Chapter DHS 157

DHS 157.87(1)(L)2.b. b. Instructing personnel with regard to safe working practices and ensuring all personnel are trained in radiation safety commensurate with the hazards of the job.

DHS 157.87(1)(L)2.c. c. Investigating any incident of abnormal operation or exposure or suspected overexposure of personnel to determine the cause, take remedial action, and report the incident to the proper authorities.

DHS 157.87(1)(L)2.d. d. Ensuring that safety devices, interlocks, warning signals, labels, postings, and signs are functioning and located where required.

DHS 157.87(1)(L)2.e. e. Maintaining all radiation safety records.

DHS 157.87(2) (2) Additional requirements for closed-beam radiation generating devices. In addition to the requirements of sub. (1), all of the following apply to all closed-beam x-ray radiation generating devices:

DHS 157.87(2)(a) (a) System enclosure. The radiation source, sample or object, detector, and, if used, analyzing crystal shall be enclosed in a chamber or coupled chambers that cannot be entered by any part of the body during normal operation.

DHS 157.87(2)(b) (b) Interlocks. All doors and panels accessing the radiation generating device shall be interlocked. The interlocks shall be of a fail-safe design.

DHS 157.87(2)(c) (c) Interlock functions. The system enclosure and sample chamber closure shall be interlocked with the x–ray tube high voltage supply or a shutter in the primary beam so that no x-ray beam can enter the sample or object chamber while it is open unless the interlock has been conspicuously and deliberately defeated. The interlock shall be of fail-safe design or adequate administrative controls shall be exercised to ensure operations will not continue without a proper functioning interlock.

DHS 157.87(2)(d) (d) Radiation emission limit. The radiation emission for all closed beam radiation generating devices shall not exceed a dose rate of 0.005 mSv (0.5 mrem) in one hour at five centimeters outside any accessible surface.

DHS 157.87(2)(e) (e) Security screening units. Security screening units shall be provided with means to ensure operator presence at the control area in a position which permits surveillance of the openings and doors during generation of x-ray radiation. The means provided shall meet any of the following conditions:

DHS 157.87(2)(e)1. 1. During an exposure or preset succession of exposures of one-half second or greater duration, the operator is able to terminate the exposure or preset succession of exposures at any time.

DHS 157.87(2)(e)2. 2. During an exposure or preset succession of exposures of less than one-half second duration, the operator is able to prevent additional exposures after the completion of the exposure in progress.

DHS 157.87(3) (3) Additional requirements for open-beam radiation generating devices. The registrant shall submit a written explanation of the need to utilize the open beam configuration instead of closed-beam systems and receive the written approval of the department prior to use. In addition to the requirements in sub. (1) all of the following apply to all open-beam radiation generating devices not otherwise addressed in this subchapter:

DHS 157.87(3)(a) (a) Safety device.

DHS 157.87(3)(a)1. 1. The registrant shall use a safety device which prevents the entry of any portion of the operator’s body into the path of the primary beam or which causes the primary beam to be shut off upon entry into its path, unless otherwise authorized by the department or this subchapter.

DHS 157.87(3)(a)2. 2. If the registrant’s use of the open-beam radiation generating device does not permit the use of a safety device described in subd. 1. or 4., the registrant shall submit a written justification for why such a safety device cannot be used and receive the written approval of the department prior to use. The documented request and approval, include information about the absence of safety devices, shall be available for inspection as long the open-beam radiation generating device is in use. A record of this documentation shall be retained for 5 years after the open-beam radiation generating device is used.

DHS 157.87(3)(a)3. 3. If the registrant does not use a safety device described in subd. 1., the registrant shall employ alternative methods such as policies and procedures to minimize the possibility of unnecessary exposure. These alternative methods shall be documented and available for inspection as long as these methods are employed. A record of this documentation shall be retained for 5 years after the method is no longer employed.

DHS 157.87(3)(a)4. 4. For portable open-beam radiation generating devices that are manufactured to be used hand-held, or potentially used as a hand-held, without a safety device described in subd. 1, this safety device requirement shall be met by complying with all the requirements in sub. (4) prior to use.

DHS 157.87(3)(b) (b) X-ray on status. For open-beam equipment, radiation generating devices shall be provided with a readily discernible and active indication of all of the following:

DHS 157.87(3)(b)1. 1. ‘X-ray tube “on-off” status.’ An on-off status indicator shall be of a fail-safe design and be located near the radiation source housing. The warning lights as required by sub. (1) (a) 2. may meet this requirement if the warning lights are readily discernible and viewable by anyone near the primary beam.

