N.M. Admin. Code § 20.3.11.1103

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 20.3.11.1103 - REQUIREMENTS

A. Emission Limit.:

(1) Radiation emitted from the cabinet x-ray system shall not exceed an exposure of 0.5 mrem (5 mSv) per hour at any point 5 cm outside the external surface.

(2) Compliance with the exposure limit in Section 1103.A.1 [Paragraph (1), Subsection A of 20.3.11.1103 NMAC], shall be determined by measurements averaged over a cross-sectional area of ten square centimeters with no linear dimension greater than 5 centimeters, with the cabinet x-ray system operated at those combinations of x-ray tube potential, current, beam orientation, and conditions of scatter radiation which produce the maximum x-ray exposure at the external surface, and with the door and access panel fully closed as well as fixed at any other position which will allow the generation of x-radiation.

B. Floors: A cabinet x-ray system shall have a permanent floor. Any support surface to which a cabinet x-ray system is permanently affixed may be deemed the floor of the system.

C. Ports and Apertures: The insertion of any part of the human body through any port or aperture into the primary beam shall not be possible.

D. Safety Interlocks:

(1) Each door of a cabinet x-ray system shall have a minimum of two safety interlocks. One, but not both, of the required interlocks shall be such that door opening results in physical disconnection of the energy supply circuit to the high-voltage generator and such disconnection shall not be dependent upon any moving part other than the door.

(2) Each access panel shall have at least one safety interlock.

(3) Following interruption of x-ray generation by the functioning of any safety interlock, use of a control provided in accordance with Section 1103.F.2 [Paragraph (2), Subsection F of 20.3.11.1103 NMAC], shall be necessary for resumption of x-ray generation.

(4) Failure of any single component of the cabinet x-ray system shall not cause failure of more than one required safety interlock.

E. Ground Fault: A ground fault shall not result in the generation of x-rays.

F. Controls and Indicators for all Cabinet X-ray Systems: For all systems to which this section is applicable there shall be provided:

(1) A key-actuated control to ensure that x-ray generation is not possible with the key removed;

(2) A control or controls to initiate and terminate the generation of x-rays other than by functioning of safety interlock or the main power control;

(3) Two independent means which indicate when and only when x-rays are being generated, unless the x-ray generation period is less than one-half second, in which case the indicators shall be activated for one-half second, and which are discernible from any point at which initiation of x-ray generation is possible. Failure of a single component of the cabinet x-ray system shall not cause failure of both indicators to perform their intended function. One, but not both, of the indicators, required by this Section [Subsection] may be a milliammeter labeled to indicate x-ray tube current. All other indicators shall be legibly labeled "X-RAY ON "; and

(4) Additional means other than milliammeters which indicate when and only when x-rays are being generated, unless the x-ray generation period is less than one-half second, as needed to ensure that at least one indicator is visible from each door, access panel, and port, and is legibly labeled "X-RAY ON".

G. Additional Requirements for Cabinet X-ray Systems Designed to Admit Humans: For cabinet x-ray systems designed to admit humans there shall also be provided:

(1) A control within the cabinet for preventing and terminating x-ray generation, which cannot be reset, overridden or by-passed from the outside of the cabinet;

(2) No means by which x-ray generation can be initiated from within the cabinet;

(3) Audible and visible warning signals within the cabinet which are actuated for at least 10 seconds immediately prior to the first initiation of x-ray generation after closing any door designed to admit humans. Failure of any single component of the cabinet x-ray system shall not cause failure of both the audible and visible warning signals;

(4) A visible warning signal within the cabinet which remains actuated when and only when x-rays are being generated, unless the x-ray generation period is less than one-half second, in which case the indicators shall be activated for one-half second;

(5) Signs indicating the meaning of the warning signals provided by Section 1103.G.3 [Paragraph (3), Subsection G of Section 20.3.11.1103 NMAC], and Subpart 4 [20.3.4 NMAC], and containing instructions for the use of the control provided by Section 1103.G.1 [Paragraph (1), Subsection G of 20.3.11.1103 NMAC]. These signs shall be legible, accessible to view, and illuminated when the main power control is in the "on" position; and

(6) A physical radiation survey shall be conducted to determine that the radiation machine is "off" prior to each entry into the shielded room. Such surveys shall be made with a radiation measuring instrument which is capable of measuring radiation of the energies and at the exposure rates to be encountered, which is in good working order, and which has been properly calibrated within the preceding three months or following the last instrument servicing, whichever is later.

H. Warning Labels:

(1) There shall be permanently affixed or inscribed on the cabinet x-ray system at the location of any controls that can be used to initiate x-ray generation, a clearly legible and visible label bearing the statement: CAUTION: X-RAYS PRODUCED WHEN ENERGIZED;

(2) There shall be permanently affixed or inscribed on the cabinet x-ray system adjacent to each port a clearly legible and visible label bearing the statement: CAUTION, X-RAY HAZARD: DO NOT INSERT ANY PART OF THE BODY WHEN SYSTEM IS ENERGIZED -- X-RAY HAZARD.

I. Instructions.

(1) Manufacturers of cabinet x-ray systems shall provide for purchasers, and to others upon request, at a cost not to exceed the cost of preparation and distribution, manuals and instructions that shall include at least the following technical and safety information: Potential, current, and duty cycle ratings of the x-ray generation equipment; adequate instructions concerning any radiological safety procedures and precautions which may be necessary because of unique features of the system; and a schedule of maintenance necessary to keep the system in compliance with this Subpart [Part].

(2) Manufacturers of cabinet x-ray systems which are intended to be assembled or installed by the purchaser shall provide instructions for assembly, installation, adjustment and testing of the cabinet x-ray system adequate to assure that the system is in compliance with applicable provisions of this part when assembled, installed, adjusted and tested as directed.

J. Additional Requirements for X-ray Baggage Inspection Systems: X-ray systems designed primarily for the inspection of carry-on baggage at airline, railroad, and bus terminals, and at similar facilities, shall be provided with the following means to ensure operator presence at the control area in a position which permits surveillance of the ports and doors during generation of x-radiation:

(1) During an exposure or preset succession of exposures of one-half second or greater duration, the means provided shall enable the operator to terminate the exposure or preset succession of exposures at any time, and

(2) During an exposure or preset succession of exposures of less than one-half second duration, the means provided may allow completion of the exposure in progress but shall enable the operator to prevent additional exposures.

N.M. Admin. Code § 20.3.11.1103

5-3-95; 20.3.11.1103 NMAC--Rn, 20 NMAC 3.1.11.1103, Recompiled 11/27/01