Current through Register Vol. 54, No.43, October 26, 2024
Section 223.13a - Therapeutic systems(a) When the tube is operated at its maximum technique factors, the leakage radiation may not exceed any of the following:(1) One hundred milliroentgens (25.8 µC/kg) per hour at 5 centimeters from the surface of the tube housing assembly for contact therapy systems.(2) One roentgen (.258 mC/kg) per hour at 1 meter from the source for 0-500 kVp systems.(3) One-tenth percent of the exposure rate of the primary beam at 1 meter from the source for 501-999 kVp systems.(b) Beam limiting devices used for limiting the primary beam shall provide at least the same protection as required by the tube housing assembly.(c) Therapeutic X-ray systems shall be secured to prevent unauthorized use whenever the system is unattended.(d) Interlocks shall be provided so that, when a door of the treatment room is opened, either the machine will shut off automatically or the radiation level within the room will be reduced to an average of not more than 2 milliroentgens (0.516 µC/kg) per hour and a maximum of 10 milliroentgens (2.58 µC/kg) per hour at a distance of 1 meter in any direction from the target; or interlocks will energize a conspicuous visible or audible alarm signal so that the individual entering and the operator are made aware of the entry. After a shut-off or reduction in output, it shall be possible to restore the machine to full operation only from the control panel.(e) Interlocks, on-off beam control mechanisms and safety and warning devices shall be checked and appropriately serviced at least once in a calendar year.(f) Treatment room entrances shall be provided with warning lights, which will indicate when the primary beam is on, in a readily observable position near the outside of access doors.(g) Exposure factors shall be displayed on the control panel.(h) Provision shall be made to permit continuous observation of the animal patient from the control panel during irradiation.(i) A registrant may not permit an individual to operate a therapeutic X-ray system until the individual has received a copy of, and instruction in, the operating procedures for the system and has demonstrated understanding of the operating procedures and competence in the use of the system.The provisions of this §223.13a adopted October 2, 1998, effective 10/3/1998, 28 Pa.B. 4894.The provisions of this §223.13a issued under sections 301 and 302 of the Radiation Protection Act (35 P. S. §§ 7110.301 and 7110.302); and section 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 510-20).