Unit 4: Shielding Guides for Diagnostic X-ray Installations

Question 1

State the role of the radiation protection officer (RPO) in the design of new, or renovation of existing x-ray facilities.

Answer 1

• act as an advisor for all radiation protection aspects
• ensure all installations follow regulations
• registering equipment & setting periodic scheduled inspections

Question 2

2 types of protective barriers

Answer 2

• primary: for primary radiation
• secondary: for scatter/leakage radiation

Question 3

Controlled vs Uncontrolled areas

Answer 3

• controlled: anything xray personnel only
• uncontrolled: anywhere public may go (change rooms, office etc)

Question 4

Preparations and Planning of X-ray rooms

Answer 4

1. dimesions and shape of the room
2. location and range of movement of xray equipment
3. location of control booth
4. location use and occupancy of adjacent rooms
5. designation of adjacent rooms (controlled/uncontrolled)
6. location of image processing
7. position of windows doors etc
8. planned and existing materials used to construct the walls
9. application of protective barriers

Question 5

Primary Barrier Equation

Answer 5

K=Pd^2/WUT
P=max permissible weekly exposure (R/week)
D=distance from target to primary area (m)
W= workload mA min/week
U= use factor
T= occupancy factor
K= exposure per unit workload at a distance R/mA-min @ 1m

Question 6

P for controlled and uncontrolled areas

Answer 6

Controlled: 0.04R/week
Uncontrolled:0.002R/week