QXR-W XRF SAFETY MANUAL PREPARED BY: JOHN SCHINDLER & DR. HELENA SOLO GABRIELE THE MAJORITY OF THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENT WAS OBTAINED FROM AUSTIN AI, INC. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING CIVIL, ARCHITECTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT - September 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS XRF Safety Manual with Operating Instructions... - 4 - Overview and Proper Use of XRF...- 4 - Important Safety Information...- 4 - General Safety Precautions and Information...- 5 - Austin AISystems Recommended Radiation Safety Training Components...- 5 - Additional Safety Features...- 6 - Performing a Test Following Appropriate Radiation Safety Procedures...- 6 - Correct and Incorrect Instrument Usage...Error! Bookmark not defined. Testing of Small Components...Error! Bookmark not defined. Radiation Warning Lights And Labeling...- 8 - Radiation Levels from Analyzer...- 9 - Radiation Doses for Several Scenarios...- 9 - Comparative: Radiation Doses from Typical Exposures to Ionizing Radiation. - 10 - Safe Guards and Emergency Response... - 10 - Dosimeter Badges... - 10 - Common Questions and Answers Regarding Radiation Safety... - 11 - Typical Registration Requirements... - 12 - Use of XRF analyzer: Summary...Error! Bookmark not defined. Field Safety Information... - 14 - - 2 -
NOTE: OPERATING MANUALS ARE PROVIDED AS A GUIDE. INDIVIDUAL FACILITIES SHOULD MODIFY THE ENCLOSED INFORMATION TO MEET THEIR FACILITY NEEDS. - 3 -
XRF SAFETY MANUAL WITH OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW AND PROPER USE OF HANDHELD XRF The QXR-W emits x-rays in order to analyze test materials. The x-rays are emitted from the x-ray tube in the form of a cone shaped beam. The maximum operating conditions for the tube inside the unit are a voltage of 50 kv, a current of 1000 ua, and 2 mm of aluminum filtration. The radiation levels emitted from the beam under the standard operation conditions are less than 0.05 mrem/hr at the surface of the instrument housing, and 0.05 mrem/hr at each sample opening (example: incoming material opening, and opening allowing materials exiting to diverter). The x-rays emitted from the XRF are capable of passing straight through many different materials (such as wood) without loosing strength. Therefore it is very important for operators and employees to be mindful to keep hands away from the entrance and exits of the x-ray housing, where x-rays have the potential to scatter. Proper use includes analyzing materials only when they are in free fall through the material delivery chute. The devices should never be used to analyze material that is being held in a person s hand, or any non-wood or wood bearing materials. Radiation badges are recommended for individuals at a facility who will be using the XRF units on a day-to-day basis. According to Austin AI some states require the use of radiation badges. Austin AI also recommends that XRF operators wear badges, at least for the first year of operation, as a general precaution in case of misuse of the instrument. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The safe and proper operation of the Austin AI XRF instrument is the highest priority. These instruments produce ionizing radiation and should ONLY be operated by individuals, who have been trained by Austin AI and received a manufacturer s training certificate. Austin AI recommends that operators and companies implement a written Radiation Safety Program, with safety components specific to the site and application of use of the instrument. The Radiation Safety Program should be reviewed annually and revised appropriately by a competent individual. Austin AI XRF analyzers must be used by trained operators, according to the instructions presented in this manual. Improper usage may circumvent safety protections and could potentially cause harm to the user. Pay attention to all warning labels and messages. - 4 -
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INFORMATION Retain and follow all product safety and operating instructions. Observe all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions. To reduce the risk of bodily injury, electric shock, fire and damage to the equipment, observe the following precautions: Heed service markings. Except as explained in this documentation, do not service any Austin AI product yourself. Opening or removing covers may expose you to electric shock. Service needed on components inside these compartments should be done only by Austin AI authorized personnel. DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE: The power cord, plug or battery contacts for the battery charger are damaged. Liquid has been spilled or an object has fallen onto the instrument. The instrument has been physically damaged. There are noticeable signs of overheating. The instrument does not operate normally when you follow operating instructions. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Use the correct external power source: Ensure that the voltage is appropriate (100V-240 V/ 50-60 Hz) for the system. Do not overload an electrical outlet, power strip, or convenience receptacle. Do not pull on cords and cables. When unplugging the cord form the electrical outlet, grasp and pull the cord by the plug. AUSTIN AI RECOMMENDED RADIATION SAFETY TRAINING COMPONENTS Individual Companies and States have specific regulations and guidelines for the use of X-ray tube generated ionizing radiation. The purpose of the recommendations below is to provide generic guidance for an ALARA - best practice - approach to radiation safety. These recommendations do not replace the requirement to understand and comply with the specific policies of any state or organization. 