X-RAY PRODUCING EQUIPMENT

Blanche Holliday
777-7530
bhollida@gwm.sc.edu

There are many uses of x-ray producing equipment on the University campus. Researchers use analytical x-ray units and physicians use the x-ray as a diagnostic tool. The x-ray safety program ensures compliance with the State regulations, "Title B, Rules and Regulations for Radiation Control".

• REGISTRATION
  All x-ray units are required to be registered with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. Our office must be notified when new equiment is being purchased. We will provide the information to DHEC to register the unit. Please contact Blanche Holliday prior to purchasing or receiving any type of x-ray equipment. Some equipment may produce x-rays as a by-product, such as electron microscopes. These units must be registered as well. An inspection of operable equipment is conducted yearly.
  
  
• X-RAY SAFETY OFFICER
  Each laboratory or clinic must have a designated individual who will act as the safety officer for the x-ray unit. They will also be the contact person for our office.
  
  
• TRAINING
  All x-ray operators must be trained prior to using the equipment. These courses are offered once a semester if there is a need. Please contact Blanche Holliday or call our office if you need to obtain this training.

OTHER RESOURCES
Radiation Safety Manual(pdf)
Laboratory Safety Training
SC DHEC- Radiological Health
State Regulations
The X-Ray Site

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER DEVICES WHICH EMIT RADIATION
There are other sources of radiation that could pose a risk if not used correctly.

• ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT (UV): Standard Operating Procedure and Fact Sheet
  These devices can be small handheld units, transilluminators, germicidal lamps in biosafety cabinets, or UV lights used in a large room space. The adverse health effects that may occur are erythema (sunburn), photokeratitis (a feeling of sand in the eyes), skin cancer, melanoma, cataracts, and retinal burns. These devices should always be used with caution, with special protection given to the eyes and skin. If you have any of these devices, please contact our office. We can supply a label to remind the operator to use protective gear or discuss the use of face shields.
  
  
• ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM TRANSILUMINATORS

  

  Figure 1 Transilluminator

  Over the last several years, a few of USC’s researchers have been exposed to excessive amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from transilluminators. Symptoms of excessive exposure to UV radiation include skin burns, eye irritation and possibly a temporary loss of vision or blurred vision. Transilluminators can emit various wavelengths of UV radiation. Some of the lower wavelengths, such as those in the 254 nm range, can cause more serious damage to the skin and eyes.

  A transilluminator (figure 1) is a box containing a UV light source and is used for viewing gels. The transilluminator is equipped with a plastic shield that folds down over the viewing area. When properly used, the shield absorbs the UV radiation and prevents exposure to anyone in the vicinity of the device. If the shield is not in its proper position, direct exposure to UV radiation is possible.

  As an extra precaution, please make sure that your employees take the following steps:

  1). Wear rubber gloves and a long sleeved shirt or laboratory coat to protect your hands and lower portions of your arms from UV light.

2). Full face shields (Figure 2) must be worn while working with these devices. Make sure that the shield you are using is adequate to block the particular wavelengths of UV light emanating from the equipment. You can find the UV wavelength emitted from your devices in your owner’s manual and if you are ordering a face shield or already have one, check in the catalogue from which it was ordered to determine the UV wavelengths that the shield will block.

 

Figure 2

3). Make sure the transilluminator is properly labeled with a caution statement. Contact the Radiation Safety Office (777-5269) if labels are needed.

 

• OTHER SOURCES:
  Other devices that emit radiation include High Radiofrequency or RF Devices or microwave producing devices. If you have such a unit and have any questions related to their safety, please contact Blanche Holliday.
  

OTHER RESOURCES

Health Physics Society- UV
International Commission on Non-ionizing Radation
National Radiological Protection Board
OSHA:Non-ionizing Radiation

 

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