Radiation Protection In Veterinary Medicine - Recommended Safety Procedures For Installation And Use Of Veterinary X-ray Equipment - Safety Code 28

Explanatory Notes

This document is one of a series of safety codes prepared by the Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices to set out requirements for the safe use of radiation-emitting equipment. Included in this code are sections for the specific guidance of the veterinarian, the operator and the health physicist concerned with safety procedures, equipment performance and protection surveys.

The safety procedures, equipment and installation guidelines detailed in this code are primarily for the instruction and guidance of persons employed in Federal Public Service departments and agencies, as well as those under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code. Facilities under provincial jurisdiction may be subject to requirements specified under provincial statutes. The authorities listed in Appendix IV should be contacted for details of the regulatory requirements of individual provinces.

The words "must" and "should" in this code have been chosen with purpose. The word "must" indicates a recommendation that is essential to meet the currently accepted standards of protection, while "should" indicates an advisory recommendation that is highly desirable and should be implemented where applicable.

In a field in which technology is advancing rapidly and where unexpected and unique problems continually occur, the code cannot cover all possible situations. Blind adherence to rules cannot substitute for the exercise of sound judgement. Recommendations may be modified in unusual circumstances but only upon the advice of experts with recognized competence in radiation protection. This code will be reviewed and revised periodically, and a particular requirement may be reconsidered at any time if it becomes necessary to cover an unforeseen situation. Interpretation or elaboration on any point can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices, Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1C1.

This code reflects the results of the work of many individuals. It was prepared and compiled by Mr. C. Lavoie and reviewed by the professional staff of the X-Ray Section, Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices.

Appreciation is expressed to all organizations, agencies and individuals whose comments and suggestions helped in the preparation of this code.