1. Proper Usage. Never use the instrument to analyze another person. Never hold a sample in your hand and test that part of the sample. 2. Establish Controlled Areas. The location use should be of restricted or limited access to reduce potential exposure to ionizing radiation. 3. Specific Controls. The instrument s X-ray interlock key should be stored, in a locked case, or locked cabinets when not in use. When in use, it must remain in the direct control of a factory trained, certified operator. 4. Time - Distance - Shielding Policies. Operators should minimize the time around the energized instrument, and maximize the distance from the instrument window whenever possible. 5. Prevent Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. All reasonable measures, including labeling, operator training and certification, and the concepts of time, distance, - 5 -
& shielding, should be implemented to limit radiation exposure to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). 6. Personal Monitoring. Radiation control regulations may require implementation of a radiation monitoring program, where each instrument operator wears a film badge or TLD detector for an initial period of 1 year to establish a baseline exposure record. Continuing radiation monitoring after this period is recommended, but may be discontinued if accepted by radiation control regulators. ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES The XRF units themselves have built in safety features to protect against accidental exposure. The Austin AI s QXR-W is very safe when used correctly, however the analyzer does emit radiation through the analyzer window, and all precautions must be taken to reduce exposure to this radiation. In order to minimize the possibility of accidental exposure, the following safety features are standard in all Austin AI systems: 1. Safety Interlock Switches, Trip Redundancy. The power to the x-ray tube is only available when all safety interlocks (shielding panels) are in place, an interlock key is thrown and an X-ray on button is pressed. This requires that the user consciously enable x-rays, allowing them to be emitted. 2. X-ray Indicator Light. A red light is illuminated when X-rays are emitted by the system; indicating to the users that safety precautions are in effect. 3. Emergency Off Button. An emergency off button shuts down power to the X-ray tube, which can only be restarted via re-enabling the interlock key. PERFORMING A TEST FOLLOWING APPROPRIATE RADIATION SAFETY PROCEDURES STARTING THE ANALYZER: The X-ray tube is controlled by voltages adjusted by potentiometers (pots) on a panel inside the computer enclosure. Settings and monitor voltages can be measured by connecting a voltmeter to the jacks on the panel. The scales are: Voltage 0 to 10 VDC indicates 0 to 50,000 V (50 kv) on tube. 50 kv is the maximum allowed. The nominal setting is 45 kv (9V on monitor) Current 0 to 10 VDC indicates 0 to 1,000 micro amp (µa). 950 µa (9.5 V on monitor) is the nominal setting. If the tube has been unused for one week or more, start it slowly, with this schedule: - 6 -
1. Turn the current all the way to 0. 2. Turn the voltage to 10 kv (2 volts on the test point). 3. Raise the current to 100 µa (1 volt on the test point). Wait 5 minutes. 4. Raise the voltage to 20 kv (4 volts on the monitor). Wait 5 minutes. 5. Raise the voltage to 30 kv (6 volts on the monitor). Wait 5 minutes. 6. Raise the voltage to 40 kv (8 volts on the monitor). Wait 5 minutes. 7. Raise the voltage to 50 kv (10 volts on the monitor). Wait 5 minutes. 8. Raise the current to 250 µa (2.5 volts on the monitor). 9. Wait 5 minutes, then increase current by 100 µa. Repeat until desired operating current is reached, then adjust HV if necessary. OPERATING THE PROGRAM Routine, when the system is pre-configured: 1. Check the X-ray tube settings. 2. Double-click the XRC icon on the desktop. 3. On the menu, choose File, Open Process and select the configuration file. 4. On the menu, choose View, Settings, General and make sure that the triggering device is properly selected. (Video or Com Port). If video is selected, choose View, Settings, Video Card and confirm that the source is Composite and that the triggering sensitivity and set point are still set correctly. 5. Close this box, then on the menu select View, Pre-processing. Put a known sample in front of the viewing window using tape to suspend the piece. Click and hold the Test Scan button on the screen for about 1 second, then release. You should see a spectrum in the window, and at the bottom of the box, near the text Values found, will be the identifications of the parts. 6. Try some other parts. If all works well, close this window and click the Stand By button in the upper right of the main window. The - 7 -
