Approval process

  • Complete the Application for Use of X-Rays and Radiation Producing Devices Form (PDF). A principal Investigator (PI) is the authorized user who assumes responsibility for the control and safe use of the x-ray system.
  • Complete the application for use with the information detailed in Section B of the X-Ray Safety Manual (PDF).
  • Forward the application via Campus Mail to the Radiation Safety Officer, EH&S, 2408 Wanda Daley Drive / 3602.
  • Schedule an initial x-ray survey with EH&S at (515) 294-5359.

  • After completion of the initial x-ray survey and any associated corrective actions, you will receive your authorization. Review carefully the written notification from the Radiation Safety Officer concerning your application’s approval.
  •  Review “Principal Investigator Responsibilities” in Section B of the X-Ray Safety Manual (PDF).

Program requirements

  • Annual refresher retraining is required. Currently, this is the same as the original training.
  • EH&S will audit the x-ray authorization annually. Visit the Safety Surveys page to learn more.
  •  X-ray surveys are performed annually and after maintenance or repair. Please contact EH&S at (515) 294-5359 to schedule a survey following maintenance or repair of your radiation-producing device.

The components of an analytical X-ray system shall be arranged and sufficiently shielded to ensure that radiation levels near the components cannot result in an individual receiving a dose over the allowed occupational limits.


Radiation surveys of all analytical X-ray systems sufficient to show compliance with the radiation levels established above must be performed:

  • Upon installation of the equipment and at least every twelve months thereafter.
  • Following any change in the system's number, type, or arrangement of components.
  • Following any maintenance requiring the disassembly or removal of a system component.
  • During the maintenance and alignment procedures, if the procedures require a primary X-ray beam when any local component in the system is disassembled or removed.

Contact EH&S at (515) 294-5359 if a radiation survey needs to be completed for your device/system.

Requirements for controlling potential hazards associated with analytical x‑ray systems are specified in most states by law. In Iowa, these requirements are found in 641‑45.5(136C) of the Iowa Administrative Code. Portions of these hazard control and safety measures are summarized here.

Equipment requirements

  • Beam Entry Shut‑off Device - All open-beam configurations shall be equipped with a device that prevents the entry of any portion of an individual’s body into the primary beam path or that causes the beam to be shut off upon entry into its path.
  • Housing Interlock - Each X-ray tube housing shall be equipped with an interlock that shuts off power to the tube if the tube is removed from the housing or if the housing is disassembled.
  • Labeling - All analytical X-ray equipment shall be labeled with a readily discernible sign bearing the radiation symbol and the words: “CAUTION - HIGH-INTENSITY X-RAY BEAM” or words having a similar intent on the x-ray source housing and “CAUTION - RADIATION - THIS EQUIPMENT PRODUCES RADIATION WHEN ENERGIZED” or words having a similar intent, near any switch that energized an x-ray tube.
  • Shielding Provided by Housing - Each x‑ray tube housing shall be constructed so that, with all shutters closed, the radiation, measured at a distance of five centimeters from its surface, cannot produce a dose over 2.5 millirems in one hour.
  • Shutters - For open‑beam configurations, each port on the source housing shall be equipped with a shutter that cannot be opened unless a collimator or coupling has been connected to the port.
  • Warning Lights - An easily visible warning light with the words “X‑RAY ON” shall be located near any switch that energizes an X-ray tube and shall be illuminated only when the tube is energized.

Procedural requirements

  • Standard Operating Procedures - Standard operating procedures shall be written and available to all analytical x-ray equipment workers. Note that these procedures also need to address possible emergencies.
  • Bypassing Safety Devices - No individual shall bypass a safety device or interlock unless the individual has obtained the Radiation Safety Officer's (RSO) written approval.
  • Altering System Components - No operation involving removing or altering shielding materials, tube housing, shutter, collimators, or beam stops shall be performed until it has been determined that the beam is off and will remain off until safe conditions have been restored.