DHS 157.87(3)(b)2. 2. ‘Shutter “open-closed” status.’ An open-closed status indicator shall be of a fail-safe design and be located at the control panel. If the primary beam is controlled with a shutter, it shall be near each beam port on the radiation source housing. The shutter status indicator shall be clearly labeled as to the meaning of the status of the device. The status indicator at the control panel may meet the requirement for the status indicator at the beam port if the status indicator at the control panel is readily discernible and viewable by anyone near the primary beam.

DHS 157.87(3)(c) (c) Labeling. Each unit shall be labeled at or near the x-ray exit beam port to identify the location of the beam with the words, “CAUTION - X-RAY BEAM”, “CAUTION – HIGH INTENSITY X-RAY BEAM”, or words having a similar meaning and intent.

DHS 157.87(3)(d) (d) Beam ports. Unused beam ports on radiation source housings shall be secured in the closed position in a manner which will prevent inadvertent opening.

DHS 157.87(3)(e) (e) Shutters. On open-beam radiation generating device configurations that are designed to accommodate interchangeable components, such as apertures, filters, or target materials, each beam port on the radiation source housing shall be equipped with a shutter that cannot be opened unless a collimator or a component coupling has been connected to the beam port.

DHS 157.87(3)(f) (f) Radiation emission limits. The local components of an open-beam radiation generating device, such as portable shielding, room walls, and designed housing, shall be located and arranged and shall include sufficient shielding or access control such that no radiation emissions exist, exclusive of the primary beam, in any area surrounding the local component group which could result in a dose to an individual present therein in excess of the dose limits as outlined in s. DHS 157.25. These emissions shall be met at any specified tube rating.

DHS 157.87(3)(g) (g) Primary beam attenuation. In cases where the primary x-ray beam is not intercepted by the detector device under all conditions of operation, protective measures shall be provided, such as auxiliary shielding or administrative procedures, to avoid exposure to any individual from the transmitted primary x-ray beam.

DHS 157.87(3)(h) (h) Operator attendance. The operator shall be in immediate attendance at all times when the equipment is in operation except when the area is locked, or the equipment is secured to protect against unauthorized or accidental entry.

DHS 157.87(3)(i) (i) Control of access. If the radiation generating device is not in a restricted area, the operator shall be able to control access to the radiation generating device at all times during operation. If the radiation generating device is not in a restricted area and the radiation generating device is capable of creating a radiation area or, the operator shall be able to control access to the radiation generating device at all times during operation, and do all the following:

DHS 157.87(3)(i)1. 1. Conspicuously identify radiation areas. The radiation source shall be within a conspicuous perimeter that identifies the area in which the dose equivalent rate exceeds 0.05 mSv (5 mrem) per hour. The area identified shall be suitably posted with “CAUTION -RADIATION AREA” signs at the perimeter. The operator shall ensure that no one is inside or enters the radiation area during operation of the radiation generating device.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)2. 2. Conspicuously identify high radiation areas. The radiation source shall be within a conspicuous perimeter that identifies the area in which the dose equivalent rate exceeds 1 mSv (100 mrem) per hour. The area identified shall be suitably posted with “CAUTION - HIGH RADIATION AREA” signs at the perimeter. The operator shall ensure that no one is inside or enters the high radiation area during operation of the radiation generating device.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)3. 3. Perform a visual check of the controlled area to ensure it is free of all unauthorized personnel immediately prior to activating or exposing the radiation source.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)4. 4. Maintain surveillance of the exposure area during operation, either visually or by other reliable means to ensure that no person enters the area.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)5. 5. With the exception of hand-held x-ray systems, when approaching the radiation source, following the conclusion of an exposure, use a suitable calibrated and operable radiation detection instrument to verify that the radiation source is in its fully shielded condition or that the x-ray tube has been de-energized.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)6. 6. Wear a personal alarming dose rate meter to approach the work area. The radiation field in the work area must be uniform such that the personal alarming dose rate meter responds to radiation exposure to any part of the body. The personal alarming dose rate meter shall not be used to measure radiation levels required under subds. 7. to 9., nor shall it be used to indicate the presence of a radiation source for potential non-uniform exposure, such as may occur during machine maintenance or work in a radiation generating device target area. The personal alarming dose rate meter shall meet all of the following:

DHS 157.87(3)(i)6.a. a. Is appropriately designed and calibrated for the type of x-ray emitted, such as pulse or continuous.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)6.b. b. Is set at an appropriate level to detect the presence of the radiation source, for example 0.02 mSv (2 mrem) per hour.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)6.c. c. Has been source-checked for response prior to use.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)7. 7. Perform measurement of radiation levels for a radiation survey using an appropriate calibrated radiation survey meter required by subs. (1) (e) 1. and 2. A radiation survey meter shall also be used when there is potential for non-uniform exposure to personnel, such as may occur during machine maintenance or work in a radiation generating device target area.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)8. 8. During the first exposure for each set up of the device, measure the radiation levels around the perimeter of the controlled area. The perimeter shall be adjusted accordingly to meet the access control requirement for radiation areas or high radiation areas before subsequent exposures are made.

