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Environmental Health & Safety

X-Ray Devices

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An X-ray or radiation-producing device (RPD) is any piece of equipment that, when energized, is designed to produce ionizing radiation. Some RPDs are intended to emit this radiation deliberately, while others are designed to contain it. These devices can pose a hazard if not used properly. Therefore, specific controls must be in place to ensure proper operation and to protect employees, patients, and the general public. 

X-Ray Device Categories
Medical - RPDs used on living humans or animals. Examples include:

  • Diagnostic X-ray imaging devices
  • Therapeutic medical linear accelerators

Research - RPDs not used on living humans or animals. Examples include:

  • X-ray irradiators, diffraction units, spectroscopy units, and fluorescence units
  • Electron microscopes
  • Particle accelerators

All X-ray or RPD must be registered with the Texas Department of State Health Services. The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) office is responsible for registering these devices and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations found in 25 TAC 289. All X-ray devices that are purchased, transferred, or loaned to TCU must be inventoried and commissioned by the EHS office.

Application & Licensing
Prior to the purchase of any X-ray device, the following items are required:

  • Complete the Application for Radiation Producing Devices
  • Each X-ray operator must complete Radiation Safety Awareness - RAD-1.2
  • Schedule a commission survey and/or dose assessment with the EHS office
  • For medical X-ray devices, an Equipment Performance Evaluation must be performed and documented by a licensed medical physicist
  • If applicable, each monitored X-ray operator may need to complete the Request for Dosimeter Service. Visit Dosimetry for more information.
  • Submit paperwork to EHS at safety@tcu.edu.

A permit number and compliance binder will be assigned to new X-ray Authorized Users (AUs) once their application has been approved by the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). AUs are responsible for the safe operation of the X-ray device, including any modifications or repairs made to the equipment. X-ray services may only be performed by entities that hold a valid X-ray Services registration with the State of Texas.

Facility Shielding
X-ray devices may require facility shielding to minimize radiation exposure to workers in adjacent areas and to the general public. A consultation with the EHS office is required prior to:

  • Installation of open-beam medical or industrial radiographic devices
  • Renovation or modification of existing room shielding
  • Relocation of open-beam medical or industrial radiographic devices
  • Repositioning of an X-ray device within a shielded room

Removal from Service
The radiation-producing component (X-ray tube) and other parts of the device may contain hazardous materials such as beryllium, lead, and PCBs. Contact the EHS office to initiate the decommissioning process. The following steps must be completed before moving the device to TCU Surplus/Disposal:

  1. Review the X-ray tube specifications to determine if hazardous materials are present.
  2. Remove the X-ray tube from the device and cut the electrical cords to render the device inoperable. 
  3. Submit a pick-up request to safety@tcu.edu for the X-ray tube and any hazardous materials.
  4. Remove or deface any radiation symbols from both the X-ray tube and the device.
  5. Contact the EHS office before relocating or disposing of any X-ray device, or for assistance with X-ray tube removal.

Resources & Forms
TCU X-Ray Radiation and Safety Manual (work in progress)
Application for Radiation Producing Devices (work in progress)
Request for Dosimeter Service (work in progress)
Device Log Template (work in progress)
Annual Authorized User Form (work in progress)
Radiation Emergency Notification Signage (work in progress)
Texas Department of State Health Services - Radiation Control
Texas Department of State Health Services - Notice to Employees