X-ray Equipment

X-Ray producing equipment and their location must be registered with the Safety and Health and the Radiological Council. X-ray machines may only be used by or under the supervision of a person with an appropriate licence.

Separate licences to use analytical and diagnostic X-ray machines are required as the training and operation of these machines are quite different.

In the case of analytical X-ray devices the Act requires compliance with the NHMRC Code of Practice for the Safe Use of X-ray Analysis Equipment (1984). The Code provides the major guidelines for the use of XRA equipment and sets out in detail the responsibilities of the user (license holder) and operator, and describes minimum requirements for XRA equipment design, working rules and radiation monitoring.

A checklist for X-ray analysis machines is provided by the Safety & Health Office.

X-ray working rules are required to be posted in a prominent position in the X-ray area. Generic working rules for X-ray analysis machines are provided by S&H and can be used as a starting point for specific X-ray analysis machines. Working rules for the Fluoroscopic machines on campus, Working Rules for OHCWA Intra-Oral Dental X-ray Units, and Cabinet X-ray Local Working Rules are also provided by the S&H.

Training

All XRA users at the University are encouraged to attend the X-ray Analysis Safety Course. It is expected that licensed users of partially enclosed XRA equipment (usually research group leaders) have adequate training and experience in XRA safety and that their supervised users are suitably instructed, trained and supervised.

The half day X-ray Analysis Safety Course consists of  lectures on basic physics of x-rays (production, interactions with matter, measurements, units), hazards from x-ray equipment (acute, chronic, non radiation) safety procedures (interlocks, warning lights, shielding, enclosures, maintenance), regulations (registration of equipment, licences of individuals, SRSO's working rules) and an XRA safety video. Assessment will take the form of an in-class open book test.

All users of fluoroscopic x-ray machines must have completed an approved non-radiologist fluoroscopy x-ray safety course. This course runs over half a day.

Only a qualified imaging technologist or approved technician (by the UWA Safety & Health Office) are allowed to operate fluoroscopic x-ray equipment.

For further information contact the Safety and Health on 6488 3938 or email: safety@uwa.edu.au