An overview of a non-medical x-ray safety program at a large university

• Published in: Health physics (1958) Vol. 108; no. 1 Suppl 1; p. S37
• Main Authors: Chung, Yi-Hsuan, Moori, Netiti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2015
• Subjects: Hospitals, University; Humans; Radiation Protection - instrumentation; Radiation Protection - methods; Safety Management - methods; Safety Management - organization & administration
• ISSN: 1538-5159
• DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000000214

Compared to clinical x-ray equipment, non-medical x-ray producing equipment has been subject to limited radiation safety oversight. However, the concern of unnecessary or even hazardous personnel exposure has always been associated with the use of ionizing radiation. The goal of this paper is to review the process of developing and implementing a systematic and structured radiation safety program at a large university that aims to provide adequate oversight and education to ensure personnel safety. At Duke University, the program currently consists of 26 active and 11 inactive x-ray authorized users and over 50 active x-ray tubes. The main foci of the non-medical x-ray program are equipment inventory, training for authorized user and operator, personnel dosimetry, and future regular inspections. The requirement for personnel dosimetry was investigated by deploying film badges on open beam equipment. Quarterly environmental badge reports were collected and served as one of the justifications for the discontinuation of personnel badges. In order to maintain adequate oversight and awareness of radiation safety, our office found success through establishing an open channel of communication, providing regular refresher training and conducting regular inspections.