Safety Code 34. Radiation Protection and Safety for Industrial X-Ray Equipment

Foreword

Ionizing radiations are increasingly used in a variety of applications in medicine, research and industry because of their known benefits to society. One important industrial application utilizes various sources of ionizing radiations to investigate the integrity of structures or components through radiographic images, a practice generally referred to as nondestructive radiography or industrial radiography. Industrial radiography to date is an established practice that provides benefits concurrent with radiation risks. The radiation protection objective, therefore, is to keep the risks as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) while maximizing benefits.

Guidelines for ionizing radiation protection have been in existence for more than 60 years and have been subject to numerous revisions in that time. One authoritative international standard-setting organization is the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). In 1990, the ICRP reaffirmed its system of radiological protection aimed at reducing the radiation risks associated with ionizing radiation use, and recommended lower dose limits for radiation workers and the public ⁽¹⁾ . The objectives of that system with respect to radiation exposure are twofold: to prevent the occurrence of deterministic effects, and to reduce the incidence of stochastic effects. Sharing these same goals, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revised and updated its guidance documents^(2,3) that not only reflect the 1990 recommendations of the ICRP, but also aim to lower ionizing radiation risks while not limiting the beneficial uses of ionizing radiation. The ICRP and IAEA publications are influential internationally and are used by a large number of countries to develop national regulations for radiation protection and safety.

This document is one in a series of Safety Codes published by Health Canada in accordance with Treasury Board Hazardous Substances Directive⁽⁴⁾ to promote radiation protection and safety in the federal workplace. This Safety Code draws on the ICRP and IAEA objectives, concepts and recommendations, and provides advisory information and guidance on radiation protection and safety specific to industrial x-ray equipment. It supersedes Safety Code 27 and is intended for federal facilities. Thus, facilities subject to the Canada Labor Code Part II, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation⁽⁵⁾ shall comply with the requirements of this Safety Code. This Safety Code comprises an Introduction, the Management of Radiation Protection and Safety, Requirements for Industrial X-ray Equipment, Additional Guidance, References, Glossary and Appendices. The Introduction provides a background on industrial x-ray equipment and radiation hazards, and indicates the intent and scope of the Safety Code. The Management of Radiation Protection and Safety Section specifies the responsibilities of stakeholders which are key in the management of radiation protection and safety relevant to industrial x-ray equipment. The section on Requirements for industrial X-ray Equipment specifies what is needed for regulatory compliance of equipment, for permanent and temporary work sites, and for on-site evaluations. Additional Guidance information is included for non-radiography use of industrial x-ray equipment, personnel monitoring, survey meters, emergency procedures, resale and disposal. References are provided as well as a Glossary and Appendices. The information and guidance provided in this Safety Code would be of interest to regulatory authorities, industrial x-ray equipment manufacturers, owners, operators, organizations or radiographers carrying out industrial radiography, and clients responsible for hiring such organizations.

This Safety Code may be adopted for use elsewhere. Facilities under provincial or territorial jurisdiction are advised to consult their appropriate agency for information and guidance on radiation protection and safety, since statutes and requirements could differ from one jurisdiction to the other. Relevant (provincial/territorial) contact information is available at a Health Canada website⁽⁶⁾.

Given the diverse applications of industrial radiography, it is not possible to foresee all work situations; therefore, it is plausible that unexpected problems may occasionally occur and the guidance in this Safety Code may be insufficient to address them. For such situations, consultation with the appropriate regulatory authority is advised.

This Safety Code was drafted, prepared and finalized by H.P. Maharaj in accordance with Health Canada review and publishing criteria. Interpretation of requirements or guidance in this document should be directed to the attention of:

Head, Nonmedical X-Rays,
PL 6301A,
775 Brookfield Road,
Ottawa, Ontario,
K1A1C1
(Facsimile number: (613) 941-1734).

Acknowledgment is extended to the following contributors for their comments and/or suggestions towards improvement and clarity of this document:

• Atlas Testing Laboratories and Services Ltd.
• Atlantic NDT
• Bowe and Landry NDT
• British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
• Canadian Police College
• Cancer Care Manitoba, Radiation Protection Service
• CanSpec Group Inc.
• Conan Quantum Inspection and testing (Division of
  Stavely Services Canada Inc.)
• Department of National Defence
• Health Canada
• Insight Inspections Inc.
• Labcan(1989) Ltée
• Ontario Ministry of Labour, Radiation Protection Service
• Pratt and Whitney Canada Ltd.
• Rolls-Royce Canada Ltd.
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police