DHS 157.87(3)(i)9. 9. Conduct the survey around the perimeter for each new operating condition and adjust the perimeter accordingly. The area of operation shall be monitored periodically if radiation levels are variable.

DHS 157.87(3)(j) (j) Instruction and training. In addition to the requirements in sub. (1) (k), each individual permitted to operate or maintain an open-beam radiation generating device shall receive more specific and detailed instruction in and demonstrate competence in all of the following topics:

DHS 157.87(3)(j)1. 1. Sources and magnitude of common radiation exposure.

DHS 157.87(3)(j)2. 2. Units of radiation measurement.

DHS 157.87(3)(j)3. 3. Radiation protection concepts of time, distance, shielding, and ALARA.

DHS 157.87(3)(j)4. 4. Procedures and rights relating to a declared pregnancy.

DHS 157.87(3)(j)5. 5. Regulatory requirements and area postings.

DHS 157.87(3)(j)6. 6. Worker, embryo or fetus, and public dose limits.

DHS 157.87(3)(j)7. 7. Proper use of survey instruments and dosimetry.

DHS 157.87(3)(j)8. 8. The policies and procedures required by this subsection.

DHS 157.87(3)(k) (k) Personnel monitoring. In addition to the requirements of s. DHS 157.25, extremity dosimetry shall be provided and used by all of the following:

DHS 157.87(3)(k)1. 1. Personnel working with or routinely working near and having potential for exposure to, the primary beam of an open-beam radiation generating device.

DHS 157.87(3)(k)2. 2. Personnel maintaining radiation generating devices if the maintenance procedures require the presence of a primary radiation beam when any local component in the radiation generating device is disassembled or removed.

DHS 157.87(4) (4) Additional requirements for open-beam, hand-held radiation generating devices. In addition to the requirements in subs. (1) and (3) the following applies to open-beam, hand-held radiation generating devices:

DHS 157.87(4)(a) (a) Procedures. All registrants possessing open-beam, hand-held radiation generating device shall make their operating policies and procedures available for review by the department. Operating policies and procedures shall contain measures to ensure that all of the following occur:

DHS 157.87(4)(a)1. 1. Radiation protection is provided to meet public dose limits in s. DHS 157.23.

DHS 157.87(4)(a)2. 2. Radiation protection is provided equivalent to that afforded in sub. (3) (g).

DHS 157.87(4)(a)3. 3. The operator will not hold the sample during operation of the radiation generating device and the operator’s hands will not approach the primary beam.

DHS 157.87(4)(a)4. 4. The operator will not aim the primary beam at themselves or at any individual during operation of the radiation generating device.

DHS 157.87(4)(a)5. 5. Operator radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable, for example, by use of ancillary equipment that will reduce exposure.

DHS 157.87(4)(b) (b) Training. In addition to the training requirements of subs. (1) (k) and (3) (j), the registrant shall provide training for all users and operators on the subjects in par. (a). Records shall be maintained of all user and operator training.

DHS 157.87(4)(c) (c) Radiation emission limit. For hand-held radiation generating devices, the limits in subs. (1) (c) 2. and (d), excluding the primary beam, shall be met if the radiation emission at any accessible surface of the radiation generating device does not exceed 0.025 mSv (2.5 mrem) per hour at 5 cm.

DHS 157.87(4)(d) (d) Extremity monitoring. For the purposes of the requirements sub. (3) (k) 1., operators of hand-held radiation generating devices shall be considered as working near the primary beam.

DHS 157.87(5) (5) Shielded room radiation generating devices. For radiation generating devices that do not meet the dose limits of s. DHS 157.25, the radiation generating device may be maintained inside a shielded room such that the exterior of the room meets the dose limits of s. DHS 157.25 when the radiation generating device is activated. Radiation generating devices in a shielded room shall meet the requirements in sub. (1) and the following:

DHS 157.87(5)(a) (a) Posting. The door to the room containing the radiation generating device shall be posted “CAUTION – RADIATION AREA”, or “CAUTION – HIGH RADIATION AREA”, or “GRAVE DANGER – VERY HIGH RADIATION AREA”, as required by s. DHS 157.29 (2).

DHS 157.87(5)(b) (b) Entrance interlocks. All entrances into the shielded room shall be provided with interlocks. After an interlock has been interrupted, broken, or tripped, it shall be possible to cause x-rays to be produced again only from the control panel. Interlocks shall not be used to shut off the x-ray equipment except in an emergency or during testing.

DHS 157.87(5)(c) (c) Entrance warning devices. All entrances into the shielded room shall be equipped with a conspicuously visible warning device, which need not be flashing or rotating but which operates only when radiation is being produced. The warning device shall be labeled in accordance with sub. (1) (a).

