X-Ray
Cabinet Safety Guidelines
To operate cabinet x-ray machinery in an industrial environment,
strict guidelines are set forth by each state and the United
States Federal Government. Generally speaking, the more
stringent federal laws are found in the CFR FDA 1020.40
documentation. In view of that, all of Eriez E-Z Tec Series
XR X-Ray machines meet or exceed these regulations for exposure
limits, emitted radiation, and mechanical design.
Exposure Limits:
Federal regulation mandates the maximum level of allowed
emissions from a cabinet xray system to be 5 microsieverts/hour.
Eriez units operate at a considerably lower .5 microsieverts/hour,
or 1/10 of the guideline. In practical terms most persons
receive considerably higher doses of radiation from other
sources.
Emitted Radiation:
There are two main sources of radiation, natural and manmade.
One source of
naturally occurring radiation is found in geographical areas
where certain rock or clay
deposits have levels of heavy elements such as radon, uranium
and thorium.
Additionally, another natural source is cosmic radiation.
Typically, when flying at
altitudes of 30,000-40,000 feet, a person would encounter
3-4 microsieverts/hour, or 8
times the exposure limits of Eriez systems.
Manmade sources would include airport, medical and dental
x-ray machines, also
nuclear projection televisions and tobacco to name a few.
Most of the emissions levels
from these sources far exceed the levels emitted from cabinet
x-rays. Accordingly, a
well designed system from Eriez will have emission levels
which are almost
immeasurable.
Mechanical Design:
As stated earlier, a well designed x-ray system from Eriez
will have virtually
immeasurable emissions. Eriez engineers (in accordance with
FDA 1020.40) design all
E-Z Tec XR X-Ray Systems with the following criteria:
- Shielding
Lead curtains and steel covers virtually eliminate radiation
from exiting the
system enclosure.
- Safety Interlocks
All doors and covers have safety interlocks that disconnect
power to the x-ray
generator if opened. As a failsafe, there are two circuits
passing through
these interlocks, in the event that one becomes inoperable.
- Highly Visible Light Tower
Visible from 360 degrees around the machine, this beacon
indicates when xrays
are being generated. If this becomes inoperable, the unit
will cease to
function.
- Emergency Stops accessible from both sides
- Lock-Out Switch to disable system by authorized personnel
To summarize, Eriez E-Z Tec Series XR X-Ray machines adhere
to all guidelines set
forth by state and federal agencies for exposure limits,
emissions and mechanical
design.