Recycling icon should now be animated. Use the material chute to deliver samples and begin sorting. RADIATION WARNING LIGHTS AND LABELING MAIN POWER SWITCH AND INDICATOR LIGHT: It is necessary to also power on the X-ray tube via an additional power switch on the front of the control panel. The X-ray key must be present, and thrown for the X-ray tube to function. When thrown, the yellow caution LED is lit indicating X-rays are enabled but are not necessarily on. Manual adjustment knobs are used to dial in the desired current and voltage settings of the X- ray tube. The red button allows X-ray function. When depressed, the red warning LED is illuminated and X-rays are emitted. The green button is the X-ray stop button. When depressed, the X-rays are turned off and a green LED is illuminated indicating a safe environment. X-ray Indicator Lights Power Voltage Current Key/Lock Emergency Stop X-ray Enabled X-ray Disabled X-RAY LIGHT AND CONTROL SWITCHES: The Austin AI QXR-W is equipped with warning lights that alert the operator when the tube is receiving power, and when x-rays are being emitted from the analyzer. When the red light on the top of the analyzer is ON continuously, this indicates the x-ray tube is receiving a low level of electrical power emitting X-rays. The red/green buttons on the control panel (above) turn the x-rays on and off. LABELS: The user is responsible for posting radiation labels on and around instrument area, as required by local regulatory agencies. - 8 -
RADIATION LEVELS FROM ANALYZER A schematic of the analyzer at the client s site is shown below. The measured radiation levels for standard operating conditions are shown in the figures and tables below. Standard operating conditions are tube voltage operating at 40 kv, tube current of 500 ua, and 2 mm aluminum filtration. 1 3 2 POSITION 1 DUCT OPENING 2 XRF HOUSING 3 DIVERTER OPENING RAD (MREM/HR) <=.05 <=.05 <=.05-9 -
COMPARATIVE: RADIATION DOSES FROM TYPICAL EXPOSURES TO IONIZING RADIATION Common medical and/or dental x-rays: Mammogram: Flying in a commercial jet coast to coast (6 hrs.): Daily exposure from background radiation:*depends on geographic location 20-30 mrem each. 100-200 mrem 1-2 mrem. 0.3 to 0.5 mrem/day From the above table, a single case of analyzer misuse, thus producing a one-time exposure of 70-250 mrem, is comparable with single-event common medical x-ray procedures such as an annual chest x-ray or mammogram, or 25-50 airline flights in a year, and thus is not considered harmful. Regular misuse, such as taking safety shortcuts twice weekly, produces radiation exposure that greatly exceeds these typical levels and should be avoided entirely. SAFE GUARDS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE The main safeguards to use as an owner of an Austin AI QXR-W are really intended to restrict access to properly trained operators: 1. Keep the system in a controlled location, where only authorized users are likely to have access to the analyzer at any given time. 2. Make a simple sign that is kept with the analyzer indicating that an operator must have completed a training class provided by your company or must have attended an Austin AI training course in order to use the analyzer. Note that when the Austin AI QXR-W is turned on, the screen displays a message indicating that the system should only be used by authorized personnel. EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Because the Austin AI QXR-W is a power operated, x-ray tube based analyzer; the emergency response plan is very simple. If the operator believes the analyzer is locked up in an X-rays ON condition, they should do two things: 1. Press the On/Off switch on the control panel to the off position. The X-rays On-Light will not be illuminated, indicating system power is off. At this point it is not possible for the analyzer to be producing x-rays. Note: It would be highly unusual for an operator to somehow lock up the analyzer with the x-ray tube powered on. This would require the operator to modify or bypass hardware safety features. DOSIMETER BADGES Dosimeter badges are provided as a monthly service by several companies, listed below. The badges are generally provided monthly, and the operator returns the previous month badges to the company for analysis. The operator receives a - 10 -
monthly report showing any personnel with readings higher than typical background radiation. Dosimeter badges are required by some states, and optional by other states. Austin AI recommends that operators wear badges, at least for the first year of operation, as a general precaution to flag any misuse of the analyzer. Dosimeter badges are available for the torso (generally worn on the belt loop or shirt pocket) and are available as ring badges. The best single badge to obtain is a ring badge that is worn on a finger, on the opposite hand used to hold the analyzer. This will record accidental exposure for the most likely case an operator grabbing a small sample and holding it in one hand while analyzing it. Note: these badges generally have a threshold of 10 mrem, and are renewed monthly. So it will take several cases of misuse even to obtain a reading on a typical badge. When purchasing a badge, obtain the type used for x-ray and low energy gamma ray radiation. Dosimeter Companies: Here are two companies that provide badges as a regular service. There are certainly many more. Landauer Inc. Glenwood, IL Ph: 708-755-7000 AEIL. Houston, TX Ph: 713-790-9719 COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING RADIATION SAFETY Question: When I m analyzing wood, is there any exposure to people standing in other locations, or standing several feet away from the analyzer? Answer: Even a thin amount of lead shielding (1-2 mm thickness) is enough to completely attenuate the x-ray beam emitted from the Austin AI QXR-W. The analyzer is housed with shielded panels to prevent exposure, each of which are hardwired to safety interlock switches to prevent exposure should they be removed or improperly installed. Question: Do I need to create restricted areas where the analyzer is in use? Answer: No, provided you are following normal operating procedures there is no reason to restrict access to an area where the analyzer is in use. The operator should take precautions to keep any personnel more than 3 feet away from the conveyor line, to insure clearance for material exiting the QXR-W. Question: How does the x-ray tube in the Austin AI system compare to a radiography system used for taking images of metal parts. Answer: The x-ray tube used in the Austin AI system produces about 20 to - 11 -
