Answer to Question #13171 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Industrial Radiation — Industrial Exposures

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

My employer asked me to analyze pipe weld seals with x rays using an X-MET8000 materials analyzer. I'm an automation equipment engineer; but I'm not trained for using an x-ray analyzer. I'm very concerned about my safety using the X-MET8000. Can you give me some advice?

A

This unit is designed to be used by personnel who are NOT required to be monitored for their radiation exposure. This is because the unit is well shielded, the x-ray beam is very narrow, and it points in the direction away from the hand of the person holding the device. The safety warning on the unit sums up the radiation safety requirement for this unit, "HIGH INTENSITY X-RAYS DO NOT EXPOSE ANY PART OF THE BODY TO THE BEAM."

Some safety information may be found in the Hitachi or Oxford Instruments, X-MET8000 owner's manual on page 87 where the user manual shows how NOT to the hold the unit to take readings, due to radiation exposure to the user's hands. Page 90 shows other things NOT to do with samples to be analyzed. If you still think you need specific radiation training, page 8 of the user manual states, "Contact the local Oxford Instruments representative for advice about x-ray radiation, or for x-ray safety training."

John P. Hageman, MS, CHP

Ask the Experts is posting answers using only SI (the International System of Units) in accordance with international practice. To convert these to traditional units we have prepared a conversion table. You can also view a diagram to help put the radiation information presented in this question and answer in perspective. Explanations of radiation terms can be found here.
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