Required area postings

  • Each area containing analytical X-ray equipment shall be conspicuously posted with a sign bearing the radiation symbol and “CAUTION ‑ X‑RAY EQUIPMENT.”
  • Each area containing analytical X-ray equipment shall be conspicuously posted with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES (PDF) sign.

The use of all X-ray-producing equipment on the Iowa State University campus falls under the jurisdiction of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). All X-ray-producing equipment must be registered with the RSO and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Bureau of Radiation. The use of analytical X-ray equipment is regulated by Iowa Administrative Code.

All machines capable of producing ionizing radiation must be registered with EH&S. The following types must be registered:

  • Academic X-ray (X-ray diffraction/fluorescence units)
  • Dental X-ray units
  • Diagnostic X-ray (radiographic, fluoroscopic and other diagnostic or therapeutic units)
  • Particle accelerators
  • Neutron generators
  • Veterinary X-ray
  • Any other equipment that may produce ionizing radiation

Registrants using X-ray machines shall provide the RSO with documentation of the type, make, model, location, and maximum radiation output of the device before installation.

Before installation of an X-ray device, a radiation-shielding plan and specifications must be completed and filed with the Iowa Department of Public Health. This will be completed by EH&S.

An initial radiation safety survey of the equipment and all adjacent rooms shall be conducted and a copy maintained. Similar radiation surveys shall be repeated after major maintenance, modification, or relocation.

The RSO must be notified prior to any device installation, maintenance, modification or relocation, discontinuation or transfer of a radiation-producing device. Reports of transfer (surplus, sale, gift, etc.) must include the name and address of the transferee.

For additional information about registration and inventory of radiation producing devices/X-ray systems, please contact EH&S at (515) 294-5359.

Requirements for controlling potential hazards associated with analytical x‑ray systems are specified in most states by law. In Iowa, these requirements are found in 641‑45.5(136C) of the Iowa Administrative Code. Portions of these hazard control and safety measures are summarized below.

Equipment requirements

  • Beam Entry Shut‑off Device - All open-beam configurations shall be equipped with a device that prevents the entry of any portion of an individual’s body into the primary beam path or that causes the beam to be shut off upon entry into its path.
  • Housing Interlock - Each x-ray tube housing shall be equipped with an interlock that shuts off power to the tube if the tube is removed from the housing or if the housing is disassembled.
  • Labeling - All analytical X-ray equipment shall be labeled with a readily discernible sign bearing the radiation symbol and the words: “CAUTION - HIGH-INTENSITY X-RAY BEAM” or words having a similar intent on the x-ray source housing and “CAUTION - RADIATION - THIS EQUIPMENT PRODUCES RADIATION WHEN ENERGIZED” or words having a similar intent, near any switch that energized an x-ray tube.
  • Shielding Provided by Housing - Each X‑ray tube housing shall be constructed so that, with all shutters closed, the radiation, measured at a distance of five centimeters from its surface, is not capable of producing a dose in excess of 2.5 millirems in one hour.
  • Shutters - For open‑beam configurations, each port on the source housing shall be equipped with a shutter that cannot be opened unless a collimator or coupling has been connected to the port.
  • Warning Lights - An easily visible warning light with the words “X‑RAY ON” shall be located near any switch that energizes an X-ray tube and shall be illuminated only when the tube is energized.

Procedural requirements

  • Standard Operating Procedures - Standard operating procedures shall be written and available to all analytical x-ray equipment workers. Note that these procedures also need to address possible emergencies.
  • Bypassing Safety Devices - No individual shall bypass a safety device or interlock unless the individual has obtained the written approval of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
  • Altering System Components - No operation involving the removal or alteration of shielding materials, tube housing, shutter, collimators, or beam stops shall be performed until it has been determined that the beam is off and will remain off until safe conditions have been restored.

Area postings

Visit the X-ray Signage page for more information.