X-Ray Safety Training
Perhaps the best approach to X-ray safety is to be aware of what you’re dealing with.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation (EM) similar to radio waves, microwaves, visible light and gamma rays. X-ray photons are highly energetic and have enough energy to break up molecules and hence damage living cells. When X-rays hit a material some are absorbed and others pass through.
X-rays are highly penetrating and interact with matter through ionization via three processes, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering or pair production.
Due to their high penetration power the impact of X-rays can occur throughout a body, they are however less ionizing than alpha particles. X-rays are considered an external hazard with regards to radiation protection.
Similar to all exposure to ionizing radiation high exposures can cause direct acute effects through immediate damage to cells. Low levels of exposure carry a stochastic health risk where the probability of cancer induction increases with increased exposure.
X-ray safety, as with all types of radiation, emphasizing these protection principles:
- Time
- Distance
- Shielding
While states regulate use of X-ray equipment, the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) regulates the manufacturing of electronic radiation-emitting products, such as CT scanners and X-ray machines.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not directly regulate radiation in medical imaging. However, it does develop and issue general radiation guidance that other federal agencies reference when developing rules and regulations to protect public health.
X-Ray Safety Training Course by Tonex
X-Ray Safety Training is a 2-day general awareness describing nature of electromagnetic radiation (EM), X-rays and hazards, radiation protection, regulations, FDA guidelines, safety engineering principles, risk analysis, biological effects of radiation exposure, mitigation and radiation shielding. Other EM radiation, non-ionizing such as radio, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet are also discussed and compared with X-ray.
X-Ray training course is oriented to engineers, operators, project managers, testers and acquisition professionals. However, it is relevant to all trades and types of personnel working with X-Ray technology and X-Ray exposure in the workplace.
Topics Covered:
- What’s In the X-Ray Safety
- Ionizing versus Non-ionizing Radiation
- Biological Effects of X-Ray Energy
- Guidelines and Industry Standards
- MPE – Controlled / Uncontrolled
- X-Ray Shield
- Methods of Demonstrating Compliance
- Elements of a Comprehensive X-Ray Protection Program
- Role of X-Ray Measurements
- X-Ray Safety Engineering
- Utilization of X-Ray source equipment
- Applicable X-Ray and other safety standards
- X-Ray source equipment systems engineering
- X-Ray source equipment safety engineering
- Manufacturers of COTS X-Ray source equipment
- Hazards of operating and servicing the equipment
- X-Ray hazard identification and surveillance
- Assessing X-Ray exposure
- Identification and Control of X-Ray Hazard Areas.
- Implementation of controls to reduce X-Ray exposures
- X-Ray safety and health training
- Implementation of an appropriate medical surveillance program.
- Assignment of responsibilities
X-ray Safety Training