DHS 157.87(5)(d) (d) Room warning lights. The interior of the shielded room shall be provided with flashing or rotating warning lights that operate when, and only when, radiation is being produced. These lights shall be positioned so that they can be observed from any position or orientation within the room. The lights shall be posted indicating the meaning of the warning signal and instructions of actions to take when the light is lit. The posting shall be legible, conspicuous, and accessible to view.

DHS 157.87(5)(e) (e) Audible room warning device. An audible warning signal within the room shall be actuated for at least 10 seconds immediately prior to the first initiation of radiation after the closing of any opening that can admit personnel. The registrant shall post the meaning of the warning signal and instructions of action to take when the alarm sounds. The posting shall be legible, conspicuous, and accessible to view.

DHS 157.87(5)(f) (f) Emergency shut-off. If dose rates exceed the high radiation area limits in s. DHS 157.26, emergency shut-off switches shall be located within the high radiation areas so as to be accessible to individuals therein within 10 seconds. These switches and their mode of operation shall be identified by a conspicuously posted sign adjacent to the switch. The emergency shut-off switches shall include a manual reset that must be reset at the switch before x-rays are produced from the control panel. After an emergency shut-off switch has been activated, it shall only be possible to produce x-rays again from the control panel.

DHS 157.87(5)(g) (g) Separate electrical systems. The interlock system and the emergency shut-off system shall be separate electrical and mechanical systems.

DHS 157.87(5)(h) (h) Egress from shielded room. A person within the room housing a radiation generating device shall be able to egress at all times.

DHS 157.87(5)(i) (i) Entry into the shielded room.

DHS 157.87(5)(i)1. 1. After each exposure and before entry of any personnel, a survey shall be performed upon entry to the shielded room to determine that the radiation generating device is no longer producing radiation.

DHS 157.87(5)(i)2. 2. Personnel devices providing an audible signal when activated by radiation shall be acceptable for the survey requirement of subd. 1. if all of the following conditions are met:

DHS 157.87(5)(i)2.a. a. Personnel devices are to be checked daily for proper operation and a record of this check is maintained.

DHS 157.87(5)(i)2.b. b. The personnel device is designed to clearly indicate entry into a 0.02 mSv (2 mrem) per hour or greater radiation field.

DHS 157.87(5)(i)2.c. c. All personnel working with the radiation generating device are provided with a personnel device.

DHS 157.87(5)(i)3. 3. Stationary area monitors providing an audible signal when activated by radiation shall be acceptable for the survey requirement of subd. 1. if all of the following conditions are met:

DHS 157.87(5)(i)3.a. a. Stationary detection devices are checked daily for proper operation and a record of this check is maintained.

DHS 157.87(5)(i)3.b. b. The stationary device is designed to clearly indicate entry into a 0.02 mSv (2 mrem) per hour or greater radiation field.

DHS 157.87(5)(i)3.c. c. Stationary area monitors are calibrated annually to determine that the audible signal operates at a 0.02 mSv (2 mrem) per hour radiation field.

DHS 157.87(5)(j) (j) Personnel monitoring. All personnel associated with the x-ray equipment are provided with personnel monitoring devices that are calibrated for the x-ray energies being utilized. Records of personnel exposure are maintained.

DHS 157.87(5)(k) (k) Training. No registrant shall permit any individual to operate a radiation generating device in a shielded room until the individual has received a copy of, instruction in, and demonstrated an understanding of, operating and emergency procedures for the unit and competence in its use. Records are maintained of all operator training.

DHS 157.87(5)(L) (L) Control panel security. The equipment control panel is provided with a locking device to prevent unauthorized use. The locking device shall, when locked, prevent the production of radiation by the equipment.

DHS 157.87(5)(m) (m) Malfunctions. If a safety or warning device malfunctions, the control panel shall be locked in the “off” position. The control panel shall not be used, except as may be necessary for repair or replacement of the malfunctioning safety or warning device, until the safety or warning device is functioning properly.

DHS 157.87(6) (6) Bomb detection radiographic equipment. In addition to the requirements of sub. (1), all of the following requirements apply to bomb detection radiographic equipment:

DHS 157.87(6)(a) (a) Control panel security. When not in use, each bomb detection radiographic machine shall be locked to prevent unauthorized use. This is in addition to the requirements of sub. (1) (g).

DHS 157.87(6)(b) (b) Utilization log. The registrant shall maintain for each bomb detection radiographic machine a utilization log. This log shall record the description of the unit, the date removed from storage, the date returned to storage, the identity and signature of the person to whom the device is assigned, the dates of use and the site of use.

DHS 157.87(6)(c) (c) Area control. The registrant shall provide security to prevent entry by individuals from any point when the machine is energized during training.