X-ray / Radiation Producing Devices (RPD)

Radiation-producing devices create ionizing radiation in various forms.  X-Ray devices include diagnostic and therapeutic medical systems for human and veterinary use.  X-Ray diffraction and fluorescence devices are common for laboratory use.  Linear accelerators produce both photon and particle beams for research, therapeutic and industrial applications. 

EH&S oversees the use of all radiation-producing equipment on campus. This includes the diagnostic x-ray machines used at the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Student Health Center, as well as research systems used in the laboratories for x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. X-Ray equipment could pose a significant hazard and must be registered with EH&S.

Principal Investigators must receive specific authorization from EH&S to use radiation-producing equipment on campus. EH&S conducts an annual inventory and inspection of the radiation-producing equipment and submits the required registration information to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Principal Investigators are ultimately responsible for the safe use of x-ray equipment and must ensure that all personnel using the equipment have up-to-date safety and device specific training. The requirements for using x-ray equipment on campus are found in the Radioactive Materials Safety Manual and the X-Ray Safety Manual. For general x-ray information or to register an electron microscope or x-ray unit, contact EH&S at (515) 294-5359.

This section applies to all persons operating x-ray producing devices. 

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