The MIT X-Ray Safety Program is established to provide staff, researchers, students and visitors with a safe environment and to conform to the requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations 105 CMR 120.000 and the policies set forth by the MIT Radiation Protection Committee (RPC).
All use of x-ray devices requires the registration of devices, hazard assessments, inventories, x-ray normal operating procedures, and training (classroom and lab-specific).
To register your lab and x-ray device, complete the following forms. Once a form is received by RPP, the RPP Officer will contact you. Notify RPP of any changes that may affect radiation safety.
RPP Staff will work with the lab to help minimize risks and determine appropriate controls.
RPP performs a Hazard Assessment of each x-ray device
Upon installation, and
At least once every 12 months thereafter.
The lab shall contact RPP to notify them of any other events that warrant a new hazard assessment, including:
Maintenance requiring the disassembly or removal of a local component in the system,
Maintenance and alignment procedures, if the procedures require the presence of a primary x-ray beam when any local component in the system is disassembled or removed,
Any time a visual inspection of the local components in the system reveals an abnormal condition, and
Whenever leakage radiation or inadvertent exposure to x-rays is suspected.
Before starting work, a normal operating procedure must be approved by RPP for each x-ray device. Procedures must be maintained and made available at the lab.
X-Ray Safety Training
The x-ray safety course is offered by RPP. Register for the class via the MIT Learning Center.
Device-Specific Training
This training is provided by the PI or an experienced user of the x-ray device in the lab. The training should include:
Basic operation of the x-ray device,
X-ray device associated systems, and
The established Normal Operating Procedure.
The RPP Officer is available to assist in the development of Device-Specific Training.
Appropriate PPE will be determined during the RPP Hazard Assessment. The lab is responsible for maintaining PPE in good condition. Consult the RPP Officer when considering new PPE purchases.
Area Dosimetry
Area radiation monitors (dosimeters) will be selected and placed by RPP during the Hazard Assessment. Contact RPP for any questions regarding area dosimetry.
Personnel Dosimetry
Requirements for personnel monitoring will be determined by RPP during the Hazard Assessment. Though personnel dosimetry is typically not required, x-ray users may request wearable dosimeters from RPP at any time.
Radiation Survey Instrumentation
Active radiation monitoring through routine surveys is the best practice when working with most x-ray devices. Consult the RPP Instrumentation Program for more information, or contact RPP to request any of the following services:
Survey instrument repair/calibration
Survey instrument loan program
Instrument selection or recommendations prior to purchase
Training on proper use of survey instrumentation
Radiation measurements by the Radiation Protection Officer
All areas containing radiation producing devices, such as x-rays, must be posted to convey the hazard. The device itself shall also be labeled. Access to such devices by unauthorized persons must be prevented.
RPP will provide appropriate postings and will help determine access control requirements and solutions.
Disposal
Contact Radiation Protection to remove from inventory and for disposal options
Notify RPP when the lab is ready to terminate the x-ray registration.
Emergency Response/Notifications
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
Shut off the x-ray immediately, if safe to do so.
Alert everyone to exit the lab.
In case of exposure or suspected exposure to radiation, proceed immediately to MIT Health and notify RPP.
In the event of fire or health threatening injuries, call 100 or 617-253-1212.
Promptly following any incident, ensure the PI and/or x-ray supervisor is informed.
Contact the EHS- Radiation Protection Program Office (617-452-3477; x100 from campus phone or 617-253-1212 from cell phone) to report the incident.
Special Considerations
Mobile x-ray systems such as XRD will need consideration as they are typically not in a shielded housing unit. If using on a table top consider what is under the table. Do not use your hands to secure the sample when using the XRD.
The MIT X-Ray Safety Program is established to provide staff, researchers, students and visitors with a safe environment and to conform to the requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations 105 CMR 120.000 and the policies set forth by the MIT Radiation Protection Committee (RPC).
All use of x-ray devices requires the registration of devices, hazard assessments, inventories, x-ray normal operating procedures, and training (classroom and lab-specific).
To register your lab and x-ray device, complete the following forms. Once a form is received by RPP, the RPP Officer will contact you. Notify RPP of any changes that may affect radiation safety.
RPP Staff will work with the lab to help minimize risks and determine appropriate controls.
RPP performs a Hazard Assessment of each x-ray device
Upon installation, and
At least once every 12 months thereafter.
The lab shall contact RPP to notify them of any other events that warrant a new hazard assessment, including:
Maintenance requiring the disassembly or removal of a local component in the system,
Maintenance and alignment procedures, if the procedures require the presence of a primary x-ray beam when any local component in the system is disassembled or removed,
Any time a visual inspection of the local components in the system reveals an abnormal condition, and
Whenever leakage radiation or inadvertent exposure to x-rays is suspected.
Before starting work, a normal operating procedure must be approved by RPP for each x-ray device. Procedures must be maintained and made available at the lab.
X-Ray Safety Training
The x-ray safety course is offered by RPP. Register for the class via the MIT Learning Center.
Device-Specific Training
This training is provided by the PI or an experienced user of the x-ray device in the lab. The training should include:
Basic operation of the x-ray device,
X-ray device associated systems, and
The established Normal Operating Procedure.
The RPP Officer is available to assist in the development of Device-Specific Training.
Appropriate PPE will be determined during the RPP Hazard Assessment. The lab is responsible for maintaining PPE in good condition. Consult the RPP Officer when considering new PPE purchases.
Area Dosimetry
Area radiation monitors (dosimeters) will be selected and placed by RPP during the Hazard Assessment. Contact RPP for any questions regarding area dosimetry.
Personnel Dosimetry
Requirements for personnel monitoring will be determined by RPP during the Hazard Assessment. Though personnel dosimetry is typically not required, x-ray users may request wearable dosimeters from RPP at any time.
Radiation Survey Instrumentation
Active radiation monitoring through routine surveys is the best practice when working with most x-ray devices. Consult the RPP Instrumentation Program for more information, or contact RPP to request any of the following services:
Survey instrument repair/calibration
Survey instrument loan program
Instrument selection or recommendations prior to purchase
Training on proper use of survey instrumentation
Radiation measurements by the Radiation Protection Officer
All areas containing radiation producing devices, such as x-rays, must be posted to convey the hazard. The device itself shall also be labeled. Access to such devices by unauthorized persons must be prevented.
RPP will provide appropriate postings and will help determine access control requirements and solutions.
Disposal
Contact Radiation Protection to remove from inventory and for disposal options
Notify RPP when the lab is ready to terminate the x-ray registration.
Emergency Response/Notifications
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
Shut off the x-ray immediately, if safe to do so.
Alert everyone to exit the lab.
In case of exposure or suspected exposure to radiation, proceed immediately to MIT Health and notify RPP.
In the event of fire or health threatening injuries, call 100 or 617-253-1212.
Promptly following any incident, ensure the PI and/or x-ray supervisor is informed.
Contact the EHS- Radiation Protection Program Office (617-452-3477; x100 from campus phone or 617-253-1212 from cell phone) to report the incident.
Special Considerations
Mobile x-ray systems such as XRD will need consideration as they are typically not in a shielded housing unit. If using on a table top consider what is under the table. Do not use your hands to secure the sample when using the XRD.