200 times lower power than most radiography systems (5-50 watt for Austin AI versus kw for radiography systems). This is because an analytical XRF is designed to perform surface analysis of alloys and other samples, whereas radiography systems are designed to shoot x-rays entirely through metal components in order to obtain an image on the other side of the object being bombarded with x-rays. For example, many tube-based radiography systems use a 300-400 kv tube and currents in the tens or hundreds of milliamps (ma). The Austin AI analyzer uses a tube operating at 50 kv and 1000 micro-amps. The radiation levels produced are therefore thousands or tens of thousands times lower with the Austin AI system. Question: Should we use dosimeter badges with the Austin AI analyzer? Answer: Dosimeter badges are required by some states, and optional by other states. Austin AI recommends that operators wear badges, at least for the first year of operation, as a general precaution to flag any misuse of the analyzer. Dosimeter badges are available for the torso (generally worn on the belt loop or shirt pocket) and are available as ring badges. The best single badge to obtain is a ring badge that is worn on a finger, on the opposite hand used to hold the analyzer. This will record accidental exposure for the most likely case an operator grabbing a small sample and holding it in one hand while analyzing it. Note: these badges generally have a threshold of 10 mrem, and are renewed monthly. So it will take several cases of misuse even to obtain a reading on a typical badge. When purchasing a badge, obtain the type used for x-ray and low energy gamma ray radiation. TYPICAL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Most states require some form of registration, and generally they require the registration to be received within 30 days of receipt of the instrument. Some states require no registration, while a few require notification in advance. Please contact Austin AI for specific questions regarding the state where the instrument will be used, or for copies of registration forms. In general a company will have to provide the following information regarding the device: 1. Purpose of device. Generally this is Analytical or Industrial. Be sure to inform the state registration office that the device will NOT be used for radiography or for medical uses. 2. Radiation Safety Officer Monitors training, safe use, and controls access to the instrument. 3. Authorized Users Trained by Austin AI Factory Authorized Representatives in - 12 -
the safe and proper use of the XRF 4. Operating parameters of the analyzer 50 kv, 1000 micro-amps. 5. Type of system, either fixed, mobile or portable. Generally the correct choice is Fixed. 6. User Training Specified Indicate that only individuals receiving manufacturer training, documented by a manufacturer s training certificate will operate the instrument. 7. Personal Monitoring. This may be required by radiation control authorities. Many registration forms will ask that you indicate whether or not you intend to perform dosimeter monitoring. 8. Copy of Registration & Manual at the Job Site If you have any questions regarding the type of registration form or filling out the form, please contact Austin AI. Many states may confuse XRF systems that use a tube with medical or industrial radiography systems. In all likelihood, Austin AI personnel have experience providing the necessary documentation to the state in question, and can readily assist the customer in this process. - 13 -
FIELD SAFETY INFORMATION Below is general safety information which can be used as a guide to supplement a facilities general operating safety manual. General Safety Instructions Researchers are to report to the office immediately upon arrival to the facility in order to let the employees know of their presence at the facility. This will enable those who operate heavy equipment to know of their presence. Researchers should limit their activities to the area designated by the facility. Researchers should try to stay as a group while on the site. Safety Apparel All researchers will be given the following, which should be worn at all times while on the site: o Bright Vest with Convenient Pockets Other Clothing Guidelines o While on site all researchers should wear long pants such as denim jeans. o There should be no loose clothing or jewelry dangling from the body. This could cause body parts to be pulled into machines such as the conveyer. o o Hair should also be pulled back. Any safety equipment that is not working properly or malfunctioning should be reported at once. Equipment Safety XRF units o These devices should never be used to analyze people. While in use they should only be used to test scrap wood. Refer to XRF safety document in prior appendix and to radiation safety information provided by instrument manufacturer. Equipment in general o Most of the equipment is valuable. o If any equipment appears to not be working correctly or malfunctioning supervisor should be alerted at once. - 14 -