S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-64.VII.RHB 7.5

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-64.VII.RHB 7.5 - Additional Requirements for Open-Beam Configuration X-ray Equipment

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

7.5.1.1 A description of the various safety devices that have been evaluated;

7.5.1.2 The reason each of these devices cannot be used;

7.5.1.3 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 the safety devices; and

7.5.1.4 The procedure for notifying proper persons in the event of an accident. This list shall include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers.

7.5.2 The operator shall be in immediate attendance at all times when the equipment is in operation except when the area is locked to protect against unauthorized or accidental entry.

7.5.3 When not in use, equipment shall be secured in such a manner as to be inoperable by unauthorized persons.

7.5.4 Warning Devices. Open-beam configuration x-ray equipment shall be provided with a readily discernible indication of:

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

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

7.5.5 Warning devices shall be labeled so that their purpose is easily identified.

7.5.6 Warning devices shall have fail-safe characteristics.

7.5.6.1 Where couplings exist (e.g., between the x-ray tube and the collimator of the diffractometer, etc.), they shall prevent radiation from escaping the coupling.

7.5.6.2 Each port of the radiation source housing shall be provided with a beam shutter interlocked with the x-ray apparatus coupling, or collimator, in such a way that the port will be open only when the collimator or coupling is in place.

7.5.7 Operating Procedures. The registrant shall create and make available to x-ray operators written operating procedures. The procedures shall include, but not be limited to:

7.5.7.1 Policies and procedures for personnel monitoring;

7.5.7.2 Policies and procedures for controlling access to radiation areas;

7.5.7.3 Policies and procedures for locking and securing the x-ray unit;

7.5.7.4 Policies and procedures for pregnant employees; and

7.5.7.5 Policies and procedures for training new employees.

7.5.8 Operator training.

7.5.8.1 No person shall be permitted to operate, repair, modify, or maintain open-beam configuration analytical x-ray equipment unless such person has received instruction in and demonstrated competence in:

7.5.8.1.1 Identification of radiation hazards associated with the use of the equipment;

7.5.8.1.2 Significance of the various radiation warning and safety devices incorporated into the equipment or the reasons they have not been installed on certain pieces of equipment and the extra precautions required in such cases;

7.5.8.1.3 Proper operation of the equipment per manufacturer's guidelines and registrant's written operating procedures;

7.5.8.1.4 Radiation survey instruments: operation, calibration, limitations, and survey techniques, if applicable;

7.5.8.1.5 Characteristics of ionizing radiation;

7.5.8.1.6 Methods of controlling radiation dose;

7.5.8.1.7 Units of radiation dose;

7.5.8.1.8 Personnel monitoring and the use of personnel monitoring equipment;

7.5.8.1.9 Symptoms of an acute localized exposure;

7.5.8.1.10 Proper procedures for reporting an actual or suspected overexposure; and

7.5.8.1.11 The regulations contained in this Part, and the applicable sections of Part III.

7.5.8.2 Instruction and demonstration of competence shall be documented in writing and these records shall be available for review.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-64.VII.RHB 7.5

Replaced and amended by State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/24/2016; State Register Volume 47, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/26/2023.