Safety Requirements

Labeling

The x-ray diffraction laboratory, Sims 306, must be posted with a sign bearing the radiation symbol and a warning such as ″CAUTION- X-RAY EQUIPMENT″.

A label must be placed near the switch which energizes the x-ray tube indicating to the user that the instrument produces radiation when energized, such as ″Caution- Radiation. This Equipment Produces Radiation when Energized″.

A label must be placed on the X-ray source housing with wording such as ″Caution-High Intensity X-Ray Beam″.

Warning Lights

An easily visible warning light labeled with words such as "X-RAY ON," must be located near the switch that energizes an X-ray tube and will be illuminated only when the tube is energized.

Safety Devices

Interlocks are put in place to prevent access and exposure to the primary beam. The Rigaku MiniFlex system is fully interlocked so that the x-rays will turn off if a cover is removed. When opening the door of the MiniFlex in order to mount or dismount a sample, a shutter is closed to block the x-rays and protect the user from any radiation exposure. Once the door is closed, the shutter will open.

Users must not disable, alter, modify or bypass any safety interlocks associated with X-ray equipment. Bypassing or manipulating the interlocks presents the potential for dangerous exposure.

Safety interlocks shall not be used to de-activate the X-ray beam except in an emergency or during testing of the interlock system.

Unused ports shall be secure in a manner which will prevent accidental opening. Open beam unit shall have a shutter over the port which cannot be opened unless a collimator or coupling has been connected.

Each port is equipped with a shutter that cannot be opened unless a collimator or a coupling device has been connected to the port.

Radiation Surveys and Safety Device Tests

Tests of all safety devices such as interlocks, shutters and warning lights and a radiation exposure survey will be conducted for the Rigaku MiniFlex 600 XRD system by a principle user. Records of all tests will be maintained in the maintenance log book kept in Sims 306. Tests will be conducted:

o annually

o upon installation of the instrument

o after any major changes in equipment configuration

o after any maintenance to the instrument

o when visual inspection of the local components in the system reveals an abnormal condition

Users of the x-ray diffractometer must perform daily radiation surveys. The survey should include monitoring for stray radiation in the immediate vicinity. The results of the daily radiation survey will be recorded in the instrument usage log book.

A hand held radiation monitoring instrument is available to all users. The survey meter will remain in Sims 306.

X-Ray Radiation Safety-General Precautions

The Rigaku MiniFlex 600 XRD system is a closed system. Under normal operation, exposure to scattered radiation from the instrument is extremely low.

No personnel dosimeter is required for routine operations.

The Rigaku MiniFlex system is fully interlocked so that the x-rays will turn off if a cover is removed. When opening the door of the MiniFlex in order to mount or dismount a sample, a shutter is closed to block the x-rays and protect the user from any radiation exposure. Once the door is closed, the shutter will open.

User should always verify that the beam shutter is closed before reaching into primary beam.

general requirements for using the diffractometer

All users must be trained before using the diffractometer and adhere to all training requirements. See TRAINING REQUIREMENTS below.

The first user of the day must perform a radiation survey using the hand held radiation monitoring instrument. The results of this daily pre-operational check must be recorded in the instrument usage log book.

An instrument usage log book must be maintained. The log book must be located by the instrument and every user must log their usage of the instrument.

Training REQUIREMENTS

Employee Users

The Department Radiation Officer and principle users of the instrument must be trained by the University Office of Environmental Health and Safety in general radiation safety. Principle users are faculty and staff members who will use the instrument or train students in the use of the instrument. The Department Radiation Officer in addition to EHS will maintain records of such training.

The vendor will train at least two principle users in the use of the instrument. Any faculty or staff member who needs training on the use of the instrument can be trained by any trained principle user.

Training of all principal users must be recorded in the faculty/staff training log book located in Sims 306 and reported to the Department Radiation Officer who will also maintain records of all trained principle users.

Student Users

Must attend chemical safety training before working in the x-ray diffraction lab.

Must take and pass the general safety training quiz with a 100%.

Must receive training on the operation of the instrument from a trained principle user before using the instrument.

Must take and pass the radiation safety training quiz with a 100%.

The principle user must observe the student using the instrument and the student must demonstrate competence in radiation safety principles before being allowed to use the instrument.

Students cannot perform the daily pre-operational checks without the assistance of a principal user.

Students are not allowed to use the x-ray diffractometer outside the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm unless there is a principal user present in the room.

Students using x-ray equipment as part of a classroom requirement under the direct supervision (in the room) of a principal user are not required to take the radiation safety test.

Training of all students must be recorded in the student training log book located in Sims 306. Additionally, research mentors must also maintain training records.

Lab access

Visitors are not permitted in the lab unless prior approval is obtained from the Chair of the Department and must be accompanied by a principal user.

Custodial personnel will not enter Sims 306. Trash cans will be placed outside the door in the hallway for trash removal.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency or suspected exposure to x-rays, notify the Chemistry Department′s Radiation Officer who will contact the University Radiation Safety Officer (803-323-2328). In case of any emergency with injuries, the injury must be dealt with first. For life threatening injuries or any injury needing immediate medical attention, call -911 (9-911 from a campus phone). Emergency and Medical Procedures can be found in Section F of the CHP.