Safety Protocol

1. Verify that a sign has been posted at eye level on the door(s) to the lab room warning that x-rays can be produced in this location.

2. Check that the power strip is turned off at your lab station. Check that the Tel-X-Ometer and the scalar meter power supply are plugged into the power strip.

3. Physically inspect the plastic scatter shield cover. Examine the entire shield to make sure that no cracks or chips are present. Make sure that the aluminum/lead backstop is securely in place.

4. Gently check that the cover hinges slide freely in both directions. When you are using the x-rays later in this lab, you can turn them off simply by sliding the cover to one side. This will break the interlock and turn off the x-rays. When the carriage arm is rotated to one side, then always slide the cover to the same side as the carriage arm.

5. Check that the lead-glass dome containing the x-ray tube is entirely free of chips or cracks. The x-rays will be emitted through the port. Verify that the port is firmly attached to the dome.

6. Verify that both the Indicator Lamp next to the lead-glass dome and the red push-button on the Control Panel are legibly labeled “X-RAYS ON”.

7. In addition, establish that underneath the red push-button on the Control Panel there is a clearly legible and visible label bearing the statement “CAUTION: X-RAYS PRODUCED WHEN ENERGIZED”.

8. There should be a GM tube mounted in the carriage arm of the Tel-X-Ometer. This GM tube should be connected to the scalar meter through a BNC connection.

9. Obtain a Tel-X-Ometer key from the lab instructor. Insert the key into the switch to free the controls. Check that the key can only be removed when the control is in the off position.

10. Turn on the power strip. Turn the timer knob to ~30 and turn the key to the on position. Verify that the Power On Indicator Lamp (white) is illuminated and that the x-ray tube filament is illuminated at the same time. The Scaling Ratemeter may start beeping on occasion - this is perfectly normal.

11.  For additional protection, the user can set up a lead wall around the x-ray machine using lead blocks, and/or wear a lead apron. 

* Any person/people around the machine should wear an x-ray badge to detect how much radiation they are receiving. 

www.compadre.org/advlabs/wiki/File%3A2584