radiation machine
is energized or used and number of exposures made.
8.13.3.2 Security. During each radiographic
operation, the radiographer shall maintain a direct surveillance of the
operation to protect against unauthorized entry into a high radiation area,
except a) where the high radiation area is equipped with a control device which
turns the x-ray machine off upon unauthorized entry into the high radiation
area or an alarm system which visibly or audibly signals the presence of a high
radiation area, or b) where the high radiation area is locked to protect
against unauthorized or accidental entry.
8.13.3.3 Radiation Surveys and Survey
Records. No radiographic operation shall be conducted unless calibrated,
operable radiation survey instrumentation is available and used at each site
where radiographic exposures are made, as described in
RHB 8.4.
8.13.3.3.1 A physical radiation survey shall
be conducted to determine that the radiation machine is off prior to each entry
into the radiographic exposure area.
8.13.3.3.2 Survey results and records of
boundary locations shall be maintained and kept available for inspection by the
Department.
8.13.3.4
Personnel Monitoring. In addition to the requirements of
RHB 8.11, each radiographer
shall wear a pocket dosimeter or pocket chamber along with a film badge during
all radiographic operations. Pocket chambers or dosimeters shall be:
8.13.3.4.1 Capable of measuring doses from
zero (0) to at least two hundred milliRoentgen (200 mR);
8.13.3.4.2 Read and doses recorded
daily;
8.13.3.4.3 Recharged daily
or at the start of each shift;
8.13.3.4.4 Reports received from the
dosimeter processor and records of the pocket dosimeter and pocket chamber
readings shall be maintained for inspection by the Department; and
8.13.3.4.5 Pocket dosimeters shall be checked
for correct response to radiation at periods not to exceed one (1) year.
Acceptable dosimeters shall read within plus or minus thirty percent (30%) of
the true exposure. Instrument calibration records shall be maintained by the
registrant for the Department's inspection.
8.13.4 Gauging Devices Radiography and Other Industrial Applications. The source shall be such that no radiation is emitted except by application of an electric current through an x-ray tube. Provisions shall be made to limit both the current through the tube and the voltage across the tube, so that radiation levels do not exceed the device classification under use conditions or through circuit component failures. In the event of fire or abnormal elevated temperatures, provisions shall be made to ensure the high voltage is automatically disabled before loss of any integral shielding. This provision exempts x-ray tube sources from accident classification conditions.
8.13.4.1 A useful beam control
system shall be provided in gauges whenever the useful beam is accessible and
the radiation levels exceed one hundred millirem per hour (100 mrem/h) (1
mSv/h) at five centimeters (5 cm) from any accessible surface or five millirem
per hour (5 mrem/h) (.05 mSv/h) at thirty centimeters (30 cm). The useful beam
controls may include ,but not be limited to, a moving shutter, a moving source,
or a high voltage power supply.
8.13.4.2 A yellow or amber warning light with
the radiation "High Voltage On" shall be located on the control panel and on or
adjacent to the source housing and shall light only when power is applied to
the x-ray tube high voltage circuit.
8.13.4.3 Radiation levels. The local
components of an industrial x-ray system shall be located and arranged and
shall include sufficient shielding or have access control such that no
radiation in any area surrounding the local component group could result in a
dose to an individual present therein in excess of the dose limits given in
RHB 3.4. These levels shall
be met at any specified tube rating.
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