N.M. Admin. Code § 20.3.8.802

Current through Register Vol. 36, No. 1, January 14, 2025

Section 20.3.8.802 - EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

A. Safety Device: A device which prevents the entry of any portion of an individual's body into the primary x-ray beam or which causes the beam to be shut off upon entry into its path shall be provided on all open-beam configurations. An applicant may apply to the Department for an exemption from the requirements of a safety device. Such application shall include:

(1) A description of the various safety devices that have been evaluated;

(2) The reason each of these devices cannot be used; and

(3) A description of the alternative methods that will be employed to minimize the possibility of an accidental exposure, including procedures to assure that operators and others in the area will be informed of the absence of safety devices.

B. Warning Devices: Warning devices shall be labeled so that their purpose is identified. On equipment installed after March 10, 1989, these warning devices shall have fail-safe characteristics. Open-beam configurations shall be provided with a readily discernible indication of:

(1) X-ray tube status (ON-OFF) located near the radiation source housing, if the primary beam is controlled in this manner; and/or

(2) Shutter status (OPEN-CLOSED) located near each port on the radiation source housing, if the primary beam is controlled in this manner.

C. Ports: Unused ports on radiation source housings shall be secured in the closed position in a manner which will prevent casual opening.

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

(1) "CAUTION--HIGH INTENSITY X-RAY BEAM", or words having a similar intent on the x-ray source housing; and

(2) "CAUTION--RADIATION: THIS EQUIPMENT PRODUCES RADIATION WHEN ENERGIZED" or words having a similar intent, near any switch that energizes an x-ray tube if the radiation source is an x-ray tube; or

(3) "CAUTION--RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL", or words having a similar intent, on the source housing if the radiation source is a radionuclide.

E. Shutters: On open-beam configurations installed after March 10, 1989, each port on the radiation source housing shall be equipped with a shutter that cannot be opened unless a collimator or coupling has been connected to the port.

F. Warning Lights: A fail-safe, visible warning light labeled with the words "X-RAY ON", or words having a similar intent, shall be located:

(1) near any switch that energizes an x-ray tube and shall be illuminated only when the tube is energized; or

(2) in the case of a radioactive source, near any switch that opens a housing shutter, and shall be illuminated only when the shutter is open.

G. Radiation Source Housing: Each x-ray tube housing shall be so constructed that with all shutters closed the leakage radiation measured at a distance of 5 cm from its surface is not capable of producing a dose in excess of 2.5 mrem (25 mSv) in one hour at any specified tube rating. (If radioactive sources are used, corresponding dose limits shall not exceed 2.5 mrem (25 mSv) per hour.)

H. Generator Cabinet: Each x-ray generator shall be supplied with a protective cabinet which limits leakage radiation measured at a distance of 5 cm from its surface such that it is not capable of producing a dose in excess of 0.25 mrem (2.5 mSv) in one hour.

N.M. Admin. Code § 20.3.8.802

5-3-95; 20.3.8.802 NMAC--Rn, 20 NMAC 3.1.8.802, Recompiled 11/27/01