X-Ray Equipment and Ionizing Radiation Devices Policy

Applicable Legislation:

Occupational Health and Safety Act, O.Reg. 861, X-Ray Safety.
Radiation Emitting Devices Act.

Relevant Standards:

Safety Code 28, Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine. Health Canada, 1991.
Safety Code 19, Recommended Safety Procedures for the Selection, Installation and Use of X-Ray Diffraction Equipment. Health Canada,1984.

Intent:

To summarize University requirements concerning facilities for x-ray equipment and ionizing radiation devices, and safety procedures for the operation of such equipment.

Definitions:

ionizing radiation device 

any device capable of producing and emitting ionizing radiation.

supervisors

the person who has discretionary authority regarding the use of the x-ray machine or radiation emitting device.

x-ray worker

a worker who, as a necessary part of the workers’ employment, may be exposed to x-rays and may receive a dose equivalent in excess of the annual limits.

x-ray source

any device, or that portion of any device, that emits x-rays, whether or not the device is an x-ray machine.

x-ray machine

an electrically powered device, the principal purpose of which is the production of x-rays.

x-rays

electrically-generated electromagnetic radiation of maximum photon energy not less than 5,000 electron volts.

Requirements of O.Reg. 861, Sections 4,5,6 and 8

4. Except as permitted under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, an x-ray source shall not be operated for the irradiation of a worker. 

5.1. An x-ray source shall not be used at a workplace unless the employer who has possession of the x-ray source is registered with the Director.

6.1. An x-ray source shall not be installed or used in a permanent location and an x-ray source that is designed for portable or mobile use shall not be installed or used regularly in one location unless an application for review, together with plan location drawings, of the installation have been reviewed by and are acceptable to an inspector.

8. An employer shall designate a person, for each x-ray source, who is competent because of knowledge, training or experience in the use and operation of x-ray sources and in radiation safety practices, to exercise direction over the safe use and operation of the x-ray source...

Policy:

1. X-ray equipment and ionizing radiation devices shall not be acquired, installed or decommissioned without serving notice to Environmental Health and Safety.
2. X-ray equipment shall conform to the standards of design, construction, and functioning detailed in regulations under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act.
3. All new x-ray facilities and facilities for ionizing radiation devices, and all modifications to existing facilities, shall meet the specifications prescribed in O.Reg. 861 and in relevant documents produced by the Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, or by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
4. Administrative, engineering, and procedure controls for radiation protection shall be established or approved by the University’s Radiation Safety Committee.
5. All x-ray workers and users of ionizing radiation devices shall be trained and authorized to use such machines by the supervisors.
6. All x-ray workers and users of ionizing radiation devices shall identify themselves to Environmental Health and Safety to discuss radiation protection procedures and personal radiation dosimetry.

Guidelines:

O.Reg. 861 contains a helpful technical guide which explains requirements of the Regulation, the measurement of x-rays, and the health effects of x-radiation.

Effective: September 2000