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

5. Radiation Protection Surveys

A radiation protection survey of a facility is intended to demonstrate not only that the X-ray equipment itself functions properly and according to applicable standards, but also that the equipment is installed and used in a way that maximum radiation safety for operators and others. Therefore it is important that X-ray facilities be inspected at regular intervals.

5.1 General Procedures

Before routine operation of any new facility, the owner of the facility must contact the appropriate agency to enquire about the inspection procedures in that jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions may require the facility to be declared in compliance with applicable government regulations prior to operation. In an existing facility, a survey must be carried out after any change that may increase radiation output of the equipment or affect protection of the operator or others, e.g. alterations of protective barriers, replacement of the X-ray machine with one capable of operating at a higher X-ray tube voltage, changes in operating procedures or increased workload.

The results of such surveys and conclusions drawn by a qualified expert must be submitted to the owner or responsible user in a written report. All such written reports must be retained by the owner or responsible user.

5.2 Survey Report

The survey report must present any unusual findings about the equipment itself, the installation or operating procedures that could affect the safety of operators or other persons in the vicinity of the X-ray facility. The survey report should also include the results of investigations of any unusually high exposures from previous personal dosimetry reports and recommend whether other persons should use personal dosimeters.

The survey report must include at least the following:

1. identification of the X-ray equipment (e.g., name of the manufacturer, model designation and serial number of the generator, control, X-ray tube assembly) and the date, or at least approximate date, of manufacture;
2. observations of the condition (both electrical and mechanical) of the X-ray equipment at the time of the survey;
3. an assessment of the condition of protective aprons, gloves, mobile protective barriers and other protective devices;
4. an estimate of potential exposures to personnel and general public in or around the facility;
5. an assessment of radiological and film processing techniques from the viewpoint of radiation safety. Attention must be drawn to any practices that are or could be detrimental to personnel working in the facility. Recommendations of safer techniques should be made in such cases; and
6. recommendations regarding the need for a follow-up survey.