R313-35-2. Definitions

  As used in R313-35:

  "Analytical x-ray system" means a group of components utilizing x-rays to determine the elemental composition or to examine the microstructure of materials by either x-ray fluorescence or diffraction analysis.

  "Cabinet x-ray system" means an x-ray system with the x-ray tube installed in an enclosure, hereinafter termed "cabinet," which, independent of existing architectural structure except the floor on which it may be placed, is intended to contain at least that portion of a material being irradiated, provide radiation attenuation, and exclude personnel from its interior during generation of x-radiation. Included are all x-ray systems designed primarily for the inspection of carry-on baggage at airline, railroad and bus terminals, and similar facilities. An x-ray tube used within a shielded part of a building, or x-ray equipment which may temporarily or occasionally incorporate portable shielding is not considered a cabinet x-ray system.

  "Collimator" means a device used to limit the size, shape and direction of the primary radiation beam.

  "Direct reading dosimeter" means an ion-chamber pocket dosimeter or an electronic personal dosimeter.

  "External surface" means the outside surfaces of cabinet x-ray systems, including the high-voltage generator, doors, access panels, latches, control knobs, and other permanently mounted hardware and including the plane across an aperture or port.

  "Fail-safe characteristics" means design features which cause beam port shutters to close, or otherwise prevent emergence of the primary beam, upon the failure of a safety or warning device.

  "Forensics x-ray" means the use of x-ray systems in forensic autopsies of deceased humans, police agency use of x-ray systems for evidence identification and testing, or x-ray system use for arson or questionable origin fire investigations.

  "Nondestructive testing" means the examination of the macroscopic structure of materials by nondestructive methods utilizing x-ray sources of radiation.

  "Non-medical applications" means uses of x-ray systems except those used for providing diagnostic information or therapy on human patients.

  "Normal operating procedures" means instructions necessary to accomplish the x-ray procedure being performed. These procedures shall include positioning of the equipment and the object being examined, equipment alignment, routine maintenance by the registrant, and data recording procedures which are related to radiation safety.

  "Open-beam configuration" means a mode of operation of an analytical x-ray system in which individuals could accidentally place some part of the body into the primary beam during normal operation if no further safety devices are incorporated.

  "Portable package inspection system" means a portable x-ray system designed and used for determining the presence of explosives in a package.

  "Primary beam" means ionizing radiation which passes through an aperture of the source housing via a direct path from the x-ray tube located in the radiation source housing.

  "Very high radiation area" means an area, accessible to individuals, in which radiation levels could result in individuals receiving an absorbed dose in excess of five Gy (500 rad) in one hour at one meter from a source of radiation or from any surface that the radiation penetrates. At very high doses received at high dose rates, units of absorbed dose, gray and rad, are appropriate, rather than units of dose equivalent, sievert and rem.

  "X-ray system" means an assemblage of components for the controlled production of x-rays. It includes, minimally, an x-ray high-voltage generator, an x-ray control, a tube housing assembly, and the necessary supporting structures. Additional components which function with the system are considered integral parts of the system.