Safety, Health and Injury Management and Wellbeing

Working rules for the dental X-ray machine

Our role is to develop and assist in the implementation of the UWA safety, health and wellbeing programs in order to minimise the risk of injury, illness and property damage.

We provide consultancy and other services to promote best practice and legislative compliance in all University and related activities.

Working rules are essential to ensure that all types of x-ray equipment are used in accordance with legal requirements and with a high standard of safety.

  1. The authorised user of the machine is Dr David Causer. No other personnel are currently licensed or authorised to operate the machine.
  2. These working rules are to be securely attached to the x-ray machine at all times.
  3. The key for the main switch is to be kept in a secure location by Physics supervising technician. The key is not to be left in the machine when not in use.
  4. The primary beam is to be intercepted by a suitable radiation beam stop.
  5. The primary beam may not be directed at any person.
  6. Exposure to the primary x-ray beam and scattered x-rays must be avoided at all times.
  7. Immediate measures must be taken to remove potentially hazardous situations arising from x-ray beams that may be emitted owing to an equipment defect, misalignment or any other reason.
  8. The operator must ensure that the x-ray radiation warning label is clearly visible on the x-ray tube housing.
  9. Observers should remain at a safe distance during exposures. A minimum of three metres between the beam path and observers is appropriate.
  10. Find out who is the School Radiation Safety Officer for your area.
  11. Service may only be carried out by a service technician with a suitable licence from the Radiological Council.
  12. All accidents and incidents must be reported to the School Radiation Safety Officer and UWA Safety and Health.