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Radiography Program Guidelines for the Operation of Energized Lab Equipment

Energized laboratory equipment shall be operated with the authorization of department faculty only.

  1. Radiographs will be obtained of provided phantoms or laboratory equipment only based on assignments made by the program faculty. No radiographs of humans will be obtained. Faculty oversight/permission is required when any exposures are made.
  2. Always close the door before making an exposure, after making sure everyone is out of the lab room.
  3. Before exposures can be made, the student must be checked off by an instructor on the proper use of the rotor and exposure switch.
  4. Always warm up the X-ray unit properly before making any exposures. The proper warm-up technique is as follows:
    • 200 mA Large Focal Spot, 70 kVp, 1-second exposure.
    • Make one exposure, wait 5 seconds, then make another exposure, wait 5 seconds, and make one more exposure, for a total of three exposures.
  5. All equipment found in the lab is expensive, some of it costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. All students will be expected to handle it in a careful and considerate manner. Always return the equipment used to its proper location.
  6. If at any time a student is not treating the equipment properly with the utmost care or if the equipment is damaged due to negligence or horseplay, he/she will be sent to the Dean for disciplinary action.
  7. The X-ray machine is equipped with devices to limit radiation exposure. These devices include filters that reduce unnecessary low-energy radiation from the primary beam and collimators that restrict the size of the X-ray beam. Do not alter, remove, tamper with, or defeat these devices, or in any way cause needless radiation exposure.
  8. The x-ray equipment is inspected regularly and complies with the regulations set by the NC Department of Human Resources-Department of Radiation Safety.
  9. All students are required to wear personal radiation dosimeters while in the lab. Students Will Not be permitted in the lab without a personal radiation monitor. Attendance deduction will apply.

Any violations of these behaviors may result in a range of actions, from warnings and/or being sent home (with attendance and point deductions) to dismissal from the program.